Global interest towards enhanced research capacity among HCPs stems from numerous benefits including developing critical thinking skills and a culture of evidence-based practice which ultimately can improve practice and patient outcomes (1). In line with this, Qatar has given significant priority to and made substantial investments in academic research, as outlined in QNV 2030 (8). Nonetheless, for these investments to manifest as tangible research outcomes, it is imperative for HCPs to address obstacles that might impede research progress, including deficiencies in biostatistical knowledge.
This paper describes the process of design and the findings from an evaluation of a three-day CPD course in biostatistics for HCPs. The decision to develop the course as an accredited CPD activity ensured a structured and evidence-based methodology. Accreditation requirements also emphasized the importance of gathering and evaluating data to assess the aims and objectives, providing a robust framework to ensuring the course's relevance and impact.
The evaluation affirmed participants' success in achieving course objectives, with some challenges identified in intermediate and advanced topics. Feedback revealed that while most participants found the workshop format acceptable, there was a preference for extended course duration and enhanced active learning opportunities. Additionally, participants expressed a preference for online and recorded materials to facilitate recall and comprehensive review. These findings align literature indicating extended course duration and ongoing exposure to material can yield improved outcomes and sustained changes (23). Consequently, these findings underscore the importance of allocating sufficient time for in-depth exploration of advanced topics as well a potential advantage in incorporating enduring material for future courses.
It is noteworthy that only an approximate third of participants chose to complete the certificate, with physical attendance emerging as a significant barrier and time constraints and associated costs cited as reasons for not attending all three workshops. The literature consistently highlights time and cost as barriers to CPD attendance, prompting exploration of online modalities as a potential time-saving and cost-effective alternative (24, 25). While research in Qatar indicates physicians' openness to diverse CPD formats (24), additional studies are crucial to assessing participant experiences and comparing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of online delivery to traditional face-to-face workshops in teaching skills in biostatistics. Participants also highlighted a lack of necessity for the certificate, suggesting that that the incentive of a certificate may not be as effective as anticipated. This aligns with the findings from a recent study demonstrating HCP’s preferences for courses that enhance knowledge and skills, even without an associated qualification (26). The findings therefore indicate a need to investigate alternative approaches including an emphasis on intrinsic motivation through activities that consolidate learning, to improve participant engagement with the material.
Participants provided particularly high evaluations regarding the course’s impact on knowledge acquisition, competence, and improved performance. Notably, prior studies conducted among HCP in Qatar identified low levels of research self-efficacy, particularly among pharmacists and physicians (5, 27). Research self-efficacy pertains to the participants’ confidence in demonstrating research skills including statistical analysis, empowering individuals to critically assess published information and apply evidence-based medicine (27). low levels of self-efficacy in research have been associated with difficulties in making clinical decisions as well as impeding continuous professional development and hindering research output (5, 27, 28). Our results illustrate that participants perceived a notable enhancement in their ability to apply and integrate newly acquired skills into practice due to their participation in the biostatistics workshops and thus could be a positive step towards increasing research productivity in the healthcare workforce.
Fewer HCPs perceived the course could affect patient outcomes compared to knowledge, competence, and performance, contrasting with previous research emphasizing positive attitudes towards research and evidence-based practice (6, 18, 29).
Nonetheless, improving patient outcomes remains a primary driver for promoting research-active practitioners (30). Enhancing knowledge of statistical methods could enhance access to evidence-based medicine, potentially leading to better healthcare (16). Further research is needed to understand factors influencing perceptions and potential interventions.
The longer-term program evaluation demonstrated positive perceptions of the course's impact on participants' ability interpret data and to perform statistical analyses indicating the potential for sustained benefits beyond the immediate post-course period. Furthermore, almost half of the respondents credited the course with the ability to draft and publish a manuscript.
While highlighting the beneficial impact of a 3-day biostatistics course on HCPs' statistical analysis skills and research capacity, addressing limitations is essential. The anonymized nature of the data and the inability to correlate survey responses across various evaluation stages pose challenges in establishing causal relationships and exploring nuances between outcomes. It is essential to note that the program evaluation was not designed or powered to explore statistical differences; rather, it provides a descriptive snapshot of participant experiences. Moreover, the limited response rate and the inherent risk of selection and positive response bias should be acknowledged, potentially limiting generalizability and inflating the perceived impact of the course.
Future research should employ robust designs with objective measures and longitudinal approaches, complemented by qualitative methods for more comprehensive understanding of the barriers and challenges faced by HCPs in acquiring statistical analysis skills and enhancing their research profile.
As Qatar continues its investments in healthcare and research development, strengthening the research capabilities of HCPs becomes crucial for ensuring evidence-based practice. This evaluation shows the biostatistics course positively impacts knowledge, competence, and performance among healthcare professionals in Qatar. Subsequent to this study, course improvements, including extended duration and hybrid delivery options, have led to a rise in certificate completions. These findings offer insights for refining course structure and addressing challenges, contributing to ongoing research capacity development.