HAR404: Innovative Designs for Research Impact (online)

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Overview

The Innovative Designs for Research Impact module is led by Steve Ariss. It runs in the Spring semester and is worth 15 credits.

It is one of the modules on:

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Objectives

This module will ensure that clinical research practitioners are aware of innovative study designs. This will include consideration of project management, patient recruitment and retention, and delivery of the project. We will use real-world case studies from the National Institute for Health Research  to discuss novel designs (e.g. multi-arm, adaptive, stepped-wedge trials and complex, mixed-methods studies) and how these might change approach to delivery.

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Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to

• describe commonly used research designs
• recognise strengths and limitations of commonly used designs
• explain the benefits of innovative designs
• identify potential challenges or considerations when using a novel design
• summarise study designs in lay friendly language to potential participants
• illustrate how innovative designs can lead to greater impact
• describe how different study designs are appropriate for specific interventions or producing different types of evidence
• appraise the work of others and communicate this through peer feedback
• recognise key aspects of environmental sustainability as applied to health research

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Teaching methods

The module will be delivered using a mix of synchronous (recorded) online tutorials, online videos, audio podcasts, written materials, and online ('text chat') discussion, which students can complete in their own time during the module.

Engagement with online text discussions will be a key learning activity and therefore a required component. Students providing peer review of other's contributions to online discussion groups will assess this engagement.