Introduction

For any system to function properly, continuous assessment and evaluation needs to be conducted to identify areas of strength, weaknesses and further development. Research within healthcare facilities informs decision making for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes or plans as well as development of policies and guidelines. The challenge is that government officials lack research knowledge and skills to identify problem areas and decisions are not based on scientific knowledge. This programme will equip the government officials with an understanding of the research process, quantitative and qualitative, and research tools. The implementation of research findings will enhance decision-making and problem-solving within government departments, leading to improved service delivery.

Course Description

This course is about the basic concepts and research steps such as a literature review, study design, sampling, quantitative and qualitative research methods, research ethics, data collection and bias (confounding factors, reliability and validity). It also equips learners with the skills to do data collection, analysis and interpretation of results, and report writing. The course provides participants with research approaches, such as the quantitative and qualitative approach. It also teaches the use of different data collection tools, such as questionnaires and interviews.

Target Audience

Facility Managers, District Managers, Administrators, Programme Managers and people studying at any academic institution.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, you will be able to:

Describe basic research concepts and steps followed in research.
Conduct a literature search from sources of information, such as papers from high impact journals.
Describe possible implications of sampling and sample size on study design.
Describe and apply ethical principles used to conduct research.
Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Demonstrate an understanding of the possible impacts of biases on the research process.
Describe how to use different data collection tools, data collection, analysis, interpretation of results and report writing.

COURSE CONTENT

The key themes/topics that the course will cover:

Key concepts and steps used in health research.
Review of literature.
Study design.
Sampling.
Research ethics.
Data management (data collection, data analysis, presentation of results and report writing).
Biases, confounding, reliability and validity.
Interpretation and discussion of results.

Admission

Any qualification equivalent to NQF level 4 (matric certificate), work experience and/or proof of registration for a research course, degree, diploma or honours.

assessments

Students are required to successfully complete a test and assignments.

RequirEments

Students must have access to a computer and the internet.

Duration

The duration of the course is 10 days.

Training Delivery

The course will be delivered through e-Learning or will be delivered through a blended learning format The course can also be delivered through contact at the worksite. Use of online and face-to-face training methods, presentations and quizzes will be held and course material will be made available.

award

A Health Systems Trust Certificate of Completion will be given to students who successfully complete the short course. A Health Systems Trust Certificate of competence will be given to students with a minimal score of at 50% on both tests and assignments.

fees

The course fees vary, based on the number of enrolments by an organisation for the short course. A quotation per student will be given by the Course Co-ordinator, Cassius Semaushu at Cassius.Semaushu@hst.org.za . Course fees must be paid in full prior to the course start date.