Identifying a topic
The hardest part of research is to come up
with a good idea. It appears that all the best trials have already been
completed, but a careful consideration of scientific support for surgical action
reveals deficiencies in surgical knowledge. Facts commonly taken for granted
often have no basis. The best research often answers the simplest question. Once
an idea has been formed, or a question asked, it needs transforming into a
hypothesis. It is helpful to approach surgeons who regularly publish research
articles and who have a special interest in the surgical area being considered.
As ideas are suggested, keep thinking whether the question posed by the proposed
research really matters. Spend some time refining the question because this is
probably the most important part of research. Choosing the wrong topic at this
stage can lead to many wasted hours.
Once
a topic has been identified do not rush into the study. It is worth spending a
considerable time investigating the subject in question. The worst possible
thing is to find at the end of a long arduous study that the research has
already been done.
First
port of call for information is the medical library. Avoid textbooks, as most
are out of date as soon as they are published. Look for current articles about
the proposed research; review articles and meta-analyses can be particularly
helpful. At this stage most clinicians go to an electronic library and perform a
database search. It is very important to learn how to do an accurate and
efficient search as early as possible. Details are beyond the scope of this
chapter, but most librarians will help out if a little interest and enthusiasm
is shown. Current techniques involve searching on Medline
Once
a stack of articles on the subject has been obtained it is important that these
are carefully perused. If the proposed research project is still looking good
after some thorough reading it is worth further discussion with experts. Do not
be afraid to contact authors who have written a paper on a similar subject. All
scientists are flattered by interest in their work and most will not pilfer your
ideas.
Now
it should be possible to start to plan the research project. During the first
phase it is very important to keep in the mind the following questions.
•
Why do the study?
•
Will it answer a useful question?
•
Is it practical?
•
Can it be accomplished in the available time and with available
resources?
•
What findings are expected?
•
What impact will it have?