Integrating a primer course in biostatistics into the haematology practicals of first-year medical students in India

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Biostatistics
• Medical Sciences

Background:

• Biostatistics instruction in India typically uses separate courses with non-personalized data.
• Effective statistical knowledge is crucial for evidence-based medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a biostatistics course integrated into a first-year medical (haematology) practical course.
• The integrated course utilized self-generated data, minimized computations, linked statistics to physiology, and excluded formal examinations.

Main Methods:

• Statistical exercises covering descriptive and inferential statistics were embedded within haematology practical sessions.
• Sixty first-year medical students were tested before, immediately after, and nine months post-course; 54 completed all assessments.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated poor baseline statistical knowledge.
• Significant score improvements were observed immediately after the course.
• Knowledge retention was evident nine months later, though scores slightly decreased from the immediate post-course peak.

Conclusions:

• Integrating biostatistics into medical subjects offers a valuable alternative or supplement to traditional standalone courses.
• This pedagogical approach enhances statistical competency relevant to medical practice.