Medical Research, Health Care Delivery, Health Care Providers, Hospitals & Health Administration

Research Methods and Audit in General Practice

Name: Research Methods and Audit in General Practice
Author: David Armstrong, John Grace
ISBN: 9780192624543

by David Armstrong, John Grace

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Overview

Many of those working in primary care wish to conduct research in their own practice but lack the confidence and knowledge needed to set up, manage, and publish a research project. The authors of this book, who have wide experience of carrying out research in the family practice setting, have developed this book as a practical resource for research in primary care. A superbly written book, it guides all members of the primary care team through the research process from the initial idea, through project design and write-up, to final publication. It explains clearly the purpose and implementation of the clinical, epidemiological, and social research techniques that will be the most useful, and includes practical questions and exercises to ensure that the significance of each technique has been fully understood.

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

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Editorials

Donald R. Frey

This is a practical, how to manual for conducting effective research in general practice settings. It is part of the Oxford General Practice series, authored by U.K. general practitioners. The previous update was published in 1994. "The purpose is to introduce basic research principles to practicing physicians. The authors designed this work as a basic research primer, and they lay the groundwork for research development in a variety of clinical settings. Considering that most research is generated in major university settings, the promotion of clinical investigation at the community level is particularly important. "The text is written primarily for practicing general practitioners. However, students and residents who have an interest in both research and community practice will find this text helpful in developing their careers. The authors, one a community general practitioner and the other a general practice academic, bring a wealth of experience to the text. "The authors succinctly outline and reference the research process. Beginning with the basic concepts of how to ask clinical questions and continuing through study design and completion, they cover all aspects of successful research. Mathematical and statistical models, frequently a turn-off to practicing physicians, are discussed in a logical and user-friendly fashion. Tables, graphs, and illustrations are utilized to help cycle the reader into the world of research. However, a few more visual illustrations would have added to the readability of the text. "Previous editions have proven to be true research motivators for many general practitioners in Great Britain. For those American family physicians with an interestin research, this short but very effective text will make an excellent launching pad for moving many practice-generated research questions from simple or abstract thoughts to published articles.

From The Critics

Reviewer: Donald R. Frey, MD (Creighton University Medical Center)
Description: This is a practical, "how to" manual for conducting effective research in general practice settings. It is part of the Oxford General Practice series, authored by U.K. general practitioners. The previous update was published in 1994.
Purpose: The purpose is to introduce basic research principles to practicing physicians. The authors designed this work as a basic research primer, and they lay the groundwork for research development in a variety of clinical settings. Considering that most research is generated in major university settings, the promotion of clinical investigation at the community level is particularly important.
Audience: The text is written primarily for practicing general practitioners. However, students and residents who have an interest in both research and community practice will find this text helpful in developing their careers. The authors, one a community general practitioner and the other a general practice academic, bring a wealth of experience to the text.
Features: The authors succinctly outline and reference the research process. Beginning with the basic concepts of how to ask clinical questions and continuing through study design and completion, they cover all aspects of successful research. Mathematical and statistical models, frequently a turn-off to practicing physicians, are discussed in a logical and user-friendly fashion. Tables, graphs, and illustrations are utilized to help cycle the reader into the world of research. However, a few more visual illustrations would have added to the readability of the text.
Assessment: Previous editions have proven to be true "research motivators" for many general practitioners in Great Britain. For those American family physicians with an interest in research, this short but very effective text will make an excellent launching pad for moving many practice-generated research questions from simple or abstract thoughts to published articles.

3 Stars from Doody