Introduction to clinical research for healthcare professionals

Want to learn more about conducting research in the clinical setting? 

The Department of Physiotherapy at Monash University are offering a new introductory level research course designed specifically for clinician healthcare professionals. This course will introduce participants to a range of essential research concepts underpinning the development of clinical research projects.

The full-day face-to-face workshop will involve a combination of theoretical and practical tasks supported by online resources and clinical case studies spanning a range of research methodologies and clinical practice settings. The workshop aims to support individuals to develop their own project idea(s) into future research proposals, however is designed to cater for people both with and without prior research experience.

What to expect:

This workshop will cover the following topics themed around four session blocks:

1. Research ethics and question design:

• Ethical principles
• Defining answerable research questions
• Searching medical databases

2. Critical appraisal and evidence synthesis:

• Quality improvement and clinical audit
• Bias and spin
• Evidence synthesis (e.g. systematic reviews)

3. Study design and data collection:

• Qualitative and quantitative study designs
• Outcome measurement (e.g. validity, reliability, responsiveness)
• Survey design and implementation

4. Data analysis and application:

• Common statistical approaches
• Data visualisation and analysis
• Developing a research proposal

Additional discussion time will be scheduled upon conclusion of the workshop content to allow opportunity to address individual or group queries.

Who should attend:

The workshop will suit clinicians who are new to participating in or leading quality assurance or research projects in the clinical setting, as well as those who have an interest or responsibility to improve their general skills and knowledge in clinically-oriented research methods. The workshop is suitable for a range of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, but does not focus on clinical drug trials or offer 'Good Clinical Practice' certification.

While we welcome the participation of qualified international clinicians at this workshop, please be mindful of the following points before you register:

1. For all Monash University physiotherapy courses, including short courses, you must meet the minimum English language requirements which is the equivalent to International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 7.0 (no band lower than 6.5)
2. This workshop has been developed for the Australian context and may or may not be relevant to international settings.

Presenters:

A/Prof. Christian Osadnik and Dr. Melanie Farlie coordinate many aspects of undergraduate research training in the Department of Physiotherapy including final year clinical projects undertaken with clinical partners. They have combined 40 years clinical & research experience to create this workshop specifically for clinicians. 

Further information:

Date:13 November 2024
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Monash University, Peninsula Campus, W Building, Room 3.14.
Capacity: Due to social distancing requirements, a cap on participant numbers applies on a first come, first served basis.

Participants will be provided with course materials, an online companion resource, and food and beverages. To maximise participation in the workshop, we recommend all attendees bring their own laptop. Wifi is available via the Monash Guest account. Onsite parking at Monash University Peninsula Campus is available but subject to Monash University fees (further information available here). Local parking in neighbouring streets is also available but subject to council signed conditions.

Please note the following cancellation policy:

Cancellation requests submitted up to 2 weeks prior to the workshop date will be entitled to a full refund, less a $50 administration fee.

Cancellation requests submitted between 2 weeks and 1 day before the workshop date will be entitled to a 50% refund.

Cancellation requests submitted on the day of, or after, the workshop date will not be eligible for a refund.