Statistics in medical training and practice. Estadística en Medicin

Abstract

Among the various challenges after the Covid 19 pandemic, the rapid communication of the scientific research showed the importance of the statistical literacy, not only for the people in charge of the transmission, but also the receptors. This current work tries to determine the value given by doctors to Statistics, through a survey on their opinion about the importance of its comprehension and the using of tools of that nature in their professional practice. An observational, exploratory and transversal study was carried out by means of a questionnaire that included demographic data and questions referred to the formation, knowledge, validation and use of the statistical tools in the professional practice by the physicians registered in the “Colegio de Médicos de la Provincia de Santa Fe-2ª Circunscripción” (Professional College of Physicians of Santa Fe Province, 2nd District). The 56% (356) of the physicians surveyed stated that belonged to the female gender, the 43% (292) male, and the 1% (7) opted for not stating their gender. The ages ranged between 26 and 80 years old, a 50% being younger than 41 years old. The 50% of the people surveyed had been graduated from the school of Medicine before 2006. The 76% considered this discipline as a very important one, although the 45% considered that their knowledge about it were poor or null. To conclude, the healthcare professionals give a relevant role to Statistics and consider that it is essential to include this discipline in their vocational training