This accessible and clearly structured book, written by experienced researchers and practitioners, provides a one-stop introduction to the most common qualitative, quantitative and desk-based research designs and methods in health and social care.
A basic understanding of research methods is essential for the successful completion of any essay, project or dissertation in health, social or early years care. This work explains all the key issues and techniques that will be of particular use to students undertaking a research project. The book covers the key areas of research methodology, the literature search, ethics, validity, reliability and referencing. It also provides detailed guidance on planning, conducting and presenting your project.
This is the first textbook to show how research using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods relates to improving health and social care practice. The book shows how different research approaches are undertaken in practice and the challenges and strengths of different methodologies, thus facilitating students to make informed decisions when choosing which to use in their own research projects. The eleven chapters are each structured around different research methods and include: A brief overview of the research and research question Identification and overview of the research approach and associated methods selected to answer this question The sample and recruitment, including issues and challenges Ethical concerns Practical issues in undertaking the research approach Links between the research process and findings to health and social care values Links to the full research study Further reading The book will be a required reading for all students of social work; social care; nursing; public health and health studies and particularly suitable for those on widening participation courses.
“An essential and comprehensive guide for students and researchers in a range of health care disciplines investigating health services, health care and well-being.” Professor Robert J. Edelmann, Emeritus Professor of Clinical and Forensic Psychology, University of Roehampton, UK “An invaluable resource for students, researchers and practitioners from all health backgrounds and disciplines, who are involved in research to produce a robust evidence-base to inform the development, provision, delivery and evaluation of healthcare services.” Felicity Smith, Professor Emeritus of Pharmacy Practice, UCL School of Pharmacy, UK “The fifth edition of ‘Research Methods in Health’ continues to provide an excellent broad based introduction to the subject.” Virginia Berridge, Professor of History and Health Policy, Centre for History in Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK This bestselling book provides an accessible introduction to the concepts and practicalities of multi-disciplinary research methods in health and health services. The new edition has updated and expanded coverage of: •International examples, terms and approaches •Epidemiology and methods of tracing epidemics •Aging population demography and bio-demography •Evaluation and assessment of health services •Health services research and audit, including data generation •Methods of evaluating patients’ perspectives •Measuring quality of life outcomes •Health economics methods and applications •Quantitative and qualitative research Core processes and methodologies such as social research, mixed methods, literature reviewing and critical appraisal, secondary data analysis and evidence-based practice will be covered in detail. The book also looks at the following key areas of health research: •Health needs •Morbidity and mortality trends and rates •Costing health services •Sampling for survey research •Cross-sectional and longitudinal survey design •Experimental methods and techniques of group assignment •Questionnaire design •Interviewing techniques •Coding and analysis of quantitative data •Methods and analysis of qualitative observational studies •Unstructured interviewing The book is grounded in the author's career as a researcher on health and health service issues, and the valuable experience this has provided in meeting the challenges of research on people and organisations in real life settings. Research Methods in Health, Fifth Edition is an essential companion for students and researchers of health and health services at all levels, health clinicians and policy-makers with responsibility for applying research findings and judging the soundness of research. Ann Bowling is a sociologist, specialising in research on ageing, research methods, quality of life, public and social health. She was Professor of Health Sciences at the University of Southampton, UK (2012–17), where she is now Visiting Professor. Ann was awarded the Highly Commended book prize for the 4th edition of Research Methods in Health at the 2015 BMA Medical Book Awards.
This comprehensive text introduces health and social care theory and practice for students studying at foundation degree level, including those on nursing associate and assistant practitioner pathways. Keeping themes of professionalism and patient-centred care at its core, this text equips readers to deliver effective, safe and responsive care in a wide range of settings. It anticipates future directions for practice and provides readers with skills they will need throughout their careers. Divided into four parts, it explores the foundations of academic study, becoming and being a professional, working with patients and service users and improving services and improving health. Clearly presented and reader-friendly, this textbook is an essential companion for all health and social care students.
Today's students of social science must understand a variety of research methods. This new edition fully explores the logic of research, whilst aiding a critical understanding of practical, evidence based work. With new chapters, an original framework and updated examples, this book continues to be a primary resource for undergraduates.
Offering in-depth information for modules on research methods for all Early Years and Care course, this title covers: methods and types of research; evaluating and analyzing data; implementing and recording results; and writing reports. It features topical case studies and activities reinforce learning.
Reflect on how best practice can be managed in care settings, develop your leadership skills and achieve your career goals with this new edition of Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care. This new edition of Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care has been fully updated to reflect the changes to the structure of the qualification. Covering all of the mandatory units in an easy-to-follow and thorough manner, this book is perfect for anyone looking to progress in their management career and for existing care setting managers as an invaluable reference guide. -Covers all the information in the qualification thoroughly and in an easy to follow manner with a new and updated design. -Updated to match the Level 5 qualification's integration into the higher apprenticeship programme including the new 'undertake a research project' unit. -Encourage learners to think more about the theory aspect of the qualification and how it is applied in the workplace with 'In Practice' features. -Explore and understand the different methods of assessment and how to prepare using relevant activities.