Research Proposals in Healthcare Studies

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a research proposal?

To set out the central issues or questions to be addressed (correct)

To provide a comprehensive literature review

To outline the methodology to be used

To seek funding for the research project

Which of the following is NOT identified as an important component of a research proposal?

Statistical analysis plan (correct)

Specific research objectives

Background information

Need for the study

What factors must be considered to ensure a research proposal is effective?

Feasibility, creativity, and originality

Feasibility, description, and originality

Feasibility, clarity, and ethics

Feasibility, rigor, and ethics (correct)

What aspect of the research topic must be clearly defined in the proposal?

The background and unknown areas of knowledge (A) Signup and view all the answers

In writing a research proposal, what should be emphasized regarding the proposed research?

Its originality and contribution to knowledge (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary outcome measure considered in the study by Greenhalgh (1994)?

Length of wait for patients to receive treatment (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which study concluded that nurses could safely replace doctors in telephone triage?

Lattimer et al (2000) (C) Signup and view all the answers

What disadvantage did Vine (2005) identify regarding nurse-led consultations?

Higher costs and longer consultation times (D) Signup and view all the answers

What preference did patients express in relation to nurse-led consultations when given a choice?

To be seen by a GP (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following studies used a sufficiently large sample size to compare rare adverse events?

Lattimer et al (2000) (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the study by Lattimer et al (2000) regarding patient safety?

Showed nurse-led telephone triage was safe (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect did the author find most convincing regarding nurse-led care?

Evidence provided in Lattimer et al’s study (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what area did Greenhalgh (1994) claim that nurses performed comparably to doctors?

Cannulation procedures (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a focus group in research methodology?

To facilitate discussion and obtain qualitative insights. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best illustrates the relationship between research questions and methodology?

Research questions inform and shape both methodology and methods. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research proposal methodology, what is a key aspect that must be justified?

The appropriateness of both the methodology and methods. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including alternative approaches in methodology discussions?

To demonstrate familiarity with varied research designs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a single summary sentence in the methods section?

It serves as an overview of both methodology and methods. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the method section help clarify within a research proposal?

How the methodology and methods work together. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why was the focus group chosen over a survey in the example provided?

Focus groups provide greater insight through discussion. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of study design is characterized by all participants receiving the pilot intervention?

Single group pre-test post-test design. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of inclusion and exclusion criteria in research proposals?

They help identify the population or sample relevant to the study. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When planning recruitment for a study, which aspect is least likely to be considered?

The statistical significance of diverse populations. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In quantitative research, what must an analysis plan include?

Hypotheses and an a priori analysis plan. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is recommended for analyzing qualitative data in research?

Discussing strategies for analysis in advance. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting an initial screening during participant recruitment?

To determine eligibility based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary research question identified regarding individuals with long-term conditions?

Why do individuals with long-term conditions engage less and fail to sustain changes? (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is mentioned as contributing to limited effectiveness of lifestyle programs among people with long-term conditions?

Limited sustainability of behavior changes (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the project as outlined in the text?

To evaluate engagement factors impacting people with long-term conditions (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an outcome of the existing programs for individuals with long-term conditions?

Increased community involvement (B) Signup and view all the answers

How should the literature review be effectively utilized as part of the research proposal?

To create a narrative that critiques and connects various studies (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is NOT explicitly listed for reviewing literature?

Assess (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized as an important component of the research proposal's route map?

Providing a storytelling approach from topic statement to investigation (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of participant reported outcome measures?

Demographics (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role does literature critique play in developing a research narrative?

To provide context and depth to ongoing research (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of data collection, what does a validity assessment ensure?

The tool measures what it is intended to measure (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which quantitative method is typically used for measuring participant engagement?

Surveys (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'staff utilization' in the context of a research proposal?

Assessing time spent on patient care (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a topic guide in qualitative data collection?

To provide structured questions for interviews (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary components involved in the participant demographics section?

Age, education, income level (B) Signup and view all the answers

In research proposals, qualitative data collection often involves which of the following?

Focus groups and interviews (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about systematic reviews in research proposals is correct?

They require a clear search strategy and quality assessment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Writing a Research Proposal - SoHP503

A research proposal outlines central issues/questions, the general area of study, current knowledge, and the originality of the proposed research.
This session covers: the overall proposal, section by section, academic writing reminders, top tips, session code, and recording details.
The proposal should include: a clear topic definition, including background, what is known and unknown, rationale for the study, and clear research questions, objectives, and aims..
Proposals should be feasible, rigorous, and ethical.

What is a Research Proposal?

Research proposals are essential for demonstrating knowledge and justifying a study's value.
The key parts of a research proposal include: why the research is needed, a detailed topic outlining background, needs, and specifics of the study, and a clear plan for the research.

The Introduction/Background (Topic)

Establish the context for the study.
Include a big picture overview.
Describe existing evidence and knowledge gaps.
Explain the significance/need for the study.
Clearly articulate the research question, aims, and objectives.

Topic - Tips

Present research like a story, connecting previous research to your project.
Critically evaluate existing literature to understand agreements, disagreements, and approaches.
Combine the literature review with a project "route map".
Use a clear structure to guide readers through the proposal.

Activity: Using Literature Effectively

Review provided passages to identify elements like citations, comparisons, contrasts, critiques, and connections.

Example One and Two

Provide examples of seminal studies in nurse-led care (e.g., Greenhalgh 1994, Lattimer et al. 2000, Vine 2005), highlighting key aspects of their methodology and conclusions.

Define the Specifics (Research Question, Aims, Objectives)

Develop a clear, answerable research question often related to a hypothesis.
Establish a broad aim outlining the study's purpose.
Detail measurable objectives guiding the study's outcomes.

Specifics - Aims and Objectives - Don'ts

Avoid multiple, overly broad aims.
Keep aims and objectives concise and focused.
Ensure aims and objectives logically build on each other.

Methods Section

3a. Methodology: Outline the overarching strategy and approach of the research.
3b. Methods: Describe the methods (including details like data collection, participants, sampling, timeframe, and data analysis). Provide specifics of how and why choices were made.
The methods should reflect the study's aims, objectives, and research questions.

Methods Section - Tips

Methodology and methods should align.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of choices and justify them appropriately.
Provide a concise summary sentence introducing the methodology and methods.

Introducing Methodology and Methods

Begin with a brief summary covering both the methodology and methods.
Employ examples of clear overview sentences. (e.g., participant focus groups, pre-post design with intervention, a qualitative synthesis).
Develop explanations demonstrating understanding of the chosen methodology.
Show awareness of alternative approaches.

One Example of a Justification

Provide a sample justification for methodology choice showcasing reasoning. (e.g., choosing focus groups over surveys due to higher potential for in-depth discussion).

Method Sections - Tips

Carefully describe the process of collecting and analyzing data.
Follow the same logical method of presentation across the whole proposal.
Establish detailed methods suitable for replicability by other researchers.

Methods: When/Where

Detail a precise project schedule/plan, stating when and where data will be collected, including how data is being collected, how long data collection will take, and who will be doing data collection.

Example Plan

Outline a typical research study process plan, including screening, eligibility checks, assessment visits, consent, procedures, data collection, etc. (using flow chart).

Your Project Plan-Tips

A concise plan is vital but critical details should be included. (e.g., the rationale for the chosen method) . Explicitly address the various pros and cons.
Sample scenarios (e.g., same versus random ordering for multiple tests, different focus groups time-frames).

Methods: Top tips

Keep the methods section concise and focused on the aims.
Make sure the rationale for choices reflects the research question.
Describe and justify your choices.
Use a critical friend to check accuracy and completeness.

Demonstrate Rigor and Feasibility (Ethics Section)

The methods should demonstrate trust/confidence in the research outputs.
The research should be thoroughly conducted and the findings should cover all of the aims.
The study should display consideration of potential issues involving the timeframe, researcher, budget, recruitment, and resources.

Ethical Considerations & Data Protection

Ethical aspects are crucial and need a complete draft of the ethics submission.

Anticipated Findings and Their Relevance

Provide realistic anticipated findings that show impactful contributions to the stated aims.
Link anticipated findings to the identified gaps from the literature review.
Tie research to the overall purpose of the study.

Don't Forget Your Appendices...

Include important supplementary materials such as Gantt charts, information sheets, consent forms, and other pertinent documents. Refer to the Module handbook for complete guidance.

Summary

A well-structured proposal can significantly benefit the research.
A systematic approach is crucial. Ask any questions if unsure about elements of the proposal.

Academic Writing (for proposals)

Avoid verbose language and favor concise, informative writing.
Use a thesaurus wisely to elevate language.
Use acronyms and abbreviations fully at first mention; then use short-hand.
Adhere to the formatting and style guidelines in the Module Handbook.

Don't get caught out! UoP plagiarism forms

Avoid direct copying of text or paraphrasing without proper citation.
Acknowledge all sources accurately (e.g., use quotation marks for direct quotes).
Provide references for all material used in the proposal.

Use of AI

Be selective and responsible and adhere to relevant academic and ethical standards. (Link to ethical guidelines if available).

Referencing

Use Cite Them Right Harvard referencing system.
Employ appropriate citation methods for different forms of literature (e.g., journal articles, books, webpages).
Use DOI if available; otherwise use the URL. Always provide the full information.

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Description

This quiz assesses your understanding of the essential components and purposes of research proposals, particularly in the healthcare context. It covers factors that contribute to effective proposals and evaluates knowledge on studies related to nurse-led care. Test your comprehension of key research outcomes and strategies in healthcare settings.