Computer generated transcript

Warning!
The following transcript was generated automatically from the content and has not been checked or corrected manually.

Introduction to Research Panagiotis Kapsampelis MD MSc Introduction Why research is important Formulating a research question Searching the literature Outline Study types Planning Data collection and analysis Communicating research findings Q&A Session 2Why research is importantImportance of research • improved patient care • better outcomes • advancing knowledgeBenefits • Good for CV/Portfolio • not the goal • do it for the right reasons – not because you have to • you learn more about your interests, depending on the stage • transferable skills in work + life • makes you a better clinician Formulating a research question + Searching the literature7Idea Clinical Research question questionPICO framework PICO Example In patients with acute cholecystitis, • P: Population does early cholecystectomy, • I: Intervention (or exposure) compared to delayed cholecystectomy, • C: Comparator/Control reduce CBD injury rates? • O: Outcome ± T: Timing ± S: Setting 9Common pitfalls to avoid • Too broad or too narrow • Not feasible • Not relevantWhy the literature search is important? • avoid duplication of efforts • identify and evaluate relevant studies • build on existing knowledge • Provides a foundation for the study design and methodology Types of literature search studies where literature literature search to inform idea/study design search is the data collection method • Systematic reviews ± meta-analysis • Scoping reviews • Overviews of reviews • Narrative reviews 12Search strategy • selecting appropriate databases/registries • Google is NOT a research database • use controlled vocabulary (e.g. MeSH) and keywords • combine with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) • utilise search strategies from previous papers (especially SR) • get help from a librarian/information specialistTips and tricks • document your ideas • there is always someone who already had the same idea • develop search skills – learn how to find information • Read, Read, Read • keep a well-organised library of papersStudy typesDifferent types of research designs • Clinical vs Translational vs Basic • Primary research vs. Secondary research • Quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods • Prospective vs. retrospective vs. cross-sectional • Interventional vs ObservationalPyramid of evidence 17 The proposed new evidence-based medicine pyramid. M Hassan Murad et al. Evid Based Med 2016;21:125-127Important points • Each study type has its place • Learn the pros and cons of each design • Find the most appropriate study design for your idea • Conduct according to appropriate guideline/standardPlanningTips, tricks and pitfalls • PLAN PLAN PLAN • the more you invest in planning, the less time you lose after (fixing mistakes/omissions) • create a protocol • conduct according to appropriate guideline/standard • find a good study….and imitate it (not steal it)Teamwork • it’s a team sport, not a one-man band • everyone must contribute • meetings — all team members involved • task & project management (skills, software) • instant communication for troubleshooting • discuss authorship order as soon as possibleData collection & analysisData collection • depends on the study design • regardless of study type, data collection forms must be clear and detailed • can be tedious but you learn a lot • data quality matters: junk in – junk out • “trial runs” before collecting whole datasetData analysis • learn some basic statistics, have working knowledge • grasp the concept of data types • categorical, dichotomous, continuous, time-to-event • if possible, learn to use statistical software, or basic coding (e.g. R) • involve a statistician early “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” by Mark Twain 2627 Communicating research findingsMark your calendarsImportant points • Study ≠ Paper • paper = report of a study • skill, not a talent – practice makes perfect • clear and concise language • “It’s good, submit it (no corrections)” NO • Use the appropriate Reporting Guidelines A R a e p o g u i rtn de g G h ow u d to e ln co n e is d uc N O ta T stu d y. 31Submission • journal selection: find the most appropriate for your paper • don’t start by aiming for NEJM or the Lancet • pre-submission enquiries • journal with a solid peer-review process • watch out for predatory journalsOther means of communicating research • Oral presentations • Poster presentations • Video presentations (may be presented as oral) • Use Social Media • however, don’t become a poserTake home messages• It’s a process, takes time • Start small • Read, then read, and then read some more • It’s a team sport, not a one-man band • Plan • Quality over quantityQuestions?Thank you!