Microsoft Word research method fm doc

Health research 
Health research is the application of principles of research on health. It is the generation of 
new knowledge using scientific method to identify and deal with health problems. 
Knowledge, both generalizable worldwide and locally specific, is essential to effective action 
for health. Worldwide knowledge is the basis on which new tools, strategies, and approaches 
are devised that are applicable to health problems facing many countries. Local knowledge, 
specific to the particular circumstances of each country can inform decision regarding which 
health problems are important, what measures should be applied and how to obtain the 
greatest health benefit from existing tools and limited resources. In this regard, health 
research is both global and local in nature. 
In most cases, health research has been divided into three overlapping groups.
Essential health research
: Consists of activities to define the health problems of a given 
country or community, to measure their importance and to assure the quality of activities to 
deal with them. Much of this research comes within the category of health service research 
but there will be elements of clinical research and development of technology, depending on 
the situation. The information, which may be obtained in a number of ways, is essential and 
specific to each country for planning and monitoring health services. Some of the research 
conclusions, however, may be generalized and applicable to other areas. 
Clinical research
: In its widest sense, this group of topics ranges from studies of the 
prevention and diagnosis of diseases through new methods of treatment to problems of care 
and rehabilitation. The sophistication will vary from problem to problem and there will be 
overlap with the fields of essential and biomedical research. Some of the research will be 
mainly of local importance; much will be useful for other individuals in other countries. 
Examples include clinical trials of disease prevention and the design of new 
chemotherapeutic agents. Wherever clinical facilities exist, there is a potential for clinical 
research. 

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Research methodology 
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