An Introduction to Clinical Research

by Piers Page, William Eardley, James Carr, David Chadwick, Keith Porter

Overview

This practical book is written specifically for junior doctors by a team of highly experienced authors, as an introductory guide to clinical research. It covers all areas that a junior doctor needs to consider, including funding, study design, ethics, data analysis, disseminating findings, and furthering one's research career. It presents a balance view of clinical research and is written by authors actively involved in clinical research both at the 'coal-face' and at a more supervisory level.

Research can be a difficult process and it is essential to make sure that the project is set up in the correct way in order to get verifiable results. This easy-to-read guide is available to help junior doctors develop a good study design and present evidence of a sound academic practice, which will make obtaining funding more likely and be time-efficient. Getting started early in research and developing a solid, gradual understanding of clinical research through using this approachable book will be of huge benefit to junior doctors and their discipline.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199570072
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	01/13/2012
Series:	Success in Medicine
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Mr Piers Page is Senior House Officer in Plastic Surgery at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead. He is a military surgeon in training with a strong interest in academia. He spent time after officer training researching the outcome of mild traumatic brain injury and has subsequently authored and co-authored papers in the fields of trauma and orthopaedics and military surgery.

William Eardley is an orthopaedic SpR. He is also working towards an MSc in evidence based medicine.

Dr James Carr is a clinical psychologist working alongside Dr Piers Page on the mTBI study. His clinical training brings a valuable voice of authority in applied medical statistics and study design, both key taught elements of the DClinPsych.

Dr David Chadwick is Consultant Physician and Director of Research and Development at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.

Professor Keith Porter is Defence Professor of Traumatology and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Table of Contents

1. The literature review
2. Types of research
3. Research design
4. Writing your research proposal
5. Funding
6. Ethics
7. Data collection and research conduct issues
8. Statistics
9. Writing up research
10. Evidence based medicine
11. Taking your research career further

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Vincent F Carr, DO, MSA, FACC, FACP (Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences)
Description: Reflecting a trend in books for those beginning their careers in research, this basic book defines terms, gives a thumbnail sketch of all aspects of engaging in clinical research, and covers topics that get a lot of media attention, such as research ethics.
Purpose: The purpose is to guide young clinicians in the U.K. in how to view the evolving issues in clinical research and to emphasize that there are many aspects that new clinicians may not understand, such as funding, study design, ethics, data analysis, etc.
Audience: New clinicians in the U.K. are the intended audience, but the book clearly transcends those boundaries and is appropriate for all embarking on a journey in clinical research.
Features: The definitions of such terms as ethnography, objectivity, and validity are well done. A very practical section on "User Involvement" supports discussion with experienced researchers in a particular field to ensure the research has adequate direction and relevance. There is much on the research proposal, the abstract, the construction of the study, and peer review. The authors discuss the intricacies of publication, multiple submissions, plagiarism, and data integrity. Finally, sections cover the participants, the recruiting team, and others who work on the research.
Assessment: This is a well-written book that rises to the top of the many new research-oriented offerings currently available.

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