Question

Select a topic that is relevant to your field (healthcare administration, public health, health education, health informatics) and based on what you have learned so far about the research process, share how quantitative research can be used in the field of health. Please also share your insights as to on how evidence-based research might be incorporated into your future scope of practice.

Answer 1

Quantitative research objectives can be to establish the incidence or prevalence of a health problem; the health personnel degree of adherence to a new intervention; or, the users' level of satisfaction with a service.

Health care research is often based on quantitative methods in which, by definition, information is quantifiable. That is, the variables used in research are measured and recorded as numerical data that can be analyzed by means of statistical tools.

The main strength of quantitative methods is in their usefulness in producing factual and reliable outcome data. After the effects of a given drug or treatment have been tested on a sample population, the statistic record of the observed outcomes will provide objective results generalizable to larger populations.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is the conscientious and judicious use of current best evidence in conjunction with clinical expertise and patient values to guide health care decisions.Best evidence includes empirical evidence from randomized controlled trials; evidence from other scientific methods such as descriptive and qualitative research; as well as use of information from case reports, scientific principles, and expert opinion. When enough research evidence is available, the practice should be guided by research evidence in conjunction with clinical expertise and patient values. It aims to provide the most effective care that is available, with the aim of improving patient outcomes. Patients expect to receive the most effective care based on the best available evidence