Basic Statistics and Epidemiology

Most healthcare professionals need to be able to read and understand clinical evidence, and make a judgement on what treatments are effective. To do this, they need a basic grounding in statistics and epidemiology. These are areas which many people find hard to understand, fear or find distinctly uncomfortable. However, readers of this book will find it stimulates their interest and helps them understand the basics quickly and simply. It provides every doctor, nurse, health manager, researcher and student with a concise, practical guide. This straightforward primer in basic statistics emphasises its practical use in epidemiology and public health, providing understanding of essential topics such as study design, data analysis and statistical methods used in the execution of medical research. This new Edition includes fresh sections on Correlation and Linear Regression, as well as brand new exercises reflecting current working life. Clearly worded and assuming no prior knowledge, it gives full step-by-step guidance on performing statistical calculations. Illustrated by numerous examples, and containing exercises with detailed answers, it will help readers grasp the main points of these complex subjects with ease.