Answer 3 for HLT 362 Discuss the historical application of statistics in the field of health care
Answer 3 for HLT 362 Discuss the historical application of statistics in the field of health care
The historical application of statistics in the field of healthcare has had a profound impact on shaping medical practices, policies, and advancements. One notable example is the work of Dr. John Snow during the mid-19th century.Dr. John Snow is often regarded as one of the founding figures in the field of epidemiology, and his use of statistical methods significantly influenced health care operations. In 1854, during a cholera outbreak in London, Dr. Snow utilized a map to plot the locations of cholera cases. By overlaying the map with data on water sources, he noticed a concentration of cases around a particular public water pump on Broad Street. This observation led him to hypothesize that contaminated water from the pump was responsible for the spread of cholera (Pelling, 2022).
To test his hypothesis, Dr. Snow conducted further statistical analysis. He compared the mortality rates of individuals who used the contaminated pump with those who used other water sources. His analysis revealed a clear association between using the Broad Street pump and a higher risk of cholera (Caniglia et al., 2020). This innovative application of statistics provided strong evidence to support his theory that contaminated water was indeed the source of the outbreak.
As a result of Dr. Snow’s work, the local authorities removed the handle of the Broad Street pump, effectively halting the outbreak. This marked a pivotal moment in healthcare history, demonstrating the power of statistical analysis in identifying the causes of diseases and guiding public health interventions (Holzman, 2021). Dr. Snow’s use of statistics to map and analyze disease patterns laid the foundation for modern epidemiology and the understanding of disease transmission.
Dr. John Snow’s work exemplifies how statistical application can greatly influence and change healthcare operations and practice. By using data-driven approaches to identify patterns and associations, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions that save lives, prevent the spread of diseases, and improve public health on a larger scale (Boswell et al., 2022). This historical example underscores the ongoing importance of statistical methods in shaping healthcare policies and interventions.
References
Boswell, C., & Cannon, S. (2022). Introduction to nursing research: Incorporating evidence-based practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://lccn.loc.gov/2021047321
Caniglia, E. C., & Murray, E. J. (2020). Difference-in-difference in the time of cholera: a gentle introduction for epidemiologists. Current epidemiology reports, 7, 203-211.https://doi.org/10.1007/s40471-020-00245-2
