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FutureLearn

What is Health Research?

The National Institute for Health Research and University of Leeds via FutureLearn

Overview

Learn about health research and explore opportunities to get involved.

Have you ever wondered how doctors and nurses know what treatment or care to give?

It’s only through health research that healthcare professionals find new and better ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating disease. Today’s research is tomorrow’s treatment.

On this course, you will learn how health research happens, why it matters and what to expect if you take part. You will also hear stories from people who have taken part in research; why they volunteered and the difference it made.

If you’re interested in taking part in health research or discovering how to get involved in supporting health research, this course will help to answer your questions before you make the decision.

Syllabus

  • What is the value of health research?
    • Welcome
    • What is research?
    • Different types of research
    • Why do people get involved in health research?
    • Summary
  • How can you make an informed decision about taking part?
    • About Week 2
    • What can you expect?
    • How are people kept safe and informed during health research?
    • Summary
  • Being part of research
    • About Week 3
    • Why health research is exciting
    • How can you contribute?
    • Summary

Taught by

Ellie Dunn

Reviews

4.9 rating, based on 23 Class Central reviews

Start your review of What is Health Research?

  • Anonymous
    Very informative course which was presented in accessible, interactive, bite-sized chunks
    In terms of objectives of the course, I learnt things I was unaware of when it comes to Health Research. There were times the course came across as a marketing tool to encourage/sell the benefits of becoming involved in health research- not sure if this was intentional. Overall very satisfied and pleased to have participated.
  • Anonymous
    This course is an excellent option and opportunity for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge in research especially in health and social care .it was invaluable experience that provide me with a solid foundation in research .the course was well-structured ,covering key stages in health and social care researches journey and process. I recommended it for all .
  • Anonymous
    Really useful introduction to health research. Great for people who want to take part, but also good if you just want to know more about research. Lots of resources to take away.
  • Louise Deborah Marsh
    This was an excellent introduction to Health Research, it gave good over view of several standpoints but particularly, the general public and potential volunteers for research.

    I found it very helpful in my new role as Research Associate, coming in to this as a practitioner in health and social care, not as an academic.

    Well worth doing, easy to follow, manageable modules to work through as time and opportunity permitted. Would encourage any one who is interested in research or who has a diagnosis and wants to learn more about their condition and how research provides many benefits both for the now and the future.
  • Anonymous
    Very informative, easy to understand and positive course. Broken down into good sized chapters and with extra reading/articles to read if wanted to. It made me feel that I now want to look at research in my area and take part. I would advise this is a must for anyone who is new to the health service and and anyone who is unsure about taking part in research.
  • Anonymous
    The course is very helpful for individuals who are interested in being a part of research.
    Importance of the reserches and the contribution of research studies in field of drug and non- drug treatment is explained beautifully
  • Anonymous
    A useful learning resource about research and what it entails. It does well in addressing questions that research participants have and addressing the value of research to all.
  • Anonymous
    A useful learning resource about research and what it entails. It does well in addressing questions that research participants have and addressing the value of research to all.
  • Cristina
    This course is wonderful! I really enjoyed it! I learned the importance of health research, how to get involved, many opportunities to help others
  • Anonymous
    Very apprehensive at first as it is a very long time since I was in education, however the first week was a little bit slow but thoroughly enjoyed the second and third weeks . So much so I have enrolled on my next learning. A good way to gain insight into research in bite sixed pieces.
  • Anonymous
    Comprehensive, well-explained, and relevant course for anyone wanting to grasp basic idea of research in the UK.
  • Anonymous
    This is an informative course if you do not know anything about Health Research, and being a Research Participant. I have had experience in health research, but did learn some new things, and it was a helpful refresher and update.
  • Anonymous
    I'm very new to research and I thought that i have some knowledge about research, but after the course i just realise that now i understand what research means.
    Great course, Thank you so much.
  • Anonymous
    Very good introduction to Health research. Lots of signposting to useful online resources/websites and a good mix of video content, question and answers and interactive pages.

    Helpful to read contributions and thoughts from other participants.

    Easy to navigate the course.
  • Anonymous
    Helpful course to gain understanding of what health research and why it is important as well as how to become involve. Some useful tips to take away for those who want to consider carrying out health research as well as how to get involved.
  • Anonymous
    Great course! Good for beginners curious to learn about health research. Enjoyed especially learning about inside processes and applications to contextual situations, as well as the latest health research discoveries in the NHS.
  • Anonymous
    It was very simple and easy to understand. Using different type of learning resources like audio, pictures was very useful to me. The course was very informative and I am interested on Patient health research ambassador. xx
  • Anonymous
    This was an interesting, informative and engaging course, where the emphasis is actually on helping the learner to learn something that interests them rather than merely pass a test
  • Anonymous
    Es un buen curso, es de fácil acceso, contiene aspectos esenciales, temas fáciles de entender y muy concretos, eso permite una enseñanza amplia pero sencilla y no es tedioso.
  • Anonymous
    Es un buen curso, es de fácil acceso, contiene aspectos esenciales, temas fáciles de entender y muy concretos, eso permite una enseñanza amplia pero sencilla y no es tedioso.

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