Guidelines for Conducting Research
The Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research conducts and promotes population and clinical research studies with emphasis on cancer, cardiovascular, trauma and medicine.
• Study Design
• Data Collection and Management
• Data Analysis
• Data Interpretation
• Promotion of Research
• Dissemination of Research
STUDY DESIGN
• Define the problem; what is your research question?
• Initiate literature review
• Construct specific hypothesis to be examined during the actual research
• Identify variables and data sources
• Analytical methods
DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT
• Survey Instruments: Staff designs questionnaires to assist with specific research data collection
• Medical Record Abstraction: Staff trained in medical record abstraction identify, collect and interpret specified data by reviewing documents in the medical record, including physician notes, health histories, operative notes, pathology reports, lab reports, discharge summaries, consults and inpatient stays. Electronic Medical Records
• Corporate databases: SAGENT and Tumor Registry are used to identify populations and meet defined research specifications.
• Data Entry: Staff members are responsible for the input of data into computerized files using Teleform Software. The Internet is also becoming an important part of collecting statewide data for several research projects.
DATA ANALYSIS
During the proposal phase, staff can assist with identification of statistical tests to use that are appropriate to the hypothesis and the type of data being collected for the study. After data are collected staff can assist with data analysis.
DATA INTERPRETATION
Staff collaborates with the investigator to discuss results and provide feedback.
PROMOTION OF RESEARCH
• Quality Improvement Process
• Conversations with groups and individual investigators
• Presentations
• Further investigator partnershipsDISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH• Staff members provide expertise in abstract and manuscript development
• Manuscript review and editing
• Power point presentation preparation and editing
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Research Review & Administration 
