Establishing a certificate in the analysis of medical data: a cross-sectional evaluation of a continuing professional development course in biostatistics in for healthcare professionals in Qatar

Abstract

Background

Healthcare professionals often face challenges in conducting and publishing research, citing a lack of biostatistical knowledge and skills as a significant barrier. In response, a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course was developed to enhance local research capacity.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the perceived impact of the biostatistics CPD course on self-reported knowledge, competence, and research engagement among healthcare professionals in Qatar.

Method

A cross-sectional descriptive analysis was conducted using routine data collected in accordance with CPD accreditation requirements. Data included attendance records, certificate completions, and findings from two self-report surveys administered post-course. The surveys assessed perceived changes in knowledge and competence, achievement of course objectives, barriers to certificate completion, and long-term outcomes such as manuscript development and publication.

Results

The majority of participants (88%) reported improved knowledge, 86% reported increased competence, and 54% credited the course with supporting their ability to draft a manuscript. Challenges were more frequently noted in advanced topics such as survival analysis and regression modeling.

Conclusion

The CPD course in biostatistics yielded self-reported improvements in knowledge, competence, and performance among healthcare professionals. Challenges in advanced topics and certificate completion suggest the need for extended course duration, cost-effective online platforms, and enduring materials. Future studies using longitudinal designs and inferential methods could provide deeper insights into the long-term impact of such training initiatives.