Health research is the process of scientifically investigating a particular well-defined aspect of physical, mental, or social well-being of individuals.

1. PHC215
By Dr. Khaled Ouanes Ph.D.
E-mail: k.ouanes@seu.edu.sa
Twitter: @khaled_ouanes
INTRODUCTION TO
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH
METHODS

2. The Purpose and Process
of Health Research

3. Health research is
the process of scientifically
investigating
a particular well-defined aspect of
physical, mental, or social well-
being of individuals.

4. So, Research is an organized and
systematic way to find answers to
questions through a well defined
creative process.

5. Why is research important to
medicine, health informatics
and health in general?

6. Knowledge obtained from rigorous
research is easily transformed into
clinical practice. This leads to
medical practice that is evidence-
based and more reliable.

7. EXAMPLES OF HEALTH
RESEARCH?

8. • What are the common symptoms associated with
a given disease?
• Which genes are involved in the production of
some given hormone?
• What effects has regular exercise on the
glycemic levels of old people?

9. • Is a 3-months physiotherapy program effective at
reducing the risk of muscular problems for aging
athletes?
• Which factors predict depression for teenagers?
• Etc…

10. TYPES OF HEALTH RESEARCH

11. - Laboratory studies are typically conducted
in the controlled environment of a special
research facility with strict conditions:
Biochemistry, Toxicology, Molecular biology, Microbiology,
Immunology, Genetics.
- Population-based studies are typically
conducted using human subjects

12. Laboratory studies VS Population-based studies

13. The steps of any
population health
research project are:
All these steps are essential for an effective research
process

14. WHAT IS A GOOD RESEARCH
QUESTION?

15. CRITERIA FOR DEVELOPING A GOOD
RESEARCH QUESTION
 Feasible
 Interesting
 Novel / Original
 Ethical
 Relevant

16.  Feasible
 Subjects
 Resources (Funds, Techniques…)
 Manageable & adaptable
 Availability of collectible data
 Interesting
 Original
 In relation to previous results
& findings: Confirm or refute?
 New setting, new population,
new techniques
 Ethical
 Social and/or scientific value
 Harmless & Safe
 Relevant
 Advance in fundamental
scientific knowledge
 Positive Influence on clinical
practice
 Positive Impact on policies
 Guide forthcoming research

17. EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH
GOALS

18.  Identifying and classifying new health issues
 Synthesizing existing knowledge so that it can be
easily applied by others
 Determining risk factors for diseases

19.  Developing and testing new interventions for
preventing or treating illness
 Evaluating the impact of health policies on
health outcomes

20. RESEARCHER
BENEFITS

21.  Acquiring new skills and mastering techniques
 Satisfying personal curiosity
 Fulfilling degree or work requirements
 Becoming a published author
 Contributing to individual or population health

22. IN THE END, FEW DEFINITIONS
TO KEEP IN MIND

23. Research: the process of scientifically, thoroughly
and systematically investigating a subject in order to
learn or discover new information and knowledge.
Health: a construct that extends over all aspects of
physical, mental, and social well-being
Health researchers: Scientists who examine the
biological, socioeconomic, and environmental factors
that contribute to health and to disease, illness, disability,
and ultimately death.

24. PHC215
By Dr. Khaled Ouanes Ph.D.
E-mail: k.ouanes@seu.edu.sa
Twitter: @khaled_ouanes
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH METHODS
Based on the textbook of introduction to health research methods – K.H. Jacobsen