This wide-ranging text on research methods in health and social care introduces readers to different kinds of evidence and helps them to evaluate the unique contributions of each. It acknowledges the variety of contexts in which practitioners work and the challenges of putting research into practice. The book introduces readers to research of different kinds - the randomised controlled trial, the survey, qualitative research and action research - and highlights the underlying logic and value of each. It also addresses economic appraisal, and ethical issues in research. The text goes on to consider how there can be a much more active and dynamic interplay between practice and research, and using examples from health and social care shows that applying evidence is a complex process requiring the active participation of those on the receiving end.
Those who seek to develop and improve their practice will welcome this approach to evidence-based health. The text supports evidence-based practice but seeks to ensure that the interpretations and uses of it are broad, thoughtful and informed. As such, Using Evidence in Health and Social Care will be an essential text for research methods courses in health, social work and nursing. It is a textbook for the Open University course K302 Critical Practice in Health and Social Care.
Contributors vi Acknowledgements viii Introduction x Part 1 Evidence for Practice 1(128) Ways of knowing 3(23) Ann Brechin Moyra Siddell Making sense of surveys 26(20) Roger Gomm Understanding experimental design 46(19) Roger Gomm Interpreting meanings 65(21) Kelley Johnson Using action research 86(22) Elizabeth Hart Meg Bond Producing evidence ethically 108(21) Maureen A. Eby Part 2 Putting Research into Practice 129(104) Research and practice: making a difference 131(21) Gill Needham Agency information for better practice 152(19) Roger Gomm Would it work here? 171(21) Roger Gomm Should we afford it? 192(20) Roger Gomm Evidence for planning services 212(21) Roger Gomm Appendix Accessing evidence: an overview of sources of information for evidence-based practice Gill Needham 233(16) Index 249
Roger Gomm, now retired, was lecturer in health and welfare at The Open University, UK. He has long experience of ethnographic research in both the United Kingdom and internationally, and of bespoke evaluation research. He has written several books, including Social Research Methodology (second edition, Palgrave Macmillan, 2008) and Key Concepts in Social Research Methods (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009).
