Giving Meaning to Data Can Save Lives
>>The risk difference for erectile dysfunction among the watchful waiting cohort compared to the radical prostatectomy cohort was 0.50 (P < 0.001).
>>There were 50 additional cases of erectile dysfunction per 100 patients in the watchful waiting cohort compared to the radical prostatectomy cohort. This was statistically significant.
Both of these sentences mean the same thing, but which one actually makes sense?
Taking time to make sense of data is an investment that pays off in dividends. It can even save lives.
How can decision-makers take action if they can’t even figure out what they’re looking at?
Context creates meaning.