Statistical Methods for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care » (1st Edition)

Myles, Paul S., MB, BS, MPH, MD (Monash Univ); Gin, Tony, MB, ChB, BSc, MD (Chinese Univ of Hong Kong)

Statistics is traditionally perceived to be a difficult topic, however, it is essential for the trainee to develop a basic understanding of its fundamental principles. This book is designed to help the reader systematically learn the basics, using real examples from anaesthetic and intensive care literature to illustrate the principles discussed and relate them to practice.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:J. Lance Lichtor, MD(University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine)
Description:This book provides an overview of statistical techniques with examples applicable to the practicing or resident anesthesiologist.
Purpose:The authors lament the fact that statistics texts are either too mathematical or do not have relevance to anesthesiology or intensive care. The intent of this book is to train the reader to pass exams, design research trials of interpret methodology. These are worthy albeit limited objectives. Most researchers would find this approach difficult to take once the experiment is designed.
Audience:The audience is practicing anesthesiologists or residents, not serious students who would benefit from problems that could be solved, either using a calculator or computer. The authors are credible authorities.
Features:The authors provide a good overview of different topics related to statistics with examples related to anesthesiology or intensive care. If, for example, a trial is to be designed, how should it be designed and what methods are appropriate? Another text would be necessary to practically determine how to make calculations. This book is short and easy to read, but lacks sufficient depth for researchers.
Assessment:This is a wonderful introduction to various techniques of statistical analysis for anesthesia practitioners with examples applicable to the field. Worked examples would help tremendously and these are lacking here.