Statistics and Assessment of Evidence in Medicine (qualifying activity)

The course aims to provide the students with knowledge of a) descriptive models that allows to estimate different sources of variability; b) diagnostic test and corresponding measures of accuracy and diagnostic relevance; c) basic principles of observational studies design, interpretation of measures of disease occurrence and association between risk factors and disease occurrence; iv) basic principles of clinical trials design and of the concept of statistical inference.

Students are expected to develop the ability to use appropriate methodological tools to know, apply, and evaluate, through a critical evaluation of the scientific literature: a) the validity of anamnestic data and physical examinations, b) the usefulness of diagnostic tests and prognostic factors, c) the effectiveness of therapies, rehabilitation practices, prevention programs, estimated by observational and clinical studies.