Statistics: Take deep breaths and push when I tell you

In order to inform practice, midwives need to be familiar with statistics so that they can understand the messages given by quantitative research papers and reports. Before they can consider applying the conclusions of that research to their practice, midwives need to be aware of the strengths and limitations of both the design and analysis. This article provides an overview of some of the basic statistical concepts and explains that the choice of appropriate statistical methods for an analysis is largely driven by the type of data involved and the reason for that analysis. Assumptions underlying those methods are often only met approximately. In addition, it can be difficult to quantify potential shortcomings in research design, the selection and recruitment of participants, the administering of interventions and the collection of data. This means that interpretation of the quantitative findings can often be subject to a number of ifs and buts, so statistical conclusions are never absolute. Suggestions for further reading are given at the end of the article.