Biostatistics Teaching in Medical Schools: Towards Comprehensive Training

Abstract

Introduction: The advance in scientific information and the consequent statistical complexity has generated a greater demand for the critical reading abilities in professionals and students.
Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of the presence of a medical statistics subject in the curricula of the general medical professional in Mexico.
Method: A thorough search was made of the study plans of the 158 schools of medicine of the country listed by the Mexican Council for Accreditation of Medical Education (COMAEM). Four researchers analyzed independently and by duplicates the curricular plans of each school to extract information regarding the impartation of subjects related to medical statistics and scientific investigation.
Results: A total of 148 (97.3%) study plans were found, from which 67 (45.2%) included at least one subject of medical statistics throughout the whole study program. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of the impartation of the subject between COMAEM approved or disapproved faculties as well as with public or private ones.
Conclusions: With the previously mentioned data, it is suggested that teaching of medical statistics in medical schools in the country is still insufficient. Incorporating this topic in the obligatory formation of medical students would increase their capacity for critical appraisal of scientific information.