Recorded presentation

Cynthia R. Long, PhD, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, 741 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803, 319-884-5157, long_c@palmer.edu

Our K-30 funded curriculum in clinical research at a chiropractic institution requires 2 credit hours of prerequisites prior to a year (8 credit hours) of courses in biostatistical methods. The students in this graduate program are typically DCs without prior courses in biostatistics, although they may have had a general statistics course as undergraduates. These prerequisite courses are intended to increase the likelihood of the students’ successful performance in the biostatistical methods courses. The course in biostatistical thinking and reasoning is intended to promote the basic understanding of statistical methods in the scientific research process. Learning objectives include basic concepts of probability, measurement issues, sources of variation, data description and exploration, appropriate data summaries and a general introduction to statistical estimation, testing, and sample size calculations. The data management course is intended to give students experience using a statistical software package and promote methods of data quality control. Learning objectives include the ability to manage electronic data files, to create quality data collection forms and to assess and use different methods of data entry. The concepts and skills taught in these two courses are fundamental for chiropractors interested in participating in, and particularly pursuing careers in, clinical research. The first students in this curriculum have recently completed these prerequisites. Grades, student evaluations and instructor experiences will be used to evaluate how well the courses met the learning objectives. A process to evaluate the success of the prerequisites in preparing students for the biostatistical methods courses will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. recognize the potential need for prerequisites to biostatistical methods courses
• 2. identify the learning objectives to these prerequisites
• 3. describe methods used to evaluate courses and implement curricular changes

Keywords: Biostatistics, Curricula

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation