How do NPs use statistics in their practice?

Trauma Columnist · Jun 18, 2015

I use statistics with regards to reimbursement. My pts lab values are a predictor of mortality and factor into reimbursement with the Medicare bundle for dialysis patients.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jun 18, 2015

Few ways we use statistics in critical care is in terms of measuring outcomes. Reimbursement is increasingly tied to quality nowadays so we do concern ourselves with our rates of Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections, Catheter-related Urinary Tract Infections, Compliance with Sepsis Bundles, Ventilator Associated Pneumonias, etc. to make sure we are way below national numbers.

allnurses Guide · Jun 18, 2015

For me the most important use of statistics is being able to critically read the literature. Take for example the recent publication regarding sitagliptin cardiovascular outcomes and what it really means for practice....

PG2018 · Jun 22, 2015

I agree with BostonFNP. It helps to understand the literature. Beyond that, we've got a "quality" person 300 miles away that crunches numbers for us and generates lovely reports that make for great conversation and comparison in staff meetings.

In all seriousness, it really does help in understanding literature.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jun 23, 2015

I understand how important it is to critically evaluate research output in healthcare as part of evidence-based practice but I thought the OP was asking for ways NP's use statistics other than the "obvious answer" of evidence-based practice.

penniv · Jun 23, 2015

I personally catch myself saying "statistically speaking, you're more likely to..." to my patients. In that sense I am referring to how they compare to the larger volume of patients I see with same condition.

PG2018 · Jun 23, 2015

I understand how important it is to critically evaluate research output in healthcare as part of evidence-based practice but I thought the OP was asking for ways NP's use statistics other than the "obvious answer" of evidence-based practice.

You're right, Juan, but I can't think of a way me or my colleague's use statistics so I offered the only answer my practice setting has.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2015

The research model will take data from a smaller sample to infer data about a population. (i.e. In a sample of 1000 people, 900 passed the NCLEX on their first attempt, thus most people pass on their first attempt.)

In practice, many times we use statistics to take data from a larger sample and use it in the smallest population. (i.e. In most people this medication works to lower blood pressure with minimal side effects, let's try it on you.)

Meh, perhaps not so new. Just some thoughts.

IsabelK · Jun 27, 2015

I use statistics every day when I evaluate new guidelines, read studies, etc. I may not generate the statistics but I do need to understand them. They have been invaluable.