A practical introduction to epidemiology, biostatistics, and research methodology for the whole health care community This comprehensive text, which has been extensively revised with new material and additional topics, utilizes a practical slant to introduce health professionals and students to epidemiology, biostatistics, and research methodology. It draws examples from a wide range of topics, covering all of the main contemporary health research methods, including survival analysis, Cox regression, and systematic reviews and meta-analysis—the explanation of which go beyond introductory concepts. This second edition of Quantitative Methods for Health Research: A Practical Interactive Guide to Epidemiology and Statistics also helps develop critical skills that will prepare students to move on to more advanced and specialized methods. A clear distinction is made between knowledge and concepts that all students should ensure they understand, and those that can be pursued further by those who wish to do so. Self-assessment exercises throughout the text help students explore and reflect on their understanding. A program of practical exercises in SPSS (using a prepared data set) helps to consolidate the theory and develop skills and confidence in data handling, analysis, and interpretation. Highlights of the book include: Combining epidemiology and bio-statistics to demonstrate the relevance and strength of statistical methods Emphasis on the interpretation of statistics using examples from a variety of public health and health care situations to stress relevance and application Use of concepts related to examples of published research to show the application of methods and balance between ideals and the realities of research in practice Integration of practical data analysis exercises to develop skills and confidence Supplementation by a student companion website which provides guidance on data handling in SPSS and study data sets as referred to in the text Quantitative Methods for Health Research, Second Edition is a practical learning resource for students, practitioners and researchers in public health, health care and related disciplines, providing both a course book and a useful introductory reference.

This book is a detailed and comprehensive guide to undertaking quantitative health research at postgraduate and professional level. It takes you through the entire research process, from designing the project to presenting the results and will help you execute high quality quantitative research that improves and informs clinical practice. Written by a team of research experts, this book covers common practical problems such as applying theory to research and analysing data. It also includes chapters on communicating with ethics committees, recruiting samples from vulnerable populations, audit as a research approach, quasi-experimental designs and using cognitive interviewing, making it a new and innovative offering for health researchers. Other topics covered in this book include: Ethical considerations of research Designing and planning quantitative research projects Data measurement and collection Analyzing and presenting resultsWith a strong practical focus, each chapter features examples of real-life research to illustrate the quantitative research process, as well as tips and insights into research planning and execution. This book is an essential guide for all health care professionals undertaking a postgraduate degree, as well as health researchers and practitioners who need to carry out research as part of their professional role. Contributors: Ruth Belling, Michelle Butler, Catherine Comiskey, Siobhan Corrigan, Gloria Crispino, Orla Dempsey, Suzanne Guerin, Maree Johnson, Carmel Kelly, Elaine Lehane, Maria Lohan, Susan McLaren, Deirdre Mongan, Corina Naughton, Rhona O'Connell, Elaine Pierce, Gary Rolfe, Eileen Savage, Anne Scott, Emma Stokes, Roger Watson "“Learning quantitative research is taken much for granted. This is probably why there are fewer generic books on quantitative than qualitative research. This book is long overdue. Clearly- written and well structured, it takes us through the whole journey of a research project from developing 'research questions' to 'presenting the findings', passing through philosophical underpinnings, recruitment of participants and ethical considerations. Written by an array of well-known researchers and teachers, this book will certainly appeal to new as well as seasoned researchers. Those who will use it, will not be disappointed." Kader Parahoo, University of Ulster "The title of this text is somewhat misleading. It is not only an excellent and thorough guide to qualitative health research methods; it is also an excellent introduction to all forms of qualitative research. It takes the reader gently through theoretical and ethical concerns to the practicalities and benefits of utilising qualitative approaches. As such it is that rare thing; a text that can be used by novice researchers to learn their craft, and a key reference resource for experienced research practitioners." Dr. John Cullen, School of Business, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, UK "This is a first-rate collection of essays that promotes an informed understanding of both underpinning principles and widely used techniques. A great deal of effort has clearly been invested in co-ordinating the contributions, and this has delivered clarity, complementarity and effective coverage. This is a welcome, carefully-crafted and very accessible resource that will appeal to students and researchers in healthcare and beyond." Martin Beirne, Professor of Management and Organizational Behaviour, University of Glasgow, Adam Smith Business School, UK

For research to be effective, it is essential that every aspect of the study is well planned. Health Science Research has been written to help researchers from all disciplines conduct their studies with this kind of integrity. Each chapter covers a specific area fo conducting a study, including: - formulating the research question - preparing a grant application - subject recruitment - data collection and analysis - interpreting the results of the study This informative text is designed to be a user friendly research, reference and study tool. It has been organised into eight chapters, each of which covers a specific area of conducting a research study. This book will be of particular value to scientists, research assistants, qualified or trainee physicians, nurses and allied health workers. The book will also be an essential companion for students in all disciplines who want to learn more about how to do good research.

As health care organization leaders use data more consistently in decision making, it is important they understand the quantitative methods that help convert data to information. Quantitative Methods in Health Care Management provides important insights into the various quantitative methods, detailing many different problems and their solutions. It contains numerous helpful exhibits and graphics that explain and demonstrate the methods presented. It also provides a readable narrative for the manager who wants a high-level refresher on quantitative methods.”

′[This book] merits attention for bringing together diverse facets of mixed methods research usage in a single volume....[It] provide[s] good coverage of the subject offering the reader command over this newly emerging research approach in social science research′ - Social Research Association In this eagerly-anticipated new text, a range of internationally-renowned experts draw on their extensive experience to provide a practical and accessible guide to the wide span of methods used in health research. Researching Health covers the background to conducting health research, qualitative and quantitative methods employed in researching health, contemporary issues such as research ethics, comparative research and the use of mixed methods, and how to disseminate health research. As such, it provides the perfect package to help readers carry out their own research projects and use the research of others more effectively in their work. Key features: - comprehensive coverage of the range of methods available - brings readers fully up-to-date on topical issues and research - packed with pedagogical features including: case studies, health-related exercises, chapter summaries, annotated further reading, and a full glossary - supported by an interactive companion website with an instructors′ manual and PowerPoint slides for lecturers, and datasets, links to relevant websites, online reading, and an online glossary for students. (The companion website can now be accessed from here or by clicking on the ′companion website′ logo above)

This is an excellent book, which will be of value to all those health professionals seeking to demystify the sometimes intimidating area of research. Well organised, comprehensive, and clearly written, it is indeed a 'handbook'; it has a clear, step by step approach with many practical examples. It is suitable for researchers across the range of health disciplines, and the authors are to be congratulated for what will become an important resource.Professor Frank Oberklaid, Director, Centre for Community Child HealthUniversity of Melbourne/Royal Children's HospitalThis book will clearly be a great help to young, and to some extent, experienced research workers focusing on epidemiological and clinical questions framed either in terms of the broad community or patient groups. I recommend it warmly.Professor Stephen Leeder, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of SydneyHigh quality clinical research is a cornerstone of effective health care and much good research is undertaken by clinicians. Yet many of the resources available on research methods are highly theoretical and inaccessible.Written in a user-friendly style by a team of experienced clinical researchers, Health Science Research guides readers through the fundamentals of clinical inquiry. It outlines the steps needed to plan a study, recruit and select subjects, gather and analyse data, and report on results. The authors also explain how to deal ethically with interviewees, and how to prepare a grant application.Health Science Research is an indispensable guide for anyone who needs to undertake a clinical study, including physicians, nurses, allied health workers, scientists and research assistants.Jennifer Peat is Hospital Statistician in the Clinical Epidemiology Unit at the New Children's Hospital, Westmead, and Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Sydney. Katrina Williams and Professor Craig Mellis are from the same Hospital and Department, and Wei Xuan is from the Department of Medicine, University of Sydney.

The subject of this book is health research methods in general, including literature review medthods and qualitative and quantitative methods. Illustrative examples were selected from primary care. The book helps readers to situate their research within the basic belief systems guiding human action, and learn the practical skills to critically appraise others' health research and undertake their own health research. It presents the latest knowledge on health research methods in a novel, structured manner that creatively decreases the work burden for readers by minimising the use of text as a communication medium. The book consists 80% of concise summary tables and figures which tell readers quickly what they most need to know without them having to search extensively. By necessity, the tables are clear and direct.