Applying Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals in practice: case studies

This week’s topics

Applying Research Methods for Healthcare Professionals in practice: case studies

1. Case analysis
2. Linking theory to practice
3. Evaluating evidence
4. Types of Case Study. Part 1 of 3 on Case Studies

What you will be able to do

• 1.1 Justify the contribution of research to health and social care provision.
• 2.1 Critically evaluate a range of research philosophies.
• 3.1 Justify the elements of a research proposal.
• 3.3 Analyse the ethical aspects of research.
• 4.2 Analyse data using appropriate approaches.
• 5.1 Analyse the relationship between research and evidence based practice.
• 5.2 Evaluate an existing piece of research relevant to health and social care.
• 5.3 Analyse the contribution of research and evidence based practice to decision making.

Activity

Start with this week’s video, then: Case-study workshop: apply the unit’s concepts to a real or realistic case and evaluate the outcome.

Study materials

Videos

• Types of Case Study. Part 1 of 3 on Case Studies · YouTube · Graham R Gibbs · 19 min · for registered students
• What do we mean by evidence-based practice? | UK Trauma Council · YouTube · Anna Freud · 6 min · for registered students
• Carolyn Clancy: Evidence-based decision making in health care · YouTube · Nuffield Trust · 8 min · for registered students
• Making evidence-based decisions: context and opportunities · YouTube · The Health Foundation · 54 min · for registered students

Further resources

• Five Misunderstandings About Case-Study Research · Reading · Arxiv, article · for registered students
• The Magenta Book: Central Government guidance on evaluation (HM Treasury, 2026 update) · PDF · GOV.UK, guidance; 160 pages · for registered students
• Magenta Book Annex A: analytical methods for use within an evaluation (HM Treasury) · PDF · GOV.UK, guidance; 60 pages · for registered students