Abstract

Purpose: Biostatistics is a fundamental tool that enables healthcare professionals to support evidence-based decision-making, analyze clinical data, and improve the quality of patient care. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the biostatistics learning needs of doctors and healthcare professionals. The research also examined the role of biostatistics in research understanding and evidence-based clinical decision-making. Design/ method/ approach: The research adopted an interpretive qualitative research approach with a multi-exploratory research design. The study employed a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected from different healthcare professionals, including resident doctors, consultant physicians, public health experts, and clinical researchers. The collected data were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s framework. Findings:  The study findings showed that healthcare professionals recognized biostatistics as the foundation of evidence-based medical practice. The results further revealed that healthcare professionals mostly perceive biostatistics as an examination- and theory-oriented subject, resulting in low research self-efficacy and statistical anxiety. Participants also reported difficulties in applying and understanding statistical knowledge in evidence-based clinical decision-making. Originality: The research provides insight into the practical and educational challenges of biostatistics learning and their role in evidence-based healthcare decision-making.