How do NPs use statistics in their practice?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.