How do you communicate with biostatistics and epidemiology professionals?

1 Know your audience

The first step to communicate with biostatistics and epidemiology professionals is to know your audience and their background, goals, and preferences. For example, biostatisticians may focus more on the design, analysis, and interpretation of data, while epidemiologists may focus more on the distribution, causes, and prevention of diseases. Depending on their field of expertise, they may use different statistical methods, software, and standards. Therefore, you should tailor your message to suit their level of technicality, interest, and relevance.

2 Define your objectives

The second step to communicate with biostatistics and epidemiology professionals is to define your objectives and expectations clearly and concisely. What is the purpose of your communication? What are the main questions or hypotheses you want to address? What are the deliverables or outcomes you expect from them? How do you plan to use their results or recommendations? By specifying your objectives upfront, you can avoid confusion, misunderstanding, or misalignment of expectations later on.

3 Provide relevant information

The third step to communicate with biostatistics and epidemiology professionals is to provide relevant information that can help them understand and answer your questions or hypotheses. For example, you should provide a clear description of the context, background, and rationale of your project or problem. You should also provide a summary of the data sources, variables, and measurements you have or need. If possible, you should share your data or a sample of it with them, using appropriate formats and tools. You should also disclose any limitations, assumptions, or biases that may affect your data or analysis.

4 Ask for feedback

The fourth step to communicate with biostatistics and epidemiology professionals is to ask for feedback and clarification throughout the process. You should not assume that they understand everything you say or write, or that you understand everything they say or write. You should check for comprehension, agreement, and satisfaction regularly, and invite them to ask questions, raise concerns, or suggest alternatives. You should also be open to constructive criticism, and respect their expertise and opinions.

5 Use common language

The fifth step to communicate with biostatistics and epidemiology professionals is to use common language that can bridge the gap between different disciplines and perspectives. You should avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may not be familiar or consistent with your audience. You should also explain any concepts, methods, or results that may be complex or ambiguous. You should use simple, clear, and concise sentences, and avoid unnecessary details or repetitions. You should also use visual aids, such as graphs, tables, or diagrams, to illustrate your points and enhance your communication.

6 Acknowledge and appreciate

The sixth and final step to communicate with biostatistics and epidemiology professionals is to acknowledge and appreciate their contribution and collaboration. You should thank them for their time, effort, and expertise, and recognize their achievements and challenges. You should also provide feedback on their performance, and suggest ways to improve or maintain the quality and efficiency of your communication. You should also express your interest and willingness to continue or expand your collaboration, and explore new opportunities or topics of mutual interest.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?