scholarly journals Scientific method and research in health: orientation for professional practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
Sandra Dircinha Teixeira de Araújo Moraes

In the health area, research is designed to develop reliable data on problems and needs that are important to the individual/community, with a particular focus on guiding practitioners. Today, due to innumerable innovations in health, health decision-making needs to be based on scientific principles, which is a daily process that is integral to the rhythm of life, product and reason for social interests in confrontation based on learning, not summarized to mere reproduction. In this context, when considering that the quality of the research is directly linked to the presentation of the results, it is important to note the importance of the construction of research protocols that present the step-by-step techniques of organization and analysis of the data, understanding that the researcher, when in possession of collected data, must be sure that when they work respecting the chosen technique, they will indicate the evidences of the study, with possibilities to achieve a new knowledge with the minimum of bias that can happen. Thus, it is understood the importance of emphasizing the scientific method as a way for the development of scientific research in order to achieve the objectives set, increasing the rigor of the research to give visibility to information that enables the professional practices conscious and within of criteria that contribute to decision making on care based on validated scientific information.  

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. e000844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva A Rehfuess ◽  
Jan M Stratil ◽  
Inger B Scheel ◽  
Anayda Portela ◽  
Susan L Norris ◽  
...  

IntroductionEvidence-to-decision (EtD) frameworks intend to ensure that all criteria of relevance to a health decision are systematically considered. This paper, part of a series commissioned by the WHO, reports on the development of an EtD framework that is rooted in WHO norms and values, reflective of the changing global health landscape, and suitable for a range of interventions and complexity features. We also sought to assess the value of this framework to decision-makers at global and national levels, and to facilitate uptake through suggestions on how to prioritise criteria and methods to collect evidence.MethodsIn an iterative, principles-based approach, we developed the framework structure from WHO norms and values. Preliminary criteria were derived from key documents and supplemented with comprehensive subcriteria obtained through an overview of systematic reviews of criteria employed in health decision-making. We assessed to what extent the framework can accommodate features of complexity, and conducted key informant interviews among WHO guideline developers. Suggestions on methods were drawn from the literature and expert consultation.ResultsThe new WHO-INTEGRATE (INTEGRATe Evidence) framework comprises six substantive criteria—balance of health benefits and harms, human rights and sociocultural acceptability, health equity, equality and non-discrimination, societal implications, financial and economic considerations, and feasibility and health system considerations—and the meta-criterion quality of evidence. It is intended to facilitate a structured process of reflection and discussion in a problem-specific and context-specific manner from the start of a guideline development or other health decision-making process. For each criterion, the framework offers a definition, subcriteria and example questions; it also suggests relevant primary research and evidence synthesis methods and approaches to assessing quality of evidence.ConclusionThe framework is deliberately labelled version 1.0. We expect further modifications based on focus group discussions in four countries, example applications and input across concerned disciplines.


2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
TAC Chrisp ◽  
S Tabberer ◽  
BD Thomas

Social psychological theories of illness and health decision making place the individual with the symptoms at the centre. In the case of dementia it is often a relative who is first to contact health care professionals. The article illustrates how the autonomy of both the individual with symptoms and their carers is bounded by the actions of others. An over arching theme of ‘bounded autonomy in decision making’, and four subthemes emerged. Bounded autonomy is where a person’s actions are constrained or contested by another person. There are implications for interventions to bring forward the point at which diagnosis occurs.


Author(s):  
Julie M. Robillard ◽  
Emily Wight

Neuroscience communication is at a turning point, with tremendous opportunity for growth and democratization. The rise of the web and social media as platforms for dissemination of research findings and stakeholder engagement presents both unique opportunities and critical ethical considerations. Online- and mobile-based information and services for brain health may enhance the autonomy of users in health decision-making. However, nonadherence to ethical norms, such as informed consent and conflict of interest by digital content creators, may lead to harm. The challenges of communicating neuroscience in the digital era will require the rejection of the traditional top-down dissemination of research findings by the science community. Communicators must embrace participatory communication models, frame science in non-sensationalized, lay-friendly terms, improve the ethics of online resources and web users’ ability to assess the quality of information and source material, and educate scientists in the importance of transparency and public engagement.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Clark ◽  
S Neil-Sztramko ◽  
M Dobbins

Abstract Issue It is well accepted that public health decision makers should use the best available research evidence in their decision-making process. However, research evidence alone is insufficient to inform public health decision making. Description of the problem As new challenges to public health emerge, there can be a paucity of high quality research evidence to inform decisions on new topics. Public health decision makers must combine various sources of evidence with their public health expertise to make evidence-informed decisions. The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) has developed a model which combines research evidence with other critical sources of evidence that can help guide decision makers in evidence-informed decision making. Results The NCCMT's model for evidence-informed public health combines findings from research evidence with local data and context, community and political preferences and actions and evidence on available resources. The model has been widely used across Canada and worldwide, and has been integrated into many public health organizations' decision-making processes. The model is also used for teaching an evidence-informed public health approach in Masters of Public Health programs around the globe. The model provides a structured approach to integrating evidence from several critical sources into public health decision making. Use of the model helps ensure that important research, contextual and preference information is sought and incorporated. Lessons Next steps for the model include development of a tool to facilitate synthesis of evidence across all four domains. Although Indigenous knowledges are relevant for public health decision making and should be considered as part of a complete assessment the current model does not capture Indigenous knowledges. Key messages Decision making in public health requires integrating the best available evidence, including research findings, local data and context, community and political preferences and available resources. The NCCMT’s model for evidence-informed public health provides a structured approach to integrating evidence from several critical sources into public health decision making.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 797-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Fair ◽  
Lori Wiener ◽  
Sima Zadeh ◽  
Jamie Albright ◽  
Claude Ann Mellins ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Antônio Tavares Neves

  Brazil has made a wide development and contribution in the field of Public Health. These contributions have maximized public health decision-making, which is a factor of great importance for the maintenance of health of a given population, either in the prevention of disease, as is the case of immunizations or with actions in Health Promotion, improving the quality of life of the affected population. Thus, the Journal of Human Growth and Development has contributed enormously to the dissemination of knowledge, not only in Brazil but also in the world making a major effort with its publications in English which is the preferred language of the modern scientific world. It was evidenced the importance of research in the investigation of better ways to obtain the public health of a given community, bringing discussion of themes that involve aspects of human growth and development such as nutritional aspects, sexuality, motor development, covering situations and diseases as obesity, cerebral palsy, dyslexia and violence. The Journal of Human Growth and Development has maintained the tradition of approaching the different aspects that involve clinical practice for people and for Public Health. 


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