Research Methods for Health Care Practice

Many health professionals want to investigate their health care practice and how it could be improved to benefit their patients. This book introduces the range of research approaches available, and explains what can be achieved with different methods and how they can compliment each other.

The book guides the researcher through their journey, giving detailed, step-by-step advice on planning and carrying out each stage of the research. Useful examples from health care research are included throughout to illustrate the application of the techniques and methods discussed. The book provides discussion of all the key issues and stages of research, including:

• User involvement in research
• Research ethics
• Deciding on a research approach
• Data collection and analysis methods

Research Methods for Health Care Practice is ideal for professionals wanting to undertake research in their own health care setting, and will be of use to any students undertaking a research project as part of their course in health and related fields.

Frances Griffiths trained in medicine at the University of Cambridge and King′s College Hospital, London, and went on to become a general practitioner in Stockton-on-Tees. While working as a GP she undertook her PhD at the University of Durham, Department of Sociology and Social Policy, and was a founder member of the Northern Primary Care Research Network. Frances joined the University of Warwick in 1998 and became founding Director of the Warwick West-Midlands Primary Care Research Network and developed her research interest in the impact of technology on perceptions of health. In 2003 she was awarded a Department of Health National Career Scientist Award to develop a programme of research on Complexity and Health. Frances uses research methods from social science and works with complexity scientists from disciplines including mathematics, statistics, engineering and economics. She continues her research on the imact of technology particularly medical imaging and lay understanding of health. Frances teaches research methods to students and health professionals and has written a book for this audience ′Research methods for health care practice′. Frances is Director of Research Degrees for Warwick Medical School