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An Introduction to Health Services Research
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An Introduction to Health Services Research
A Practical Guide

Edited by:


January 2014 | 384 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
This is a primary, comprehensive textbook for people who are considering undertaking a piece of health-related research. It is an accessible companion with the aim of getting the reader to think broadly about all of the issues that need to be considered when embarking on a project.

This is a pragmatic book, a step-by-step guide to research which mirrors the structure of a research project, taking you through the thought process for designing and conducting your study from formulating the right research question at idea inception, ascertaining what methodologies and analysis can answer what type of questions, right through to dissemination, all presented in an easy, digestible style.

The book is full of case study illustrations and practical tips such as how to work out a research budget and obtaining funding for your project, discussion of what permissions need to obtained when conducting research with people, and how to involve public and patients. The authors are all experienced researchers and so this book is an accumulation of collective wisdom on common research challenges and issues.

 
Forward
 
Part One – Getting Started
 
Asking the Right Question
 
Finding the Evidence to Support your Research Question
 
Critical Appraisal
 
Developing an Effective Research
 
Budget and Funding
 
Part Two – General Methodologies
 
Quantitative Methodology
 
Qualitative Methodology
 
Mixed Methods
 
Part Three – Specific Methodologies
 
Health Economics
 
Epidemiology
 
Clinical Trials
 
Surveys
 
The Internet as a Research Medium
 
Systematic Reviews
 
Part Four – Conducting Valid, and Ethical Research
 
Ethics and Informed Consent
 
Public Patient Involvement
 
Sampling
 
Recruitment and Retention
 
Part Five – Analysis and Dissemination
 
Quantitative Analysis
 
Qualitative Analysis
 
Dissemination
 
Conclusion
 
Glossary
 
Bibliography
 
Index

Health services research is a growing multidisciplinary field of research which seeks to investigate the complex world of healthcare provision, its effects and costs. This text, written by experts in the field, provides a highly accessible resource for researchers, from novice to more experienced.

Niroshan Siriwardena, Professor of Primary & Pre-Hospital Health Care
University of Lincoln

A ‘practical guide’ that is much more than a reliable tool for conducting high quality Health Services Research, this  book takes the academic, the student and the professional on a meaningful “journey” from formulating a research question all the way to analysis and delivery. This will deservedly occupy a visible place on the researcher’s desk rather than the shelf. The Chapter ‘Budget and Funding’ is a gem!

Dr Yannis Pappas, Head of PhD School
Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire

This edited book, with its experienced range of contributors and wide coverage of areas, is a very important practical guide for anyone conducting health services research

Mike Saks, Research Professor, University Campus Suffolk
Mike Saks, Research Professor, University Campus Suffolk
Mike Saks, Research Professor, University Campus Suffolk

The authors have managed to convey information in a highly accessible manner and the text is littered with well constructed diagrams, tables and case studies. In addition, despite each chapter having been written by different groups of authors, there is cross-referencing between chapters that enables the reader to know that other information about a particular issue is presented elsewhere in the book... In the preface, Walker has written, ‘This book will provide enough information for you to make an informed decision whether you would like to take your idea forward, and whether it is possible to do so’. The book achieves this and more, and thus represents a good investment for those with an interest in health services research.

Mark Mackay, School of Medicine, Flinders University Adelaide
Australian Journal of Primary Health

The book brings a modern approach to research by including chapters on using the Internet as a research medium and engaging with members of the public. The chapter on obtaining funding will appeal to those practitioners working within a restricted budget... It is well laid out, easy to read and uses case studies and published empirical research to underpin the information detailed in each chapter, which also include a full reference list and further reading.?????????

Julie Quick, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
The Association for Perioperative Practice

Health research is complex, yet so essential. The decision to engage in health research is often motivated by a need to improve the current state of a particular phenomenon. However, having the necessary skills to do so is an essential part of making this type of research as effective as possible. It is imperative that those who engage in any type of health research be knowledgeable of these skills. This book provides the reader with a step-by-step guide to making a success of health research. It touches on important topics (i.e. such as epidemiology), which are essential when trying to understand and engage in health research. This is a great read!

Ms Cindy Melanie Swartbooi
Psychology, Cornerstone Institute
January 28, 2016

An excellent overview of research methods suited to those who have limited prior knowledge. Comprehensive coverage provided for all important aspects of research applicable to health for all levels of nursing students

Mrs Julia Petty
School of health and social work, Hertfordshire University
June 5, 2015

An excellent textbook that is an easy resource for students embarking on research for the first time.

Ms Jane Harris
Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Universtity of Chester
May 19, 2015

This text offers a broad, yet informative exploration of research within healthcare. The text will be of value to students, academics and clinicians. The authors bring a wealth of knowledge for the reader to draw upon

Mrs Liz Cade
Health , Glyndwr University
February 2, 2015

A well written book with good basic guidance on critical consideration of literature and research methodology

Dr Helen Stoneley
Faculty of Education, Health, Sciences, Derby University
December 11, 2014

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