Introduction to Research and Evidence-Based Medicine

Aug 28, 2024

Lecture Notes: Introduction to Research

Speaker Introduction

  • Speaker: Mr. Temidayo Asunrambi
    • Director of Research at Melanin Medics
    • Neurosurgery Specialty Trainee
    • Involvement in NIHR Open Research Advisory Board
    • Assistant Chair of the Neurosurgery Section at Surgery Interest Group of Africa
    • Award-winning student, 24 academic prizes
    • Published numerous research articles

Overview of Lecture

  • Introduction to Research
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Academic Clinician Pathway
  • Involvement in Research as a Medical Student

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)

  • Components of EBM:
    1. Research: Evidence published in literature
    2. Clinician’s Judgment: Application of literature based on experience
    3. Patient’s Values and Preferences: Shared decision-making
  • Example: Surgery decisions based on patient preferences

What is Research?

  • Definition: Asking a clearly defined question using a systematic approach to develop new knowledge
  • Different from audits
  • Research Questions Examples:
    • Comparing surgical procedures
    • Impact of handwashing on infection rates

Hierarchy of Evidence

  1. Case Reports, Opinion Papers, Letters: Weakest form
  2. Animal Trials and In Vitro Studies
  3. Observational Studies: Cohort, Case-Control, Cross-Sectional
  4. Randomized Control Trials (RCTs): Stronger evidence, less bias
  5. Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews: Highest form of evidence

Research Process

  1. Identify and define the research question
  2. Conduct literature review
  3. Write research plan
  4. Data collection and analysis
  5. Interpret results and draw conclusions
  6. Write and present findings

Importance of Research

  • Creation of new knowledge
  • Improving patient outcomes
  • Access to new treatments

Academic Clinician Pathway

  • Opportunities:
    • Student selected modules
    • Intercalated degrees
    • Academic foundation programs
  • Pathway:
    1. Medical School
    2. Foundation Program
    3. Academic Clinical Fellow
    4. PhD and Clinical Lectureship

Getting Involved in Research

  • Seek research opportunities
  • Balance with medical education
  • Participate in collaborative research projects
  • Engage with networks like Melanin Medics Research Network

Critical Appraisal of Clinical Research Papers

  • Steps:
    1. Basic Information
    2. Systematic Bias
    3. Statistical Analysis
    4. Author's Conclusions
    5. External Validity
  • Considerations:
    • Look for funding sources and potential biases
    • Evaluate the PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome)
    • Assess statistical significance and clinical relevance

Interpretation of Statistical Measures

  • Risk Ratios and Odds Ratios:
    • Greater than 1: Increased risk
    • Less than 1: Decreased risk
    • 1: No difference
  • Confidence Intervals and P-Values:
    • Confidence intervals without 1 indicate statistical significance
    • P-values less than 0.05 indicate significance

Discussion and Q&A

  • Addressed questions on evidence-based medicine and patient consent
  • Clarified doubt related to statistical analysis during practical session

Conclusion

  • Importance of research in medical field
  • Encouragement to engage in research and critical appraisal for academic growth