statistical versus clinical significance

Last reviewed 01/2018

Statistical vs. clinical significance

• if a study reveals a statistically significant difference in effect between interventions does not mean that the results are clinically significant. Studies involving large numbers of subjects can find statistically significant differences between interventions that actually represent very small effects
• it is important to consider whether differences between interventions that are labelled statistically significant are clinically worthwhile

Reference:

1. MeReC Briefing (2005);30:1-7.
2. Wiebe S. The principles of evidence-based medicine.Cephalalgia. 2000;20 Suppl 2:10-3.