Are you new to research and daunted by the idea of constructing your own research proposal? Then this is the book you need!This book and accompanying web resource will answer all your questions about healthcare research by introducing you to the concepts, theories and practicalities surrounding it. The aim of both the book and the web resource is to help you to write a good healthcare research proposal - which is the starting point for any would-be student researcher.The book takes a look at the theory of research, the core of the topic, but also provides practical help and advice along the way. It takes the reader through the stages of the research process from developing the question to communicating the findings, demystifying the process on the way. The web resource works alongside the book, supplementing and expanding on the chapters, giving you the ability to prepare your very own research proposal.* Explains key concepts in a clear, easy to understand way* Includes activities and scenarios for you to work through which will also increase your understanding of research and research proposals* Easily navigable web resource (researchproposalsforhealthprofessionals.com)* Both book and website are arranged in the same order in which you would develop and write a research proposal* Website includes downloadable research proposal template to complete step-by-step as you work through the book and web resource

Preface.Introduction.What is research?Being a researcher.Who's who in the world of healthcare research?The importance of research to healthcare.How to use this book and the accompanying web program.The web program.Summary.1 Research and Allied Concepts.Introduction.What is research?What is clinical audit?Service evaluation.Issues to consider when undertaking research, audit and serviceevaluation.Evidence-based practice.Clinical effectiveness.Summary.2 Philosophical Assumptions.Introduction.Philosophical assumptions of qualitative research.Some major characteristics of qualitative research.Philosophical assumptions of quantitative research.Some major characteristics of quantitative research.Using mixed methods in research.Summary.3 The Research Proposal: Developing the ResearchQuestion.Introduction.Developing the research question.Questions arising from the patient's condition.Finding the answers to your questions.Types of research questions.Clarifi cation of the research question.Summary.4 The Research Proposal: Searching and Reviewing theLiterature.Introduction.Steps in searching the literature.How to undertake a literature search.Hierarchy of evidence.Reviewing the literature.Scenario.Summary.5 The Research Proposal: Research Design.Introduction.The focus of a research study.Research paradigms.Samples.Quantitative research.Qualitative research.Summary.6 The Research Proposal: Ethics in Research.Introduction.Introduction to ethics.Research governance.Summary.7 The Research Proposal: Selecting Participants.Introduction.What is a sample?Why use a sample?Probability and non-probability.Types of probability sample.Types of non-probability sample.The size of samples.Eligibility criteria.Summary.8 The Research Proposal: Collecting Data.Introduction.Collecting data.Quantitative research - data collection.Qualitative research - data collection.Summary.9 The Research Proposal: Analysing Data.Introduction.Quantitative data analysis.Data analysis.Statistical tests.Qualitative data analysis.Summary.10 The Research Proposal: Communicating ResearchFindings.Introduction.Writing a research report.Writing for publication.Issues associated with healthcare professionals andpublication.Presenting at conferences.Summary.11 The Research Proposal: Current Research Issues inHealthcare.Introduction.Ethics.Funding issues.Vested interests regarding the process and the reporting ofresearch.The politicisation of research.The implementation of research fi ndings.Problem-solving.Summary.Index.