Research for Medicine and Health

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Frame a specific research question relating to patient or population health, and to identify the appropriate study design(s) to address it
• Describe the principles of measurement (reliability and validity), and demonstrate questionnaire design and sampling
• Demonstrate the ability to keep up to date with medical evidence and therefore establish the foundations for lifelong learning and continuing professional development
• Continually and systematically reflect on practice and, whenever necessary, translate the reflection into action, using improvement techniques
• Communicate by spoken, written and electronic methods and be aware of other methods of communication
• Identify tools for a literature search on a specific research question
• Demonstrate the ability to positive working relationships and work as part of a team to develop both your own leadership skills and the ability to accept leadership by others
• Explain how evidence based guidelines are produced, and describe their role in informing health care decision making
• Use information technology to capture, store and manipulate data related to medical practice
• Plan, develop and deliver a teaching session and give constructive and effective feedback to others
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the principles and explain the role of qualitative methods in health research
• Acquire new knowledge on research methodology commonly used in medicine and health, and to be able to assess and apply this knowledge
• Describe the spectrum of research from basic science to implementation research, and specifically the stages of development of drugs, biomarkers and complex interventions
• Demonstrate development of your ability to present to a group as a teacher
• Identify tools to manage sources of information and to record and analyse data
• Understand ethical principles of research and the role of ethics committees
• Critically appraise peer reviewed papers on translational research, diagnosis, interventions, systematic reviews of interventions
• Plan a research proposal to address a specific research question
• Demonstrate the principles of economic evaluation and be able to describe how such evaluations are used to inform health care decision making
• Understand the principles and practice of research governance
• Apply the principles of statistics as applied to quantitative health research (calculating study sample size, using the correct statistical methods as appropriate to the data and questions being asked, and how to interpret the different analyses)
• Manage your time, prioritise work and revision tasks, and work autonomously when necessary and appropriate
• Communicate clearly and effectively with your peers and teachers by delivering a teaching session

In order to meet the learning outcomes, the syllabus will contain teaching in the following areas:

• Study designs and their applications
• Critical appraisal of medical evidence
• Quantitative (statistical) research methods and their applications
• Qualitative research methods and their applications
• Health economics and its applications
• Other common research tools and methodologies
• Literature searching, reviewing and referencing
• Good clinical practice
• Principles of research ethics and governance
• Setting up a project for Year 3
• Practical principles in conducting different types of study
• Management of research data and materials
• Teaching and learning theories and practice

During the module, students will select a study topic, see practice at their chosen project location and commence a literature search in their chosen subject area in preparation for undertaking their Research Project in Year 3.

The module will be taught through a range of learning and teaching strategies which will include:

• Lectures
• Small group teaching
• Guided self-study
• Web based exercises
• Peer teaching
• eLearning

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Project proposal

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Students will receive feedback and advice from a reviewer.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Peer-teaching session

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Students will receive feedback from their audience (peer-group) and from the facilitator using standardised feedback forms.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: Yes

Formative Assessment

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: General feedback document emailed to all students. Practical paper feedback is provided soon after the assessment. One-to-one feedback meetings are available for failed students before the supplementary.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.