Uses of Statistical Information

Uses of Statistical Information

Statistics is the science of collecting, organizing, summarizing, and analyzing information to draw conclusions or answer questions (Bennett, Briggs, & Triola, 2009). In addition, statistics is about providing a measure of confidence in any conclusion. Statistics is used in different forums to solve problems. It provides the best estimate of something measured. The information obtained from statistics helps to have a better viewpoint of any situation. A better viewpoint facilitates the best approach to accomplish the desired goal.

In the medical field, statistics is used in many different areas including: to determine mortality rates, laboratory rates, medication errors, and trends of disease. Information collected from medical statistics helps to guide patient care to achieve better outcomes. Statistics may also help to determine if a medical facility qualifies to receive grants.

How Statistics are used in the Maternity Unit

In the Maternity Unit, statistics are used to determine rates of cesarean sections (C-section), vaginal deliveries, and vaginal delivery after C-section (VBAC). Statistics are also used to determine the average of preterm births, to measure the effectiveness of epidural medication (Duramorph) and complications (E.g. spinal headache) after receiving an epidural injection. Breastfeeding (BF) rates have highly influenced the Maternity Unit. BF statistics help to determine areas of patient care that need attention to accomplish the goal of Baby Friendly status. BF rates also influenced the approval of a grant Saint Francis Medical Center (SFMC) received to reach Baby Friendly status.

Example of a descriptive statistic in the Maternity Unit

A descriptive statistic is one branch of statistics that deals with describing raw data in the form of graphics and sample statistics (Bennett, Briggs, & Triola, 2009). BF rates are an example of a descriptive statistic that summarizes the effectiveness of BF initiatives...