The project EBM 2.0
The project aimed to expand the EpiBioManual (from the previous teaching lab project) to include videos on basic concepts of biostatistics and to expand the conceptual knowledge imparted in the EpiBioManual to include procedural knowledge in the use of statistical software. Specifically, the following goals were achieved:
- Creation of 5 to 10 videos on basic concepts of biostatistics
- Incorporation of statistical software into the EpiBioManual. In addition to the statistical content already presented, students received instructions on how to apply the methods in software. This was done using SPSS, the software most commonly used by medical students.
- Students had the opportunity to learn the basics of programming in R. Code snippets for basic statistical methods were explained and illustrated with examples.
Review and results
The EpiBioManual has created a learning platform that students of human medicine and dentistry enjoy using to explore biostatistics and epidemiology. This is supported by both usage statistics during class time and end-of-semester evaluations. The opportunity to test one’s own knowledge using exercises and the links to technical terms in the explanatory texts, which are only available digitally, are particularly helpful. Due to the complexity of the concepts, additional videos provide students with another way to learn the content.
This option will be further promoted in the future so that this asynchronous support service reaches more students and doctoral candidates at the UKE. In addition to the UKE’s own students, the project has also been presented at specialist conferences, ensuring that the EpiBioManual is also being used at other locations. The learning platform has also been well received by colleagues at other locations. The digital format also allows us to achieve our goal of ensuring long-term availability of this content.
Data Literacy Education and the EpiBioManual
The contents of the EpiBioManual begin with the diagnosis of diseases and the aspects that must be considered when interpreting the corresponding probabilities. It then addresses topics relevant to therapeutic intervention studies and observational studies, with a particular focus on potential sources of bias and the basic principles of evidence-based medicine. This focus was chosen because it is essential for physicians to consider themselves lifelong learners in order to be able to integrate the rapid advances in medical research into patient care.
In addition to the more theoretical content, students also receive targeted training in competent data handling. In associated face-to-face sessions, students conducted their own data collection, which they used to answer questions they developed themselves. The EpiBioManual is designed to help students consolidate the content of the face-to-face sessions and provide additional practice opportunities. With the addition of a software section on SPSS, students are also supported in gaining a solid foundation for independent data analysis using statistical software. A special focus in this section is on the assumptions of the various methods and their critical review.