Evaluation of data analytics workshop using RStudio amongst medical students in Pakistan.

ABSTRACT

A quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, to evaluate the outcomes of a series of workshops on 25 medical students' statistical knowledge and acceptance of RStudio. The knowledge in each of the five sessions was assessed using pre- and post- knowledge-based quizzes. In addition, the Student's Attitude Towards Statistics (SATS-36) and the Technology Acceptance Model were used. Data analysis on RStudio revealed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge in all five sessions (p<0.05). SATS-36 showed statistically significant improvement in Cognitive Competence (p<0.001). RStudio had commendable acceptance with relatively high scores of Attitudes (behavioural intention, median = 6.00 [5.20-7.00]) and Utility (perceived usefulness, median = 5.20 [4.10-6.20]). In conclusion, medical students had improved statistical knowledge and acceptance towards the novel statistical tool. Hence, further studies must evaluate the effectiveness of RStudio when integrated as part of the medical curriculum.