Knowledge About Research Methodology, Statistics and Epidemiology in Residents of a Pediatric Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Research training is fundamental in residency because it stimulates critical thinking and elevates the quality of attention. However, research training for professionals in training is scarce and does not allow them to perform successfully in research work.
Objective: To describe the level of knowledge about research methodology, statistics and epidemiology in resident physicians and resident nurses of a pediatric hospital.
Method: Observational, descriptive and transversal study. All resident physicians and registered pediatric nurses of the Pediatric Hospital Dr. Avelino Castelán, cycle June-December 2017, were invited to participate. A questionnaire was distributed to them. The data was loaded and processed statistically.
Results: Of the 26 participants; 18 were resident doctors and 8 resident nurses. Of which 21 were women and 5 men, age range 25-35 years. In relation to scientific habits 11 (42.3%) carried out some course in statistics, research methodology or epidemiology. The median of publications read was 1 per week. The number of participants with publications was 8 (30.7%). The median of correct answers was 3.5. Only 6 (23%) approved. In relation to research methodology and epidemiology both doctors (42.1%) and nurses (42.5%) had similar scores. In relation to statistics, physicians (38.8%) had a higher score than nurses (27.5%).
Conclusions: The low level of knowledge about the methodology of research, statistics and epidemiology in the population studied was worrisome. The professionals in training would not be able to use them in their daily clinical practice. This would affect decision-making that should be based on the best available scientific evidence and the use of critical judgment, which would have an impact on the quality of care. This leads us to reinforce knowledge in this population through academic strategies.