Research - Overview

Clinical research plays a key role in shaping the future of patient care. It involves exploring questions where the answer isn’t yet known, using structured methods to generate new insights that can inform policy or practice.

Make sure you check out the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator Scheme…this is a free 6-month training scheme to develop your research skills and hopefully publish a paper.

  • A strong research question is focused, relevant, and answerable. It often arises from gaps in existing knowledge or from unresolved clinical dilemmas. Tools like the PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) can help structure your question clearly.

  • There are several broad categories of clinical research:

    • Observational studies
      These examine outcomes without introducing an intervention. Examples include cohort studies (prospective), case-control studies (retrospective), and cross-sectional surveys.

    • Interventional studies
      These involve testing a treatment or approach, such as in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or feasibility studies.

    • Qualitative research
      Focused on understanding patient or staff experiences, often through interviews or focus groups. Analysis explores themes rather than numerical trends.

    • Mixed-methods research
      Combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive view of a research question.

  • The protocol outlines your study design, objectives, methodology, sample size, outcome measures, and analysis plan. It should also address ethical issues, data handling, and plans for dissemination.

  • Before starting, determine whether ethical and governance approvals are needed. Most research involving patients, identifiable data, or clinical interventions will require:

    • NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC) approval

    • Health Research Authority (HRA) approval

    • Local R&D registration at your hospital

    You can use the HRA decision tool to help determine what approvals are required.

  • Follow your protocol closely. Ensure data is collected and stored securely, and that confidentiality is maintained throughout. Regular monitoring and team communication will help keep the project on track.

  • Analyse your data using appropriate statistical or thematic methods. Once complete, consider presenting your findings at a clinical meeting or submitting them for conference presentation or publication.

Overview of process…

  • Link:https://learn.nihr.ac.uk

    What it is:

    A nationally recognised free 6-month training scheme where junior doctors work closely with the local PI on an NIHR portfolio study. You:

    • Gain experience in study recruitment, consent, documentation, and protocol delivery

    • Get formally recognised by NIHR

    • May get a certificate or acknowledgement in publications

    How it's relevant to audit/research:

    • Demonstrates commitment to research leadership

    • Provides a structured, mentored research experience during clinical work, perfect for Foundation trainees

    • Can be written up as a reflection, an achievement, or even evidence of ongoing academic development in your ARCP or application forms

  • Helps you determine whether a project is considered research and what approvals are needed.
    Link: http://www.hra-decisiontools.org.uk/research

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