Screening and trials statistics

All clinicians should have a fundamental understanding of statistics as they pertain to screening and clinical trials. Screening is a common phenomenon throughout medicine, but particularly in the reproductive sciences.

Research is an organised and systematic process of enquiry. Its aim is to develop concepts and theories and to be able to describe phenomena. It adds to the scientific body of knowledge. Traditionally, knowledge has been gained by experience, but by applying research, one can expand and add to the knowledge far more quickly. Research takes the form of many assessments. Each assessment suits a different situation and its quality cannot always be judged by its size or method. For example, a case report may be extremely important in very rare diseases. Clinical trials involving a randomised design are generally viewed as a ‘gold standard’ for evaluating an intervention...