Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

Biostatistics

Biostatistics
3
13891
1
First semester
OB
Main language of instruction: Spanish

Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English

Teaching staff


Dr. BLANCO DE TENA DAVILA, David - dblanco@uic.es

Dr. David Blanco

Introduction

Biostatistics provides manual physiotherapists with the ability to understand and apply certain statistical concepts and procedures, as well as to adequately interpret and present the results derived from the use of this discipline. It also allows them to critically approach any scientific publication in their area of knowledge, thus contributing to the promotion of professional practice based on scientific evidence.

Pre-course requirements

No prerequisites are established

Objectives

  1. Learn basic statistical concepts related to the planning, development, and analysis of research study data
  2. To rigorously calculate the number of subjects necessary to carry out a randomized clinical trial based on its characteristics.
  3. Analyze biomedical research data and express the results using an appropriate statistical language.
  4. Use computer tools for the statistical analysis of biomedical data.
  5. Prepare scientific reports showing the assimilation of the points described above, as well as a critical and reflective attitude in the analysis, interpretation and discussion of the results of a research study, drawing coherent conclusions.

Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme

Basic and general competencies: 

  • CB6: Have knowledge that provides a foundation or opportunity to be original in the development and/or application of ideas, often in a research context.
  • CB9: To have the skills to communicate their conclusions as well as the knowledge and ultimate reasons that support them, aimed at specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear and unambiguous way.
  • CB10: To have the ability to develop learning skills that allow them to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous.
  • CG6: Students demonstrate an analytical understanding and application of the research process in the OMPT area of specialization.
  • CG7: That students gain clinical experience and continued professional commitment to the development and promotion of OMPT.

Transversal competencies:

  • CT3: Communicate both orally and in writing with correct scientific terminology within each of the areas of specialization of physiotherapy and health sciences, in a national and international context.
  • CT4: Use information and communication technologies effectively to ensure permanent professional updating and action based on scientific evidence.

Specific competencies:

  • CE3: That students demonstrate the ability to select the most appropriate tools and techniques in terms of reliability, validity and diagnostic accuracy for the evaluation and treatment of pain and the function of the arthro-neuro-muscular system.
  • CE7: That students are able to integrate evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning and metacognition in clinical decision-making processes that allow establishing therapeutic objectives, interventions and outcome measures.

Learning outcomes of the subject

  • Properly calculate the number of subjects needed to carry out a randomized clinical trial based on its characteristics.
  • Analyze and interpret data critically and rigorously.
  • Understands the meaning of basic statistical concepts used in the biomedical literature.
  • Is able to choose the relevant statistical technique in relation to the hypothesis and study design used.
  • Use computer tools for the statistical analysis of biomedical data.
  • Express the results of a research study using appropriate statistical language.
  • Prepare scientific reports showing the assimilation of the key points of the design and analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

Syllabus

  • Introduction to basic statistical concepts useful in the design and analysis of a randomized clinical trial, such as hypothesis contrast tests, types of error, effect size or confidence intervals.
  • Calculation of sample size in randomized clinical trials.
  • Analysis and interpretation of data in randomized clinical trials.
  • Management of computer tools for the statistical analysis of biomedical data.
  • Writing of scientific reports where the key aspects related to the analysis and design of a randomized clinical trial are rigorously shown.

Teaching and learning activities

In person



  • CT (Theoretical classes): The teacher is the one who exposes in a systematic and orderly manner the information corresponding to the different subjects and the student has a role mainly as a receiver. The scenario in which the teacher transmits knowledge is the classroom and he does it to the entire group of students. The theoretical class format allows the introduction of group activities in the classroom and the development of strategies that encourage the active participation of students.
  • CP (Practical classes): It includes any type of classroom and/or laboratory practice (practices among students, case studies, problems, activities in the computer room, search for information,...)
  • MS (Mentoring sessions): Personalized relationship of help, where the teacher-tutor assists, facilitates and guides one or several students in the teaching-learning process. These activities are designed so that the students solve problems on their own with the help of the material provided and the information from the face-to-face activities and/or available in the virtual environment in which the online subjects are developed.
  • SLA (Self-learning activities): These activities are designed so that the student solves problems on their own with the help of the material provided and the information from the face-to-face activities and/or available in the virtual environment in which the online subjects are developed.
  • SIS (Student independent study): It is a process aimed at the formation of an autonomous student capable of learning to learn; It consists of developing study skills, establishing educational goals and objectives based on the recognition of the weaknesses and strengths of the individual, which will respond to the needs and expectations of each one. It implies the possibility that each student makes their own decisions in relation to the organization of their time and their learning pace, which is why it requires a high degree of responsibility to make the most of resources.Includes study of contents related to "theoretical classes" and "practices" (studying exams, carrying out individual and group theoretical work, library work, complementary reading, etc.).
  • MC (Master Class): Transmission of knowledge and activation of cognitive processes in the student.
  • CL (Cooperative learning): Development of active and significant learning cooperatively.
  • FL (Flipped learning): Systems based on new technologies as basic knowledge tools outside the classroom, so that when students arrive to class they put their ideas and impressions together, giving teachers the opportunity to personalize their instruction according to the needs of each one.
  • PBL (Problem-based learning): Development of active learning through problem solving.

Evaluation systems and criteria

In person



The subject will be evaluated based on two practical activities.
In each practical activity, a grade from 0 to 10 will be awarded based on a series of requirements that will be exposed to the students.
In order to pass the subject, it will be necessary to pass each of the practical activities with a grade =/>4 points and that the average grade of these is =/>5 points.
The dates of the tutorials and delivery of practical activities will be the following:

  • Tutorial 1: from March 7 to April 1, 2022
  • Delivery practical activity 1 (Deliverable 1): April 4 to 10, 2022
  • Tutorial 2: from April 18 to May 6, 2022.
  • Delivery practical activity 2 (Deliverable 2): May 9 to 15, 2022

The grading system will be used in accordance with current legislation. Actually, according to RD 1.125/2003 del 5 de septiembre.

  • 0-4,9 Fail.
  • 5,0-6,9 Pass.
  • 7,0-8,9 Notable.
  • 9,0-10 Outstanding.

The Honor Roll mention may be awarded to students who have obtained a grade equal to or greater than 9.0. Their number may not exceed 5% of the students enrolled in a subject in the corresponding academic year, unless the number of students enrolled is less than 20, in which case a single Honors may be awarded.

Bibliography and resources

  • Christley R. M. (2010). Power and Error: Increased Risk of False Positive Results in Underpowered Studies. The Open Epidemiology Journal, 3: 16-19.
  • Pye et al. (2016).  When is enough, enough? Understanding and solving your sample size problems in health services research. BMC Research Notes, 9:90.
  • Cook JA et al. (2018). DELTA guidance on choosing the target difference and undertaking and reporting the sample size calculation for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ, 363:k3750
  • Cobo et al. (2007). Bioestadística para no estadísticos. Barcelona: Masson.  
  • Schulz KF, Altman DG, Moher D, for the CONSORT Group (2010). CONSORT 2010 Statement: updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomised trials. BMJ ;340:c332. 
  • Chan A-W et al (2013). SPIRIT 2013 Explanation and Elaboration: Guidance for protocols of clinical trials. BMJ;346:e7586.
  • Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, Barcelona, Spain. Calculadora de Grandària Mostral GRANMO, Versió 7.12 [cited 2021 May 4]. Available from: https://www.imim.cat/ofertadeserveis/software-public/granmo/
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