Statistics commonly refers to the numerical data which is collected through measurements or observations of a specific phenomenon, organization, or population sample. Statistics has a variety of utility, ranging from providing descriptive characteristics to measuring performance outcomes. Numerical data offered by statistics is commonly utilized in health care for its objectivity and ability to introduce data-driven programs which can maximize efficiency and gauge the health of large populations. Statistics serve as a vital tool in the health care sector, applicable for a variety of purposes and in many specializations such as nurse practitioner which can apply the discipline in research and practice.
Statistics is utilized in practically every aspect of modern health care as an objective and data-driven indicator. Statistics are commonly used for quality measurement and improvement as systematic process control. Data measuring performance and quality indicators are collected over time and analyzed for specific trends or responses to interventions. This statistical data may be regarding patients (mortality, diagnoses), hospitals (length of stay, readmission rates), the process of care (use of beta-blockers, the rate of check-ups with patients), and adverse events (HAIs, falls).
These are examples, and there are numerous other indicators that can be tracked statistically, with data tracking focused on the objective which is being achieved. Many of the aspects not only categorize quality but also serve as key safety indicators. For example, tracking the number of HAIs in patients can indicate whether appropriate measures are being taken for sanitation and prevention of the spread of infection in hospital environments. Metrics are extremely valuable in the monitoring of quality and safety in order to examine current practices (Martin, McKee, & Dixon-Woods, 2015).
Statistics play a large role in public health and health promotion. Using statistics, government and health organizations can track population data to observe large-scale indicators and patterns of health. This is significantly beneficial in identifying the need for intervention and subsequent outcomes. From a public health perspective, statistics can help track disease outbreaks, chronic disease morbidity and mortality, vaccination rates, health hazards such as alcohol and tobacco, and other aspects such as motor vehicle deaths.
Details such as descriptive statistics, variations, frequency distribution, and incidence (Hayat, Powell, Johnson, & Cadwell, 2017). The government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continuously tracks these aspects and introduces concrete measures to address them through practice modification, guidelines, legislation, or public health promotion.
Health care leadership benefits from utilizing statistics as well for management purposes. Referring back to the numerous quality and safety indicators that are tracked, leaders can set goals to improve these objectives, using numerical statistical data to track any changes. The management perspective also benefits from statistical data as leaders can analyze staff diversity, employee satisfaction, the nurse left, and retention rates. Furthermore, by studying statistics such as hours worked or nurse-to-patient ratios, health care leaders can correlate the data to other indicators in order to draw conclusions and make meaningful changes.
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