Module Catalogue 2024/25

HSC8054 : Evaluative Methods in Health Services Research (Inactive)

HSC8054 : Evaluative Methods in Health Services Research (Inactive)

  • Inactive for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Andrew Kingston
  • Lecturer: Dr Marie Poole, Dr Katherine Jackson, Professor James Wason
  • Owning School: Population Health Sciences
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 5.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Code Title
HSC8001Fundamentals of Research
Pre Requisite Comment

Take following Fundamentals of Research OR have existing knowledge/experience of quantitative research

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

Health Statistics OR existing knowledge/experience of medical statistics, including principles of hypothesis testing.

Aims

To provide a detailed understanding of quantitative and mixed methods used in health services evaluation, specifically. survey methods, randomized controlled trials and mixed method process evaluations alongside trials. The focus will be on research design, data collection and data interpretation rather than analysis. Statistical formulae and methods are kept to a minimum.

Outline Of Syllabus

Selecting data collection methods; Survey sampling strategies; Designing questionnaires; Survey conduct; Data coding and recording; Pilot and feasibility studies; Experimental and quasi-experimental studies; Trial design (to include pilot and feasibility trials); Critical appraisal of randomized controlled trials; Mixed methods for process evaluations alongside trials.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:
•       Identify threats to validity and reliability in the collection of survey data and in quasi-experimental and experimental studies, and methods of reducing these threats
•       Describe what is meant by ‘process evaluation’ and why it may be desirable to carry out such an evaluation before, after or during a trial

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:
•       Design a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a health service intervention
•       Design a process evaluation to be carried out in the context of a trial
•       Design a survey to describe or evaluate an aspect of a health service or health service intervention
•       Critically appraise published papers on surveys, RCTs and process evaluations

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Structured Guided LearningLecture materials20:301:00Non-synchronous Online: Module overview and session on assignment completion
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion201:0020:00Preparation of summative assignment
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading301:0030:00Preparation and post-session work for small group teaching
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching115:0015:00PIP: Interactive seminars, groupwork & practical activities. Multiple sessions (12) of varied length
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study341:0034:00Perusal of course materials and recommended essential reading. Participation in online discussions
Total100:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Interactive seminars will give the students a basic understanding of concepts and enable them to explore these in more detail via their own private study. The content of the seminars will focus on quantitative and mixed methods used in evaluative health and health services research. There will be extensive small group work and discussion opportunities, for students to consider and put into practice the ideas and techniques presented to them.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Case study2M1002500 words. Series of short answer questions based on a real study. Assessment will address all areas of the course.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The take home assignment will assess students’ knowledge, understanding and interpretation of quantitative and mixed methods in health services evaluation. It will comprise a series of short questions on a published evaluative study. These questions will address knowledge and skills objectives listed above. The assignment will require students to demonstrate and integrate learning across the range of topics covered in this module and to show skills of critical thinking.

Formative practice; Students will be given the opportunity to submit a practice assessment on one of the three elements covered by summative assessment (clinical trials; survey methods; qualitative process evaluation alongside trials) and receive feedback thereon.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.