Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Medicine: A Practical Review for Clinicians.
- 1Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
- 2The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Abstract
Background
Biostatistics forms the foundation of evidence-based medicine by providing the methods required to design, analyse, interpret, and critically appraise clinical research. Despite its importance, many clinicians find statistical concepts difficult to understand and apply in everyday practice.Aim
This review provides a practical overview of the fundamental principles of biostatistics relevant to clinicians involved in research or the interpretation of medical literature.Design
and content: Key concepts discussed include the hierarchy of evidence, development of research questions and hypotheses, population and sample selection, sample size determination and statistical power, variable classification, and the distinction between descriptive and inferential statistics. The article also introduces the principles of data organisation, univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analyses, and the factors influencing the selection of appropriate statistical models based on study design, variable type, and data characteristics. Throughout, the emphasis is on understanding the rationale behind statistical methods rather than on mathematical derivations, enabling clinicians to critically evaluate published studies and communicate effectively with statisticians.Conclusion
By providing a structured introduction to core biostatistical concepts, this review aims to improve statistical literacy, facilitate evidence-based clinical decision-making, and support clinicians in conducting and interpreting high-quality clinical research.
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BibTeX
@article{iddagoda2026biostatistics,
title = {{Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Medicine: A Practical Review for Clinicians.}},
author = {Mayura Thilanka Iddagoda},
journal = {Journal of evaluation in clinical practice},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1111/jep.70682},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42893547},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Biostatistics for Evidence-Based Medicine: A Practical Review for Clinicians.
AU - Mayura Thilanka Iddagoda
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Journal of evaluation in clinical practice
DO - 10.1111/jep.70682
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42893547
AB - Background Biostatistics forms the foundation of evidence-based medicine by providing the methods required to design, analyse, interpret, and critically appraise clinical research. Despite its importance, many clinicians find statistical concepts difficult to understand and apply in everyday practice.Aim This review provides a practical overview of the fundamental principles of biostatistics relevant to clinicians involved in research or the interpretation of medical literature.Design and content: Key concepts discussed include the hierarchy of evidence, development of research questions and hypotheses, population and sample selection, sample size determination and statistical power, variable classification, and the distinction between descriptive and inferential statistics. The article also introduces the principles of data organisation, univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analyses, and the factors influencing the selection of appropriate statistical models based on study design, variable type, and data characteristics. Throughout, the emphasis is on understanding the rationale behind statistical methods rather than on mathematical derivations, enabling clinicians to critically evaluate published studies and communicate effectively with statisticians.Conclusion By providing a structured introduction to core biostatistical concepts, this review aims to improve statistical literacy, facilitate evidence-based clinical decision-making, and support clinicians in conducting and interpreting high-quality clinical research.
SN - 1356-1294
SN - 1365-2753
ER -