This document provides guidance on conducting clinical research. It discusses that good clinical research must answer an unresolved research question and solve the problem or question. Additionally, it should have a good presentation and style, demonstrate adequate knowledge of the literature, and use good research techniques and methods. The document emphasizes the importance of being motivated to conduct clinical research and provides tips for various stages of the research process, including defining the problem, conducting a literature review, collaborating with others, tracking progress, managing time, and writing up the research findings. It stresses that clinical research should contribute new knowledge and offer original insights.

1. Research in Healthcare
Vaikunthan Rajaratnam
Hand Surgeon, Medical Educator & Instructional Designer
vaikunthan@gmail.com

2. What clinical
research is all about
original contribution to
knowledge
Must have two important things:
• a worthy research problem/question
(not been previously answered)
• you have solved the problem/question

3. Qualities of a
good clinical
research
• good presentation and style
• show adequate knowledge and discussion
of the literature
• exhibits proficiency in the method
• shows good techniques of research

4. • Why are you doing this?
• Be highly motivated and
driven to succeed at clinical
research - can be cultivated
and learned.
Stay motivated
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5. • Begin with a question and read the existing literature
• Speak to people
• Develop pre-theories and hypotheses
• Structure for the process of research – begin with the end
(This paper has shown that ….. has better …… than …… in our study)
Home Page - Academic Phrasebank (manchester.ac.uk)
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6. Define the Problem
1. The critical step
a. what is it you are trying to do?
b. the research question
2. your research is your experiment
a. your DEPENDENT variable
b. What are you are interested in?
c. focus of your research intentions
3. Identify your perspective
a. what is your point of view?
1) attempting to solve a problem or explain it?
(intentions are NOT synonymous)

7. Centering on your
literature review
• Exploring and understanding of current
knowledge in the area.
• Literature review - the beginning of research.
• Think of your own research’s implication for
the body of knowledge
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8. Framework of a
literature review
• Tell what the research says (theory)
• Tell how the research was carried out
(methodology)
• Tell what is missing, i.e. the gap that
your research intends to fill.
Source:
https://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/co
ntent/2_assessmenttasks/assess_tuts/li
t_review_LL/purpose.html
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9. Network and collaborate  Ask for advice and mentorship
 Offer advice and mentor
 Get to know others outside
your institution – through
conferences, Researchgate,
etc.
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11. From the beginning to the end, you will need …

12. Good advice
• Be motivated
• Project management
• Time Management
• Network /collaborate with
others
• Set yourself high standards
• Produce the best quality
work
• Have the right attitude
• Handle ups and downs
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13. Track your
progress
Maintain a
Research Journal -
Evernote
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These recordings
will help you track
your progress.
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Use project
management –
Gannt Chart
3
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15. Use your time wisely
• Multi-task activities.
• Prioritize
• Assign deadlines
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16. Tips
• to do lists
• time at the start or end of the day

17. Writing it up
Essentially, effective titles:
• identify the article’s main issue
• begin with the article’s subject matter
• are accurate, unambiguous, specific and (when possible) complete
• are as short as possible
• are enticing and interesting; they make people want to read further

18. Ensure your
paper
 contribution to new knowledge
 demonstrates originality
 new understanding, theories, techniques
 shows more critical analysis

19. Enjoy yourself in your journey
Postgraduate Medical Journal 2017;93:121-126

20. Get Started
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