Editorial Commentary: The Power of Interpretation: Utilizing the P Value as a Spectrum, in Addition to Effect Size, Will Lead to Accurate Presentation of Results
Authors: Sabetian PW, Domb BG
Journal: Arthroscopy, April 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2021.10.009
Background
The editorial critiques the overreliance on P values as a binary determinant of statistical significance in medical literature, advocating for a more nuanced approach that includes interpretation of effect size.
Key Points
- A statistically nonsignificant P value does not imply clinical irrelevance.
- Effect size helps quantify the magnitude of treatment impact, offering insight into clinical importance even in borderline statistical findings.
- Results should be interpreted along a continuum, especially in studies with small sample sizes or underpowered subanalyses.
Conclusions
Combining P values with effect size allows for more transparent and clinically meaningful data interpretation, encouraging nuanced decision-making rather than rigid statistical thresholds.
What Does This Mean for Providers?
Clinicians should critically evaluate both effect size and P values when interpreting literature to determine whether findings are clinically relevant, even if not statistically significant. This approach helps guide patient care based on practical impact rather than arbitrary thresholds.