introduction to healthcare research methods
TRANSCRIPT
PHC215
By Dr. Khaled Ouanes Ph.D.
E-mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @khaled_ouanes
INTRODUCTION TO
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH
METHODS
The Purpose and Process
of Health Research
Health research is
the process of scientifically
investigating
a particular well-defined aspect of
physical, mental, or social well-being of individuals.
So, Research is an organized and
systematic way to find answers to
questions through a well defined
creative process.
Why is research important to
medicine, health informatics
and health in general?
Knowledge obtained from rigorous
research is easily transformed into
clinical practice. This leads to
medical practice that is evidence-
based and more reliable.
EXAMPLES OF HEALTH
RESEARCH?
• What are the common symptoms associated with
a given disease?
• Which genes are involved in the production of
some given hormone?
• What effects has regular exercise on the
glycemic levels of old people?
• Is a 3-months physiotherapy program effective at
reducing the risk of muscular problems for aging
athletes?
• Which factors predict depression for teenagers?
• Etc…
TYPES OF HEALTH RESEARCH
- Laboratory studies are typically conducted in the controlled environment of a special research facility with strict conditions:
Biochemistry, Toxicology, Molecular biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Genetics.
- Population-based studies are typically conducted using human subjects
Laboratory studies VS Population-based studies
The steps of any population health
research project are:
All these steps are essential for an effective research process
WHAT IS A GOOD RESEARCH
QUESTION?
CRITERIA FOR DEVELOPING A GOOD RESEARCH QUESTION
Feasible Interesting Novel / Original Ethical Relevant
Feasible
Subjects
Resources (Funds, Techniques…)
Manageable & adaptable
Availability of collectible data
Interesting
Original
In relation to previous results & findings: Confirm or refute?
New setting, new population, new techniques
Ethical
Social and/or scientific value
Harmless & Safe
Relevant
Advance in fundamental
scientific knowledge
Positive Influence on clinical
practice
Positive Impact on policies
Guide forthcoming research
EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH
GOALS
Identifying and classifying new health issues
Synthesizing existing knowledge so that it can be
easily applied by others
Determining risk factors for diseases
Developing and testing new interventions for
preventing or treating illness
Evaluating the impact of health policies on
health outcomes
RESEARCHER
BENEFITS
Acquiring new skills and mastering techniques
Satisfying personal curiosity
Fulfilling degree or work requirements
Becoming a published author
Contributing to individual or population health
IN THE END, FEW DEFINITIONS
TO KEEP IN MIND
Research: the process of scientifically, thoroughly and systematically investigating a subject in order to learn or discover new information and knowledge.
Health: a construct that extends over all aspects of physical, mental, and social well-being
Health researchers: Scientists who examine the biological, socioeconomic, and environmental factors that contribute to health and to disease, illness, disability,
and ultimately death.
PHC215
By Dr. Khaled Ouanes Ph.D.
E-mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @khaled_ouanes
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH METHODS
Based on the textbook of introduction to health research methods – K.H. Jacobsen