PUB561 Statistical Methods in Health


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:PUB561
Credit points:12
Anti-requisite:PUN105, MAB141
Coordinator:Darren Wraith | d.wraith@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

An understanding of basic statistical concepts and the ability to analyse and interpret quantitative data is an important skill for all graduates in health-related disciplines. Descriptive statistics are required to effectively summarise and communicate important information in data, while inferential statistics enable conclusions to be extended beyond the immediate data. An understanding of the principles underpinning both types of statistical methods is critical not only for the analysis of data, but also for the critical appraisal of health literature. This unit introduces the foundational skills for quantitative research and is a stepping stone into more advanced research methods units.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Explain how statistical choices in analysis link directly to the study design that generated the data, and the type of data
    Relates to: MRPPC2020: Domain 4, 4.1b
  2. Discriminate the most appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics to use for the analysis of health data
    Relates to: MRPPC2020: Domain 4, 4.1b
  3. Analyse and critcally interpret health data using statistical tests and software
    Relates to: MRPPC2020: Domain 4, 4.1b
  4. Communicate data and data interpretations using visual analysis and appropriate statistical terminology
  5. Examine statistical issues relating to validity, reliability, and decision making in the context of uncertainty

Content

The unit will cover the following:

  • Study design - data collection, data processing, data management, exploratory analysis (graphs and tables)
  • Statistical concepts - descriptive vs inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, reliability, validity, decision making given uncertainty
  • Standard statistical tests for categorical and/or continuous data variables
  • How to determine the most appropriate statistical tests
  • Skills to use statistical software packages to analyse data
  • Critical interpretation of quantitative information presented in various forms
  • Communication and presentation of data in visual or written forms using appropriate language

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will learn by engaging in the following:

  • lecture in first week is delivered on-campus and synchornously online. The recording is also available.
  • videos on particular topics covering the unit learning materials are available online.
  • tutorials (available online and on-campus)
  • self-directed online readings and learning materials
  • hands-on practical experiences using statistical software packages
  • practical experience in the application and interpretation of the most common statistical methods
  • embedded support from the Student Success Group tailored to this unit

In order to maximise your learning experience in this unit, preparation in advance of tutorial sessions and active participation is expected of you.

Throughout this unit you will test your grasp of knowledge through incrementally complex learning tasks designed to build your knowledge of statistical testing and skills in interpreting data and apply these skills to the analysis of health data. A variety of visual, interactive and case-based, confidence-building opportunities will be provided to support your learning and meet the learning outcomes.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will gain tutor feedback on the activities conducted in tutorials and you will have the opportunity for self-check quizzes to check your understanding throughout the unit. Lecturers and tutors will consistently monitor your progress in the practical exercises to inform focused remediation, face-to-face and virtual drop-in sessions with and/or scheduled tutorials. With support of teaching staff, you will manage your own study plan. Achievement of set tasks and rate of progress is determined by success at each incremental level through the unit.

You will receive written feedback from your teaching team on the first part of Assessment Two, which will prepare you for the second part of Assessment Two. Through the online quizzes you will self-assess your understanding to prepare yourself for the final exam.

Assessment

Overview

You are assessed in multiple ways across the semester through summative assessment pieces. The first assessment piece is a quiz completed in two parts to test your knowledge and understanding of each module covered, the second assessment takes the form of a problem solving task due at the end of semester and the final assessment is an invigilated exam completed during the exam block.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Quiz/Test

This assessment consists of a range of question types designed to test your statistical choices in health data analysis, the rationale behind, and use of descriptive and inferential statistics for the analysis. This assessment will have two parts during the semester.

Weight: 20
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Weeks 4 and 6
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2

Assessment: Problem Solving Task

You will take on the role of a health professional and you have been asked by your organisation to examine and answer a number of research questions using statistical techniques and approaches. You will analyse a health data set using a software package and interpret the results. This will be included in a professional report for your organisation that answers the research questions.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 55
Length: 5000-6500 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Exam

This is an invigilated exam to be completed in the exam block at QUT or at an approved exam centre.

Weight: 25
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Central exam duration: 1:10 - No perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 5

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Other

There is no required text for this this unit.

Students will be required to have access to the software package Jamovi which is open source and available for free from the web. Jamovi is also available in all QUT Student Computing laboratories.

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit requires substantial computer-based work. Students should ensure that their workstations are adjusted in accordance with these guidelines and that regular rest breaks are taken.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

MRPBA Professional Capabilities 2020

Domain 4: Evidence-informed practitioner


  1. Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

CS43 Bachelor of Paramedic Science

  1. Apply scientific knowledge and skills from paramedicine and related disciplines that focus on the needs and holistic care of the individual.
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task
  2. Perform reflective and safe evidence-based paramedic practice, that informs clinical decision-making across diverse paramedic care settings.
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task
  3. Access, evaluate, and utilise digital health information that informs holistic paramedic care and assists in intra- and inter-professional communication and clinical decision-making.
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task
  4. Develop and apply critical thinking and clinical reasoning and evaluation skills, that promote and achieve person-centred care.
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task

CS47 Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in research and inquiry through questioning and critique, appreciating the complexity and ambiguity of professional practice, using research processes and synthesis to disseminate and apply outcomes in practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task
  2. Access, use, adapt and share information and/or other technologies to meet current and emerging needs of professional practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, Problem Solving Task

CS49 Bachelor of Radiation Therapy

  1. Research Methods
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task
  2. Critical thinking (analyse, interpret, evaluate)
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task
  3. Problem solving as independent health practitioners
    Relates to: Problem Solving Task
  4. Legal and professional responsibilities
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task

CS50 Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (Honours)

  1. Research principles, planning and methods
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task
  2. Critical thinking (analyse, interpret, evaluate, synthesise)
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task
  3. Problem solving as independent health practitioners
    Relates to: Problem Solving Task
  4. Legal and professional responsibilities
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task
  5. Apply research methods, design and process
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3

PU51 Bachelor of Health Information Management

  1. Critically evaluate and apply theoretical and technical perspectives on health information management (HIM), applicable to professional practice to solve routine and emergent problems. [Knowledge, Practice]
    Relates to: Problem Solving Task
  2. Initiate effective approaches for engaging in critical thinking, decision making and problem solving that reflect diverse perspectives and culturally safe and responsive practice, encompassing evidence-based HIM solutions. [Practice, Values/Disposition
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task
  3. Employ digital capabilities in accessing, evaluating, utilising and communicating digital health information across a range of stakeholders, and intra- and inter-professional contexts that demonstrate independence, accountability, creativity and initiative as a HIM professional. [Practice, Values/Disposition]
    Relates to: Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task

PU52 Bachelor of Public Health

  1. Critically analyse scholarly literature and effectively conduct research to inform evidence based public health practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, Quiz/Test, Problem Solving Task, Exam
  2. Communicate with professional, non-professional and community audiences about public health using diverse technologies.
    Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Task