Profile of Research Methodology and Statistics Training of Undergraduate Medical Students at South African Universities

Abstract

Background: Medical practitioners need to have knowledge of statistics and research principles, especially with the increasing emphasis on evidence-based medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of research methodology and statistics training of undergraduate medical students at South African universities in terms of which topics are taught, who does the teaching, when these topics are taught and how they are taught. Method: Respondents for this descriptive study were people responsible for teaching of statistics and research methodology at the eight medical schools in South Africa. They were identified by the head of each school who also gave permission for the school to participate. The respondents completed a questionnaire and checklist after giving informed consent. No response was obtained from one university. Responses were compared to international guidelines. Results: At five universities the material is taught in the 1st year, at one in the 2nd year and one in the 3rd or 4th year, depending on when it is selected as an elective. The material is reinforced in other modules in the medical programme at three universities. The persons responsible for teaching are mainly statisticians (six universities). The following topics are taught at the majority of universities: study designs in medical research, exploring and presenting data, summarising data, probability, sampling, statistical inference, analysis of cross tabulation, and critical reading. Conclusion: Findings are mainly in line with what has been found in the US and UK. Doctors should be involved in the training to ensure clinically appropriate material and examples.