Research Methodology

Programme title:	Research Methodology for Healthcare Professionals
Apply:	direct to the University via the NHS Business Unit
Start (pt):	September
Mode:	part-time
Duration:	1 semester
Location:	Luton campus, Park Square
Faculty:	Faculty of Health & Social Sciences

Summary

A working understanding of the research process and research methods is necessary for all health care professionals in the twenty first century.

In order to appraise the value of research for use in practice clinicians must have an adequate knowledge of how research is conducted. The DOH (2002) emphasised the need for health care professionals to adopt a more evidence approach towards health care for the 21st Century.

This unit enables you to develop a more critical approach to the way you think and utilise research in practice.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

Your learning will be supported through a student centred work focused learning approach. The unit is evidence based and related to current local and national agenda’s. There will be opportunities for you to engage in a variety of learning experiences. In this way you will be encouraged to relate back to your own practice the key learning outcomes of the unit. This process will be supported by lecturer facilitation, including the delivery of key presentations around the learning outcomes, as well as specialist sessions.

You will also be required to plan how to meet the unit learning outcomes relating them to your own practice through the completion of the required assignments. Additionally your learning will be supported via tutorials, group work, E-learning via BREO and E-learning library resources. You will be able to bring your reflections on experiences in practice to enable integration of theory to practice.

A major part of the learning experience will occur through self directed study, this requires time to reflect, analyse and evaluate experiences from theory and practice, including the client’s journey through care.

Recommended reading

Essential:

Parahoo, K (2006) Nursing Research: principles, process and issues 2nd ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.

Recommended:

Burns, M. (2004). The practice of nursing research: Conduct, critique and utilisation 5th ed. London: Saunders.
Brewer, J. D. (2000) Ethnography, Buckingham Open University Press
Cormack, D, Gerrish, K & Lacey, A (2006) The research process in nursing, 5th Ed, Oxford, Blackwell Publishing.
Denscombe, M. (2001) The good research guide for small scale social research projects, Buckingham, Open University Press
Department of Health. (2001). Reference Guide to Consent for Examination or Treatment. London: Department of Health;
http://www.info.doh.gov.uk/doh/point.nsf/Publications?ReadForm
Greenhalgh, T. & Donald, A . (2000) Evidence-based health care workbook: Understanding research, London: BMJ
HAL(1997) Research methodology in nursing and healthcare (healthcare active learning). Open Learning Foundation Enterprises.
Hek, G, Judd, M & Moule, P (2003) Making sense of research, 2nd ed, London, Sage Publications.
LoBiondo. Wood. & Haber. (2002). Nursing research. 3rd ed, St Louis: Mosby.
Maisel, R., & Persell, C.H. (1996). How Sampling Works, London: Sage.
Morse, J.M., & Field, P.A. (1995). Nursing Research: The Application of Qualitative Approaches 2nd ed, London: Chapman Hall.
Polgar, S. & Thomas, S.A. (2000). Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences 4th ed., London: Churchill Livingstone.
Pollit, D. & Hungler, B. (2005) Essentials of Nursing Research 6th ed, London,Lippincott
Punch K.F (2000) Introduction to Social Research. 3rd. London: Sage
Robson, C. (2002) Real World Research: A Resource for Social Scientists and Practitioner-Researchers. 2nd ed. London: Blackwell.
Rumbold, G. (1999). Ethics In Nursing Practice. 3rd edition. London: Bailliere Tindall.
Silverman, D. (2005) Doing Qualitative Research. A practical handbook. Sage

Entry requirements

Available to all health care professionals/workers currently working or placed within a practice environment related to this unit.

Fees, Bursaries, Scholarships, Costs

Contact NHS Business Unit for fees.

Attendance

See Unit Delivery Schedule below for dates.

Find out more

For further information concerning this unit, contact Malcolm Headland

E: malcolm.headland@beds.ac.uk

How to apply:

Please contact the NHS Business Unit or download an application form from the website.

E: nhs-business-unit@beds.ac.uk
T: 01582 743048
F: 01582 743704

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Research Methodology