Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis The subject aims to (1) develop an understanding of basic epidemiological principles and statistical tools used in analysis of data; and (2) develop and enhance skills in critical appraisal of research papers; development of research ideas into specific research protocols with funding proposals; research methodologies appropriate to general practice; and writing papers for publication or presentation. The following topics outline the content of this subject: history of epidemiology, population based research, study design, data collection, data analysis (univariate, bivariate, multivariate), significance, testing (chi-square, t-tests, p-values, confidence intervals); concepts of scientific research: quantitative vs qualitative; scope of general practice research (including problem focused/disease focused research); survey design and other research methods; attitudinal research; outcomes-oriented research; critical appraisal of research papers; developing a research protocol and writing grant proposals; the logistics of research in general practice (including recording instruments, use of computers and managing projects); writing papers and giving presentations.
Assessment Critical appraisal of a published research paper + Development of a research protocol + Development of a written questionnaire which will be used as the instrument for carrying out a small survey in the student's practice + Conducting a piece of qualitative research using a focus group environment