Protocol

Core Principles of Mental Health Research

• Formative Assessment Dates: October 14th and December 9th
• Summative Assessment Dates: November 11th (coursework), January 20th (coursework), January 13th (MCQ)
• FINER Criteria: Used to assess the feasibility of a research study. Includes adequacy of subjects, technical expertise, affordability in time and money, and manageable scope. Interesting research questions are key, as well as ones with novel findings, confirming, refuting, or extending previous ones. Ethical approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is required. The research must be relevant to scientific knowledge, clinical practice, and future research.
• PICOT Criteria: A framework to design research questions or studies focusing on patients. Includes considerations for the population, interventions, comparisons (control groups), outcomes with respect to time, and the follow-up period to assess outcomes.

Origins of Research Questions

• Research questions often stem from personal experiences, clinical observations, and inspiration. Literature reviews are essential for refining questions and informing major studies.

Mental Health Research Question Types

• Aetiology & Mechanisms: Focus on understanding the causes and development of mental health problems.
• Treatment: Aims to develop and test interventions for preventing and alleviating mental health issues.
• Experiences: Explore the lived experiences of those with mental health problems and the societal responses to them.

Research Protocol Structure

• Introduction: Context, evidence, rationale, and magnitude of the problem in the research area are highlighted.
• Aims & Objectives: The main research question and related hypotheses are stated.
• Methods: Covers the study design, including sampling, measures, interventions, procedures, analysis plans, and dissemination plans.
• Aims, Objectives, & Hypotheses: The overall goals, specific tasks, and testable hypotheses are outlined.

Hypothesis and Analysis Plans

• Hypothesis: A possible solution to a research question, supported by existing evidence.
• Analysis Plan: In quantitative studies, details on data presentation, comparisons (primary and secondary), and statistical tests are outlined. Qualitative studies have different approaches to the analysis of data and its interpretation.

Dissemination Plans

• Dissemination strategies to reach researchers, clinicians, service planners, policy makers, and the public are crucial.

Public and Patient Involvement (PPI)

• Involving patients and caregivers in the research design process builds trust and enhances the relevance of research. Stakeholder perspectives are invaluable.

Other Crucial Information

• Time and staff requirements: Details of how much time and labor are needed
• Investigator roles: Who will be undertaking what part of the project
• Costs: Funding and financial implications are addressed
• Implications for the NHS: Impact on healthcare systems, particularly in relation to costs, outcomes, and timelines.

This quiz covers the essential principles and criteria for conducting mental health research, including the FINER and PICOT criteria. These frameworks are vital for assessing research feasibility and formulating relevant research questions. Test your understanding to excel in your assessments!