Empowering Clinical Decision-making through Statistical Understanding: A Guide for Clinical and Research Professionals

Description

Ritu Tiwari¹, Maithili Janye², Komal Sinha³, and Harshal Thakur⁴ (Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh¹, Assistant Manager Clinical Research, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai & Fortis Healthcare Research Foundation, Gurugram Haryana², Trainee Clinical Research Associate, Fortis Healthcare Research Foundation, Gurugram Haryana^3,4)

Statistics form the basis of clinical research and evidence-based medicine. This article provides a thorough overview of the most commonly used statistical concepts that help researchers and healthcare professionals design, analyse, and interpret data effectively. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of essential biostatistical methods, ranging from descriptive statistics like central tendency and variability to inferential techniques including regression, t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square analysis. By explaining fundamental concepts such as p-values, hypothesis testing, and confidence intervals through clinical scenarios, the work illustrates how proper statistical application maintains research integrity. Ultimately, it serves as a practical guide for medical professionals to accurately interpret data, recognize genuine treatment effects, and transparently communicate scientific findings.