Healthcare Research Methods

Research methods and statistics are foundational concepts for evidence-based practice (EBP). This chapter was written with the expectation that you have taken courses at the undergraduate level that address both research methods and statistics. We recommend that you have books related to these topics nearby as you read this chapter. Furthermore, we recommend having references regarding statistics and research on your bookshelf throughout your career. We have found two types of books to be particularly useful with this subject matter: a dictionary of statistics/research terminology and a dictionary of epidemiology. Different degree programs offer varying amounts of instruction on these topics. We have written this text with the assumption that you are taking a course in EBP early in your health professional degree program. If you have had multiple courses in research and statistics, you might be familiar with much of the material in this chapter. Another piece of advice we have for you is to know people who specialize in research and statistics. It will help you in your professional program and in your career if you know people who have specialized knowledge in these fields. Just as you work with a team of healthcare providers from different disciplines, we recommend that your teams include people with these backgrounds. You might find a classmate or colleague who has worked as a research assistant. Your college, university, or hospital most likely has an office of research. There might even be tutors on your campus who can help you grapple with any concepts you encounter that are new or unfamiliar. We encourage you to identify the resources and people available to you wherever you go as a student and as a clinician. Research and statistics tend to be areas in which practitioners and students feel hesitant. This is understandable. Each of these domains has numerous degrees and specialties. Full proficiency in these subjects requires advanced education; it would be unrealistic to ask every healthcare provider to also achieve an advanced degree in statistics and