PU5003 - Health Services Research

Credit Points: 15

Course Co-ordinator: Dr Clare Robertson

Pre-requisite(s): N/A

Co-requisite(s): N/A

Note(s): The aim of the course is to equip students with the skills and information needed to appraise and undertake health services research.

Topics covered by the course include:

Background to, scope and purpose of health services research.
The relationship of research and practice.
Introduction to research designs.
Experimental designs.
Quasi-experimental designs.
Structure, process and outcome.
Questionnaire design.
Qualitative research methods.
Reviewing previous research.
Critical appraisal of health services research.
Perspectives and values.
Ethical considerations in health services research.
Perspectives and values.
Ethical considerations in health services research.
Reporting the findings of, and writing up research.
Data management and analysis and reports of findings.
Use of health services research in policy and changing practice.

This course will be taught in two-hour seminars twice weekly, with one 2-hour and 30 minute lecture to provide exam feedback.

An examination will be held during the first half of the session that contributes to 40% of the total mark for the course. There will also be a protocol for an evaluation of an innovation in health care assignment which contributes 60% of the total mark for the course.