Research in Health and Social Care

Research in Health and Social Care equips students and early-career practitioners with the crucial knowledge, skills and understanding required to conduct sound research. Accessibly written, it is structured to allow professionals and students to engage in the theoretical development of their practice in ethical and reflective research.

Each chapter is co-written with students, featuring vignettes from health and social care students that highlight their personal journeys with research engagement. Content includes:

• exploring the everyday nature of research, processes, procedures and analysis
• demystifying key terminology
• an introduction to research and its importance in practice
• creative and traditional tools of research
• analysing data and how to disseminate data
• approaches to research
• embedding research into practice

Discussions around key theoretical ideas are explored throughout, as well as opportunities for deep reflection.

This essential book is perfect for all social work and health and social care students, as well as early-career practitioners, aiming to deepen their knowledge and skills in conducting robust, ethical and relevant developmental research.

Simon Williams is Head of Discipline for Public Health and Social Care at the University of Derby. Simon is a professional Youth Worker and has extensive experience in working with faith groups, asylum seekers, refugees and economic migrants, particularly the Roma Community. Simon leads a variety of research-based projects, especially around professional practice development, and has a keen passion for practice-based research that is co-produced.

Rachel Searcey is a Lecturer in the Discipline of Public Health and Social Care at the University of Derby. She holds a PhD in Social Science from Loughborough University, where her doctoral research focused on the voice of street-based sex workers histories of child sexual exploitation, exploring the transitional support from childhood to adulthood. With over 20 years of experience in both the charitable and statutory sectors, and as a qualified youth worker, Rachel has worked extensively with street-based sex workers, young people, families and communities. She remains committed to improving public health and social care outcomes through her teaching practice and research.