An Introduction to Health Services Research

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 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 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 * 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 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