An Introduction to Clinical Research

This practical book is written specifically for junior doctors by a team of highly experienced authors, as an introductory guide to clinical research. It covers all areas that a junior doctor needs to consider, including funding, study design, ethics, data analysis, disseminating findings, and furthering one's research career. It presents a balance view of clinical research and is written by authors actively involved in clinical research both at the 'coal-face' and at a more supervisory level. Research can be a difficult process and it is essential to make sure that the project is set up in the correct way in order to get verifiable results. This easy-to-read guide is available to help junior doctors develop a good study design and present evidence of a sound academic practice, which will make obtaining funding more likely and be time-efficient. Getting started early in research and developing a solid, gradual understanding of clinical research through using this approachable book will be of huge benefit to junior doctors and their discipline.

Mr Piers Page is Senior House Officer in Plastic Surgery at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead. He is a military surgeon in training with a strong interest in academia. He spent time after officer training researching the outcome of mild traumatic brain injury and has subsequently authored and co-authored papers in the fields of trauma and orthopaedics and military surgery.

William Eardley is an orthopaedic SpR. He is also working towards an MSc in evidence based medicine.

Dr James Carr is a clinical psychologist working alongside Dr Piers Page on the mTBI study. His clinical training brings a valuable voice of authority in applied medical statistics and study design, both key taught elements of the DClinPsych.

Dr David Chadwick is Consultant Physician and Director of Research and Development at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.

Professor Keith Porter is Defence Professor of Traumatology and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.