Health Research Methods
Introduction
This module provides an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods, combining theoretical instruction with practical exercises both in class and as part of MOLE activities. This unit provides a foundation in research methods which complements the other modules on this course. There is an emphasis on research methods used in the evaluation, assessment and analysis of technologies in healthcare.
Objectives
This unit aims to equip students with a solid understanding of health research methods. This will enable students to work professionally alongside health researchers in a variety of settings and to develop and critically appraise research projects linking health economics and decision modelling to wider health research processes.
Learning outcomes
On satisfactory completion of the course, a student will be able to:
- Describe a range of quantitative research designs used in health research, including randomised controlled trials, surveys, cohort studies, and case-control studies
- Describe methods of qualitative research, including interviews, focus groups, and observation, and describe sampling methods used in qualitative research
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages associated with each type of study, including the issues of bias and confounding
- Understand the principles of ethics in health services research
- Be able to conduct literature searches to inform both systematic reviews and decision-analytic models
- Critically appraise randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews using appropriate checklists
- Be able to undertake a brief systematic review of the literature, to include defining a question, searching the literature, identifying relevant studies, assessing study quality, extracting data and summarising the conclusions
- Understand the principles of meta-analysis and be able to undertake a meta-analysis using Review Manager software
Teaching Methods
The module will be delivered predominantly through a series of taught lectures. This will be supported through the use of tutorials to consolidate concepts and skills learnt within the lectures.
Expectations
Students will be expected to undertake reading prior to some sessions. Independent study will primarily be self-directed, although exercises will be set throughout the module using MOLE and feedback will be given either in class or through self-marking via MOLE.
Assessment
| Component | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Mini review (3000 words) | 50% |
| Exam | 50% |
The module marks will be based on 50% examination and 50% assignment.
Learning outcomes 1 to 8 will be assessed via a 2-hour short-answer examination at the end of Semester 1.
Learning outcomes 5 to 8 will be assessed via a literature review assignment, in which the student will be required to demonstrate that they are able to search the literature, select the appropriate research studies, and appraise them for quality and content, and summarise the results.
The minimum pass mark to achieve a satisfactory pass for ScHARR programmes is 50%.