HSC8054 : Evaluative Methods in Health Services Research
- Offered for Year: 2023/24
- Module Leader(s): Dr Andrew Kingston
- Lecturer: Dr Katherine Jackson, Professor James Wason, Dr Marie Poole
- 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 | |
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.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 2 | 0:30 | 1:00 | Non-synchronous Online: Module overview and session on assignment completion |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Preparation of summative assignment |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Preparation and post-session work for small group teaching |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 15:00 | 15:00 | PIP: Interactive seminars, groupwork & practical activities. Multiple sessions (12) of varied length |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 34 | 1:00 | 34:00 | Perusal of course materials and recommended essential reading. Participation in online discussions |
| Total | 100:00 |
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.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case study | 2 | M | 100 | 2500 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.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- HSC8054's Timetable