Research Project

Module details

Title

Research Project

Type

Core

Module code

SCC123

Credits

60

Requirement

Compulsory

Aim of this module

The overall aim of this module, building on the Research Methods module, is for the trainee to undertake a research project that shows originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in a specialism of healthcare science. The research project may span scientific or clinical research, translational research, operational and policy research, clinical education research, innovation, service development, service improvement or supporting professional service users to meet the expected learning outcomes. Research projects should be designed to take into account the research training required by individual trainees and the needs of the department in which the research is to be conducted.

Learning outcomes

1. Design, plan and undertake a research project to test a hypothesis from conception to completion/archiving in accordance with ethical and research governance regulations, drawing on expert advice where necessary and involving patients and service users.
2. Analyse the data using appropriate methods and statistical techniques, and interpret, critically discuss and draw conclusions from the data.
3. Prepare a written project that describes and critically evaluates the research project, clearly identifying the strengths and weaknesses.
4. Present a summary of the research project and outcome that conforms to the format of a typical scientific presentation at a national or international scientific meeting, responding to questions appropriately.
5. Prepare a summary of the research project suitable for non-specialist and lay audiences.

Learning outcomes

1. Discuss the stages of the research and innovation process from conceptualisation to dissemination and, if appropriate, translation into practice.
2. Describe the purpose and importance of different kinds of research, including scientific or clinical research, translational research, operational and policy research, clinical education research, innovation, service development, service improvement and supporting professional service users, and relate these to the roles undertaken by Clinical Scientists in the trainee’s specialism.
3. Discuss and evaluate the use of reference manager systems.
4. Justify the rationale for research governance and ethical frameworks when undertaking research or innovation in the NHS.
5. Describe the process and requirements for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and the current system of grading research publications.

Indicative content

• Critical evaluation of the literature/evidence base
• Reference management
• Identification of a research question
• Research ethics and regulatory requirements, including issues related to access and use of information
• Data protection and confidentiality guidelines
• Patient safety
• Patient consent
• Sources of funding/grants
• Peer review/expert advice
• Possible risks and balancing risk vs benefit
• Project management techniques and tools
• Roles and responsibilities of those involved in the research
• Monitoring and reporting
• Data analysis
• Data interpretation
• Criteria/metric for assessing and grading research data and publications in the scientific, NHS and HE sectors
• Range of formats and modes of presentation of data
• Requirements for publications submitted to scientific, education and similar journals
• Current conventions with respect to bibliography and referencing of information