Week 1

Question 1

Steps for using EBP in clinical practise

Answer 1

1 - converting the need for information into an answerable question
2 - tracking down the best evidence with which to answer that question
3 - critically appraising that evidence for its validity, impact, applicability
4 - integrating the critics appraisal with our clinical expertise and with our patient’s unique biology, values and circumstances
5 - evaluating our effectiveness and efficiency in executing steps 1-4 and seeking ways to improve

Question 2

5 A’s strategy

Answer 2

Ask - a clinical question
Acquire - information that may answer the question
Appraise - the evidence for its quality and applicability
Apply - the evidence in the care of the patient
Assess whether the application resulted in the expected outcomes

Question 3

Hierarchical ranking system

Answer 3

Systematic reviews
RCTs
Controlled trials without randomisation
Cohort studies

Question 4

Ontology

Answer 4

The question of whether or not there is a single objective reality
Adopt objective reality = quantitative
Reject objective reality = qualitative

Question 5

Epistemology

Answer 5

The nature of knowledge and how knowledge is obtained

Constructivism, positivism, pragmatism

Question 6

Qualitative methods

Answer 6

Based on the belief that there is not a single objective reality and it is impossible to carry out research for understanding people’s perceptions and experiences without being influenced by our own subjective
This belief is called constructivism or interpretivism

Question 7

Quantitative methods

Answer 7

Based on the belief that there is an objective reality and this reality can be accessed by research. This belief is known as positivism
The aim of positivist enquiry is to explain, predict and control that reality, by using standardised procedures to think, observe and record experiences/phenomena

Question 8

Pragmatism

Answer 8

Advocates that knowledge is based on both the reality of the world we live in and our own experiences
Combines features of constructivism and positivism, opening the door to multiple methods, assumptions, forms of data collection and analysis
Pragmatism is the foundation of the mixed methods approach

Question 9

Advantages of qualitative research

Answer 9

Flexibility in thinking : researches less likely to get stuck in conventional ways of thinking
Flexibility in research process: researches can adjust their approach in interpreting the data
Rich description: provide rich, subjective experience
Compensation: used to investigate areas where quantitative methods are inappropriate
Validity: high on internal validity - draws on understanding of research participant

Question 10

Disadvantages of Qualitative research

Answer 10

Observer bias: researchers construct the categories
Lack of consensus: qualitative researchers disagree among themselves over methods
Lack of focus: research questions can sometimes be too broad
Lack of generalisability: research undertaken with small number of participants
Poor replication
Cost: in terms of time

Question 11

Advantages of quantitative research

Answer 11

Measurement: being able to demonstrate quantity is a powerful tool in producing data
Rigour: methods adopted by quantitative researchers are transparent
Internal validity: explain phenomena with independent and dependent variables explaining cause and effect
Generalisability: finding of a study can be generalised to a large population
Replicability: quantitative research studies should be able to be replicated by others

Question 12

Disadvantages of quantitative method

Answer 12

Social world is different to natural world
Quantitative research is made under controlled circumstances - artificial
Surveys often only measure responses at a single point in time
Less effective at determining why people act as they do

Question 13

Ethical Conduct in research

Answer 13

Research merit and integrity
Justice
Beneficence
Respect

Question 14

Research merit and integrity

Answer 14

Research activities need to be justifiable by its potential benefit
Research designed or developed using methods appropriate for achieving aims of the proposal and based on a thorough study of the current literature and previous studies
Ensure respect for participants is not compromised by aims, how ti is carried out or by results
Conducted by persons with experimental, qualifications and competence - facilities appropriate too

Question 15

Justice

Answer 15

Process of recruiting participants is fair
No unfair burden of participation in research on particular groups
Fair distribution of benefits of participation in research
No exploitation of participants in the conduct of research
Fair access to the benefits of research

Question 16

Beneficence

Answer 16

Likely benefit of research must justify any risks
Researchers are responsible for - designing the research to minimise the risks of harm or discomfort to participants; clarifying for participants benefits and risk; welfare of participants

Question 17

Respect

Answer 17

Abiding by values of research merit and integrity, justice and beneficence
Due regard for welfare, beliefs, perceptions, customs and cultural heritage
Respect privacy, confidentiality and cultural sensitivities
Giving due scope to capacity of people to make their own decisions

Question 18

Key ethical considerations

Answer 18

Voluntary participation
Risks of harm to participants
Assess the likelihood and consequence of risks
How you might mitigate each potential adverse event
Anonymity and confidentiality
Deception (where relevant)
Who is directly/indirectly impacted by the research study
Whether the participants involved are cited as vulnerable