ABSTRACT
Evidence-based clinical decisions depend on correct statistical interpretation of the evidence, whether it comes from primary or secondary research. Busy clinicians cannot be expected to maintain an understanding of medical statistics sufficient to know whether a particular statistical test has been used correctly. However, a basic understanding of statistical methods will make it possible to interpret the results of a study much more reliably. This overview provides simple explanations to commonly used terms and methods. It is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to be an overview that may persuade readers to consult some of the excellent texts on medical statistics.
