Event Title
Montcalm Care Network Biostatistics Internship: Self-Assessed Health Status Analysis
Description
PURPOSE: An internship experience is integral to the Professional Science Masters in Biostatistics Program to apply concepts learned through coursework. This took place at Montcalm Care Network (MCN), the community mental health system, located in Stanton, MI. CHALLENGE: To examine what factors are most important in determining the health of an individual in Montcalm County and see how Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are being considered for the Montcalm County community. Simultaneous learning and application of new programs to synthesize deliverables. Techniques and strategies were used to overcome missing data and independent problem-solving. EXPERIENCE: Data was extracted using Structured Query Language (SQL) and exploratory analysis was performed in Microsoft Power BI. Further analysis was performed using RStudio. Reports were generated and presented to managers to explain the results and provide an opportunity for data-driven decisions. OUTCOME: Ordinal logistic regression with backward model selection and model validation was applied to assess what factors were most significant in determining patient-perceived health status. IMPACT: Projects completed at MCN furthered knowledge of the mental healthcare system and the application of statistics out in the field. Real-world experiences and application of skills learned from coursework are invaluable to progressing in the biostatistics field.
Montcalm Care Network Biostatistics Internship: Self-Assessed Health Status Analysis
PURPOSE: An internship experience is integral to the Professional Science Masters in Biostatistics Program to apply concepts learned through coursework. This took place at Montcalm Care Network (MCN), the community mental health system, located in Stanton, MI. CHALLENGE: To examine what factors are most important in determining the health of an individual in Montcalm County and see how Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are being considered for the Montcalm County community. Simultaneous learning and application of new programs to synthesize deliverables. Techniques and strategies were used to overcome missing data and independent problem-solving. EXPERIENCE: Data was extracted using Structured Query Language (SQL) and exploratory analysis was performed in Microsoft Power BI. Further analysis was performed using RStudio. Reports were generated and presented to managers to explain the results and provide an opportunity for data-driven decisions. OUTCOME: Ordinal logistic regression with backward model selection and model validation was applied to assess what factors were most significant in determining patient-perceived health status. IMPACT: Projects completed at MCN furthered knowledge of the mental healthcare system and the application of statistics out in the field. Real-world experiences and application of skills learned from coursework are invaluable to progressing in the biostatistics field.