The Role Biostatistics Plays in Solving the COVID-19 Pandemic

5/15/2020

The Role Biostatistics Plays in Solving the COVID-19 Pandemic | Usha Govindarajulu

a The Role Biostatistics Plays in Solving the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Usha Govindarajulu | Apr 14, 2020 | Biostatistics, Blog, Epidemiology, Usha Govindarajulu

We have all heard about the huge impact our medical professionals have day in and day out as they ght COVID-19 in this unprecedented time. We also have witnessed our friends, family, and loved ones doing their part to ensure we slow the spread of the disease in order for our health systems to have a ghting chance. However, most do not know the work biostatisticians are doing to ght COVID-19. Biostatisticians are using the power of data to help guide decision making and tracking how the virus is impacting those around us. Below are a few examples of how biostatistical analysis is helping those on the front lines ght the pandemic.

Understanding E ect Size When it comes to how e ective we are at ghting COVID-19 we have to understand and have benchmarks in place in order to understand the impact being made. For example, if large amounts of data are coming in on new vaccine trials, but they are only marginally e ective based on the placebos used, we need individuals who can interpret this data and set how much more e ective the vaccine needs to be in order to have a greater impact. It also can provide information on how close we are to an e ective vaccine. If we are way far o , then it may be back to the drawing board. https://ushagovindarajulu.com/the-role-biostatistics-plays-in-solving-the-covid-19-pandemic/

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5/15/2020

The Role Biostatistics Plays in Solving the COVID-19 Pandemic | Usha Govindarajulu

Knowing the Software Much like any area of expertise, there are certain skills and software that only those who have proper knowledge and experience will be able to navigate. These programs help to shift through data, create expansive reports in relatively short time frames. Every minute counts during this pandemic and we need people who are well versed in the statistical software in order to make critical decisions.

Understanding Statistical Flaws Right now, doctors and scientists are running all kinds of experiments, working around the clock to gure out the disease, and searching for the best way to curb it. With all of these hypothesis, it’s extremely helpful to know where aws in the data may be. Biostatisticians are able to parse the data coming from these experiments and actually point out whether a breakthrough will actually apply to a larger sample size or if data that does not look to be of any signi cance will have a greater impact on a larger scale. The interpretation of this data can be lifesaving.

Power in Data Finally, the most important role of a biostatistician is their understanding of the power data yields. Most will see the raw data and not be able to make sense of it. However, a biostatistician can take their ndings and use it in a clear, concise way to help shape policy, public information, and guide the science behind ghting the virus. Â

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5/15/2020

The Role Biostatistics Plays in Solving the COVID-19 Pandemic | Usha Govindarajulu

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