Clinical Research Part 1: Critical Appraisal of Published Research

This module will introduce students to the research process through the recognition of the fundamental stages of research design.

Based on the principles of ‘Good Clinical Practice’, the student will focus on appraisal of the research question, design, methods, ethical issues, and data management and analysis strategies.

In addition, students will be introduced to principles of critical appraisal and modes of critical analysis in order that knowledge, regarding research design, can be applied to develop appropriate critical appraisal skills.

The module is intended to develop skills and competence in critical appraisal of evidence for busy clinicians, in order that they may apply principles of evidence-based medicine and practice.

Who is this module for?

Healthcare professionals wishing to access as a stand alone module or as part of a Masters programme.

What are the key aims of the module?

• Acquire the skills to search, retrieve published research.

• Critically appraise published research in a systematic rigorous manner, including critique of research study design, ethical issues, approaches to data analysis and utility of findings.

• To identify concepts such as validity and reliability in relation to outcome measures.

How will I study?

This module normally requires attendance at 8 half day sessions. The module overall takes 20 weeks.

What will I study?

• Philosophical underpinnings of research design

• The validity of methodological approaches

• Identification and critique of levels of clinical evidence

• Design of clinical research studies

• Quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods design

• The generation and validation of outcome measures

• Appropriateness of data analysis in published papers

• Ethical issues in professional literature

• Strategies for searching and identifying literature

• Modes of critical analysis

• Critical appraisal skills

• Critical appraisal tools

• Integration of diverse methods for review

• Processes regarding assuring the reliability of outcome measures

• Principles of ‘Good Clinical Practice’ (EU directive 2001/20/EC)

• Dissemination of information: verbal and visual.

How will I be assessed?

Part 1: 30 minute presentation (20 minute presentation and 10 minutes questioning) outlining the critical appraisal of one published key empirical study pertaining to an area of clinical interest negotiated with the module leader.

This should include an account of the quality appraisal techniques adopted, critical analysis, reporting of any identified issues regarding validity, reliability, biases and synthesis of findings in the context of published evidence. Recommendations for implications for practice and/or further research should be made. (50% weighting)

Part 2: 2,000 word supporting paper outlining the process above including the main findings and recommendations for research/practice. (50% weighting)

On successful completion you will:

On successful completion you will be able to:

• Critically appraise the design and conduct of selected published research evidence to their own discipline, area of expertise or practice setting.

• Critically discuss the ethical issues raised by the conduct of research within their specific discipline, area of expertise or professional practice.

• Critically appraise the utilisation of specific outcome measures as related to selected research within their own field, with emphasis on concepts including validity and reliability.

• Critically appraise the appropriateness of approaches to data analysis in relation to research within their specific discipline, area of expertise or professional practice.