Cost
Delivery method
Length of module
It runs over approximately 12 weeks
Estimated hours of study
200 hours
Academic credits and level
20 credits at level 7
Entry requirements
Only available for students enrolled on the MSc in Cancer Care or MSc Advanced Clinical Practice in Cancer Care programmes.
Course availability
Register your interestCourse summary
Health services research examines how people get access to health care, how much care costs, and what happens to patients because of this care. The main goals of health services research are to identify the most effective ways to organise, manage, finance, and deliver high-quality care, reduce medical errors, and improve patient safety (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 2002).
This module will provide the knowledge and skills required to understand, interpret, critically appraise, and otherwise engage with research findings and the research process in the field of medicine/health services.
This module aims to provide critical insight into the range of research methods used to conduct high-quality research in clinical practice.
This module is in association with:
Entry Requirements
Please view the Admissions Policy before applying.
Key topics
This module will form part of the PGCert in Healthcare Research. It is also a core module for the MSc Cancer Care and MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Cancer Care programmes.
The module introduces the core concepts and models of health services research including drivers and contexts, policies, and guidelines. It will enable learners to gain knowledge about the main methods and elements of study design that are applied in healthcare following evidence-based policy and practice. It will address the theories underpinning the principles of research methodologies including, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Learners will also be introduced to the importance of patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) in healthcare research.
Other iterative topics will include data processing and management, literature reviewing methods, methods for assessing the quality of research, and research ethics. Quality Improvement (QI) methods will also be explored in this module.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module at Level 7 you should be able to demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes:
- Critically examine the key methodologies that underpin service evaluation and research in healthcare, health services and health systems
- Understand the strengths and limitations of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches to healthcare enquiry
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the process of accessing, reviewing, and interpreting evidence
- Critically understand the differences between research, service evaluation and Quality Improvement (QI) and their application in clinical practice
- Examine the role of patient and public involvement in healthcare research
Dates
On-line Iive interactive sessions on: 18, 25 September, 2, 9 and 16 October 2024
Open Book Exam: From 12 November to 14 November 2024
Only available for students enrolled on the MSc in Cancer Care or MSc Advanced Clinical Practice in Cancer Care programmes.
Assessment
Open Book Exam
Student support
Tutorials with the module leader or personal tutor are available if students require additional help with the planning and writing of their assignments. Email and telephone support are also available from the module leader/personal tutor.
The Royal Marsden School uses an online environment called Moodle which students must access during their studies to support and enhance our courses. The site provides resources and communication tools. All students will be provided with a username and password to access module specific sections as well as general learning support such as study skills and library resources. Students also have access to the David Adams Library and Electronic Resource Centre.
To get the best from the live video-conferencing sessions and enable you to participate fully you should have access to a computer or laptop with a camera and microphone. If you have any concerns or need help, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Related pathways
This stand-alone module also forms part of these pathways: