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Biostatistics word cloud

Quantitative research uses numerical data to describe characteristics of specific population samples. Biostatistics is the branch of statistics responsible for the interpretation of data generated from samples in biology-based disciplines, including pharmacy, medicine, and other health sciences.

Pharmacists are active participants in qualitative and quantitative healthcare research. Proper knowledge of statistical methods and tests are vital to the execution of quality research and interpretation of data in order to make sound decisions in healthcare. Biostatistics is a critical component of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM), which is defined by Sackett (1996) as “the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.” EBM emphasizes the use of up-to-date information from relevant and valid research.

This module focuses on basic concepts and statistical methods and their application to problems in the health sciences.

The module is divided into nine lessons:

Lesson 1
Data Characteristics
Lesson 2
Descriptive Statistics
Lesson 3
Inferential Statistics
Lesson 4
Measurement Considerations
Lesson 5
Continuous Outcomes, Between Groups Differences
Lesson 6
Continuous Outcomes, Linear Regression
Lesson 7
Categorical Outcomes, Odds Ratio and Risk Assessments
Lesson 8
Categorical Outcomes, Between Groups Differences
Lesson 9
Other Common Tests

Each lesson is comprised of four sections:

Terminology

Basic Concepts

Reported Results

Assessment

Select a lesson from the menu on the left to begin.