Caring-Ethical Phronetic Research: Epistemological Considerations

2006 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Delmar

The purpose of this article is to open discussion about the traditional health science research view of what constitutes valid knowledge and theory. Using an approach from the philosophy of science, this article breaks with the paradigm of “science as usual.” It argues that scholars who study values, caring ethical practice, and power relations experience difficulties if the knowledge generated by their research is judged on the basis of “science as usual.” In order to elucidate this problem, the Socratic epistemological theory is discussed, particularly in light of Flyvbjerg’s (2001) theory of time, space, and the significance of context in research design. The article concludes with an appeal to further refine and apply Flyvbjerg’s methodological insights to the health sciences.

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susama Nanda ◽  
Manoj Mishra ◽  
Dola Babu Ramesh

<div class="page" title="Page 1"><div class="layoutArea"><div class="column"><p><span>Health science research focuses to generate new knowledge through new technique, research design and organisational interventions to serve the whole community. The corporate Medical colleges are determined to establish themselves in both academic and research purpose. The performance index (P-index) is an interesting parameter to calculate the ranking performance of any institution. This study presents an analysis of the research growth, collaboration of researchers with ranking of the corporate medical institutes in India according to p-index. </span></p></div></div></div>


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Wenham ◽  
Olivier Wouters ◽  
Catherine Jones ◽  
Pamela A. Juma ◽  
Rhona M. Mijumbi-Deve ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In recent years there have been calls to strengthen health sciences research capacity in African countries. This capacity can contribute to improvements in health, social welfare and poverty reduction through domestic application of research findings; it is increasingly seen as critical to pandemic preparedness and response. Developing research infrastructure and performance may reduce national economies’ reliance on primary commodity and agricultural production, as countries strive to develop knowledge-based economies to help drive macroeconomic growth. Yet efforts to date to understand health sciences research capacity are limited to output metrics of journal citations and publications, failing to reflect the complexity of the health sciences research landscape in many settings. Methods We map and assess current capacity for health sciences research across all 54 countries of Africa by collecting a range of available data. This included structural indicators (research institutions and research funding), process indicators (clinical trial infrastructures, intellectual property rights and regulatory capacities) and output indicators (publications and citations). Results While there are some countries which perform well across the range of indicators used, for most countries the results are varied—suggesting high relative performance in some indicators, but lower in others. Missing data for key measures of capacity or performance is also a key concern. Taken as a whole, existing data suggest a nuanced view of the current health sciences research landscape on the African continent. Conclusion Mapping existing data may enable governments and international organizations to identify where gaps in health sciences research capacity lie, particularly in comparison to other countries in the region. It also highlights gaps where more data are needed. These data can help to inform investment priorities and future system needs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjell Asplund ◽  
Kerstin Hulter Åsberg

Abstract Background Previous studies have indicated that failure to report ethical approval is common in health science articles. In social sciences, the occurrence is unknown. The Swedish Ethics Review Act requests that sensitive personal data, in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), should undergo independent ethical review, irrespective of academic discipline. We have explored the adherence to this regulation. Methods Using the Web of Science databases, we reviewed 600 consecutive articles from three domains (health sciences with and without somatic focus and social sciences) based on identifiable personal data published in 2020. Results Information on ethical review was lacking in 12 of 200 health science articles with somatic focus (6%), 21 of 200 health science articles with non-somatic focus (11%), and in 54 of 200 social science articles (27%; p < 0.001 vs. both groups of health science articles). Failure to report on ethical approval was more common in (a) observational than in interventional studies (p < 0.01), (b) articles with only 1–2 authors (p < 0.001) and (c) health science articles from universities without a medical school (p < 0.001). There was no significant association between journal impact factor and failure to report ethical approval. Conclusions We conclude that reporting of research ethics approval is reasonably good, but not strict, in health science articles. Failure to report ethical approval is about three times more frequent in social sciences compared to health sciences. Improved adherence seems needed particularly in observational studies, in articles with few authors and in social science research.


2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 166-169
Author(s):  
Ji-Hyun Lee ◽  
Branko Miladinovic ◽  
Michael J Schell

In health science research, comparing two groups on a continuous outcome variable is one of the most common statistical analyses performed. One must choose between two families of tests: parametric and nonparametric. Parametric methods depend upon more stringent assumptions, and violating these assumptions can result in incorrect conclusions. The dominant two-sample approach appearing in Medical Problems of Performing Artists seems to be the Student t-test, which is a parametric test. Despite being the standard choice, this test is not always appropriate. Common textbook prescriptions regarding its use are often misleading and defective in some respects. This article revisits the basic and methodologically important problems in comparing two groups and seeks to provide a practical guide to researchers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-78
Author(s):  
Rachel Hodgett ◽  
Richard Ward

Background: In the UK, around 500–600 people a year sustain traumatic injuries to the spinal cord, half of which involve the cervical spine. UK ambulance guidelines stipulate that if immobilisation is indicated, the entire spine should be immobilised using an orthopaedic scoop stretcher, head restraints and a rigid cervical collar. However, the use of cervical collars is being debated in the paramedic profession. Although they were originally considered harmless and used as a precautionary measure, an increasing amount of evidence suggests otherwise and it is argued that they can do more harm than good. Therefore, it is debatable whether using them is consistent with the principles of patient safety and evidence-based practice. Aim: A literature review was carried out to comprehensively examine research surrounding the adverse effects of cervical collars and the range of movement they allow to gain a comprehensive understanding of their efficacy. Methods: The EBSCOhost Health Science Research database was searched. Seven articles were found and chosen for inclusion in the literature review. Results: Two themes were identified regarding cervical collars: adverse effects and range of movement. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that cervical collars can cause more harm than good, and UK ambulance guidelines for spinal immobilisation should be reconsidered.


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