Foundations of Clinical Research: Applications to Evidence-Based Practice 4th Edition

Become a successful evidence-based practitionerHow do you evaluate the evidence? Is the information accurate, relevant and meaningful for clinical decision making? Did the design fit the research questions and was the analysis and interpretation of data appropriate?Here are all the materials you need to take your first steps as evidence-based practitioners…how to use the design, data and analysis of research as the foundation for effective clinical decision making. You’ll find support every step of the way as you progress from the foundations of clinical research and concepts of measurement through the processes of designing studies and analyzing data to writing their own research proposal.Five Stars. “Best book I have read explaining research. Not too complicated – but very thorough.”—Amazon ReviewerSimply the best. “This is such a valuable resource. Bought it for the DPT program I am enrolled in. I will keep it as an excellent resource. So well written.”—Amazon Reviewer… this is a great book.“ It explains concepts so well! Our professor changed to this book the next year. All the OTs and PTs in my PhD program have bought this book. This is in my keep forever collection. Everyone in my department has the book and only loans it out with strict instructions for its return.”—Kelly A., Amazon Reviewer.

Overview:

Foundations of Clinical Research, 4th Edition provides comprehensive guidance on the principles and processes essential for becoming a successful evidence-based practitioner. This text is designed to help students and professionals in healthcare evaluate evidence critically and apply it effectively to clinical decision-making. The book covers everything from the basics of clinical research and measurement concepts to designing studies, analyzing data, and crafting research proposals.

Whether you’re a novice researcher or an experienced practitioner, this edition offers invaluable insights into ethical issues, the role of theory, literature searching, and the nuances of different research designs. The text is well-regarded for its clear explanations, practical examples, and relevance to real-world clinical practice, making it a must-have resource for those engaged in evidence-based healthcare.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Provides a thorough introduction to the foundations of clinical research, including frameworks for generating evidence, understanding measurement reliability and validity, and the principles of various research designs.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice in clinical decision-making, with dedicated chapters on ethical issues, literature searching, and the role of theory.
• Practical Guidance: Includes detailed instructions on designing clinical research studies, from choosing samples to writing research proposals.
• Data Analysis: Offers in-depth coverage of statistical methods used in clinical research, including t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and more.
• User-Friendly: Designed with the student and practitioner in mind, the book features clear explanations, practical examples, and step-by-step guidance for implementing research in a clinical setting.

Table of Contents:

• Part I: Foundations of Clinical Research
  • Frameworks for Generating and Applying Evidence
  • On the Road to Translational Research
  • Defining the Research Question
  • The Role of Theory in Research and Practice
  • Understanding Evidence-Based Practice
  • Searching the Literature
  • Ethical Issues in Clinical Research
• Part II: Concepts of Measurement
  • Principles of Measurement
  • Concepts of Measurement Reliability
  • Concepts of Measurement Validity
  • Designing Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Understanding Health Measurement Scales
• Part III: Designing Clinical Research
  • Choosing a Sample
  • Principles of Clinical Trials
  • Design Validity
  • Experimental Designs
  • Quasi-Experimental Designs
  • Single-Subject Designs
  • Exploratory Research: Observational Designs
  • Descriptive Research
  • Qualitative Research
• Part IV: Analyzing Data
  • Descriptive Statistics
  • Foundations of Statistical Inference
  • Comparing Two Means: The t-test
  • Comparing More Than Two Means: Analysis of Variance
  • Multiple Comparison Tests
  • Nonparametric Tests for Group Comparisons
  • Measuring Association for Categorical Variables: Chi-Square
  • Correlation
  • Regression
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Measurement Revisited: Reliability and Validity Statistics
  • Diagnostic and Screening Procedures
  • Epidemiology: Measuring Risk
• Part V: Putting It All Together
  • Writing a Research Proposal
  • Critical Appraisal: Evaluating Research Reports
  • Synthesizing Literature: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
  • Disseminating Research
• Appendices:
  • Statistical Tables
  • Relating the Research Question to the Choice of Statistical Test
  • Data Management
  • Glossary
  • Index