Introduction
In the realm of speech-language pathology and online therapy, making data-driven decisions is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes. The recent study titled Understanding effect size: an international online survey among psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians from other medical specialties, dentists, and other health professionals provides valuable insights into how different effect size indices are understood and perceived by health professionals. This blog aims to distill these findings and offer practical recommendations for practitioners seeking to enhance their skills and improve outcomes for children.
Key Findings from the Research
The study surveyed 1,316 participants from 13 countries to evaluate their understanding of eight different effect size indices. The findings revealed that the Control Event Rate (CER) and Experimental Event Rate (EER) were the most comprehensible and useful for presenting dichotomous outcomes. In contrast, the Minimal Important Difference (MID) unit was the least understood and perceived as least useful.
For continuous outcomes, standardized mean differences (SMD) were better understood than simple mean differences (MD). The study highlights the importance of supplementing relative measures like risk ratios with absolute measures such as CER and EER to prevent misinterpretation.
Implications for Practitioners
Understanding effect size is essential for interpreting research findings and making informed clinical decisions. Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take based on the study's findings:
- Prioritize CER and EER: When reviewing research, focus on studies that present results using CER and EER, as these are more likely to be correctly interpreted.
- Supplement Relative Measures: Always look for absolute measures to complement relative ones like risk ratios. This approach helps in gaining a more accurate understanding of the treatment effects.
- Invest in Methodological Training: Enhance your understanding of effect size indices by engaging in health research methodology courses. This investment will pay dividends in improving your ability to interpret research data accurately.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides a solid foundation, it also underscores the need for further research and education in health research methodology. Practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into understanding effect sizes and their implications for clinical practice. By doing so, they can contribute to a more evidence-based approach in their respective fields.
Conclusion
Effect size is a critical component in evaluating the efficacy of treatments. By understanding and correctly interpreting effect sizes, practitioners can make more informed decisions that lead to better outcomes for children. The study's findings offer a pathway for practitioners to enhance their skills and encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Understanding effect size: an international online survey among psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians from other medical specialties, dentists, and other health professionals.
