Analytics —
Training activity: 5

Details

Review and critique selected parameters (elements) and statistical methods used in a real world clinical or operational setting

Type

Developmental training activity (DTA)

Evidence requirements

Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.

Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.

An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.

Considerations

• Consistency of parameter selection with an appropriate framework, for example:
  • Biopsychosocial framework (body functions and structures, activities, and participation)
  • Operational model (lab time, bed occupancy, and KPIs recovery)
• Control group or operational standard comparisons
• Change statistics
  • Minimally significant differences
  • Minimally important differences
• Statistical methods applied in real word situations

Reflective practice guidance

The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.

Before action

• What is the real-world clinical or operational setting you will be reviewing?
  • What are the selected parameters (elements) and statistical methods used in this setting that you will focus on?
• What information or documentation do you need to understand the context, parameters, and methods used?
• What criteria will you use to critique the appropriateness and effectiveness of the selected parameters and statistical methods?
• How will you structure your review and critique to provide constructive feedback?
• What potential challenges might you face in understanding the real-world context and providing a well-reasoned critique?

In action

• As you examine the selected parameters and statistical methods, are you actively questioning their rationale and appropriateness for the setting? What questions are arising in your mind?
• Are you identifying any potential biases or limitations associated with the chosen parameters or methods as you review them?
• Are you comparing the methods used with alternatives you are aware of?
  • What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of the current approach?
• As you formulate your critique, are you ensuring it is constructive and well-reasoned, rather than simply stating opinions?
• Are you considering the practical implications of your critique and potential recommendations for change?

On action

• Summarise the parameters and statistical methods you reviewed, and the main points of your critique.
• What did you learn about critically evaluating the choice of parameters and statistical methods in real-world applications?
  • Did you improve your ability to identify potential biases or limitations?
  • How did your understanding evolve as you questioned the rationale behind the chosen approaches?
  • How does this critical appraisal skill contribute to ensuring the validity and reliability of data analysis in healthcare?
  • Were there any aspects of the parameters or methods that seemed particularly well-suited or poorly suited to the setting?
  • What were your reasons for this assessment?
  • Were there any alternative approaches that you considered more appropriate?
• How can you further develop your critical appraisal skills in the context of data analysis?
  • What are your next steps in learning more about potential pitfalls and best practices in statistical methodology and parameter selection?
  • What resources (e.g., research articles, statistical best practice guidelines) could be helpful?

Beyond action

• Have you reviewed and critiqued other parameters or statistical methods used in real-world settings since this DTA?
• How has your ability to identify limitations and potential biases in the application of parameters and statistics improved?
  • Have you discussed your critiques with colleagues or experts to refine your understanding?
• How has this experience influenced your critical thinking when encountering statistical data and the choice of parameters in healthcare?
  • Have you applied your critical appraisal skills to evaluate the methodology of reports or studies?
  • Has your awareness of the potential for misinterpretation or misuse of statistics in healthcare increased?
• What transferable skills (e.g., critical analysis, problem identification, evidence evaluation) did you develop that will be valuable in quality improvement, research governance, or clinical leadership?
  • How has this experience informed your understanding of the importance of methodological rigour in healthcare?
  • What clear actions for continued development in critical appraisal of statistical methods have been identified?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 2	Outcome Select, perform and critique statistical analyses and interpretations on clinical and operational datasets.
# 3	Outcome Synthesise and present statistical analyses in clinical or operational reports, articulating premises, assumptions, conclusions and caveats, and communicate findings to multidisciplinary colleagues.