This module introduces the core principles of research and evidence appraisal that underpin safe, effective operating department practice. Content includes:

Quantitative and qualitative research approaches, including study designs, sampling, data collection methods and common sources of bias.

Strengths, limitations and appropriate use of different research methods to inform decision-making in operating department practice.

Ethical principles in healthcare research, including consent, confidentiality, governance frameworks, professional standards and ethical approval processes.

Digital literature searching, including research question formulation, keyword selection, Boolean operators, inclusion/exclusion criteria and database navigation.

Critical appraisal of research papers, using recognised appraisal tools to interpret study quality, trustworthiness and relevance to clinical practice.

Application of evidence-informed practice, including how operating department practitioners use research to guide assessment, intervention and service improvement.

Content aligns with HCPC expectations for evidence-based practice, critical evaluation, digital literacy and ethical conduct in research.

Assessment

Assignment
Weighting: 100%

Assesses all module learning outcomes.

Use a structured search strategy to identify a research paper and critically appraise the research article relevant to your area of clinical practice.

Learning strategies for this module will include a mixture of lectures, presentations, pre-recorded sessions and independent learning.

1. Analyse quantitative and qualitative research methods to determine their strengths, limitations and applicability in supporting evidence-based clinical decisions appropriate to Operating Department Practice.

Research Skills

2. Apply research skills to critically analyse and interpret the ethical principles underpinning healthcare research, ensuring adherence to professional and regulatory standards.

Research skills
Application& Problem Solving

3. Apply an effective digital search strategy to locate healthcare research, including formulating research questions, selecting keywords and using Boolean operators to navigate academic databases.

Research Skills
Digital Literacy

Access to VLE

Library Skills tutors

Classrooms

Creswell, J.W. (2023) Research design : qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches . 6th ed. (International student edition). Edited by J.D. Creswell. London : SAGE.

Flick, U. (2022) The Sage handbook of qualitative research design. 1st ed. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.

Im, D., Pyo, J., Lee, H., Jung, H. and Ock, M. (2023) ‘Qualitative Research in Healthcare: Data Analysis’, Journal of preventive medicine and public health, 56(2), pp. 100–110. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.22.471.

McSweeney, F. (2019) Designing and conducting research in social science, health and social care. First Edition. Edited by F. McSweeney. New York: Routledge

Polit, D. Beck, C. (2021)“Essentials of Nursing Research: Appraising Evidence for Nursing Practice, 10th Edition” ProtoView. Beaverton: Ringgold, Inc.

This module will develop your awareness of the importance of research in Allied Health. The module will give you the opportunity to explore the features that make up a research paper and the ethical considerations in relation to professional standards.