1. Background
• Band 7 OT, Trauma, Orthopaedics and
My Research Experience Hand Therapy
• Speciality: Hand Therapy
• Leading Centre Complex Lower Limb
Presentation for BAOT Study Day
Trauma
“Getting Started With Research” , 12th November 2008
By
• Second attempt at applying for research
Katharine Carlisle
Band 7 OT in T&O and Hand Therapy
grant
Charing Cross Hospital
Imperial College NHS Trust • Successfully granted funding and ethical
clearance for Semmes Weinstein Study
Resources at CXH My Research
• Encouragement and support to carry out • Request for sensory
research testing in foot
• Research Facilitator following lower limb
trauma as part of
• Competitive Small Research Grants
decision making
• In-house training for Research Skills and process for salvage
Development vs amputation
• Regular Journal Clubs
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2. • Previously involved in splinting for feet and
pressure garments following complex lower
limb trauma
• No robust reliable measures currently
being used
• Using Semmes Weinstein Monofilaments
for testing sensory thresholds in Hand
Therapy
• Evidence of use in other populations
• No evidence of reliability of using Semmes
Weinstein Monofilaments in lower limb
trauma group
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3. Suggestions For
Process
Choosing a Question
• Formulated problem orientated research
• Questions arising from practice question through (PICO)
• Service needs - Population / Problem – Lower Limb
Trauma
• Identified learning needs - Intervention – Measuring Sensory
Thresholds using SWMT
- Comparison – Use in other populations
• Journal articles
- Outcome – Reliability of Assessment Tool
• Used this to shape literature search
• Established similar evidence based
• Established previous research studies of using tool in other populations
• Appraisal to establish Evidence Based • No evidence out there
Research over Anecdotal
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4. Tips for
Grant Application and Ethics
• Formulated own question:
• Follow format
“The Test-Retest Reliability of using the
Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test for • Keep ideas simple but applicable to service
measuring Sensory Thresholds in the
Plantar Foot following Complex Lower • Keep language simple – don’t make
Limb Trauma” assumptions / get lay person to proof read
• Know your subject
• Appied for grant
• Be sure of aims and objectives
• Be flexible / prepared for setbacks
• Consider cost and be realistic
• Discuss ideas with relevant colleagues (co-
researcher, consultants, research facilitator,
statisticians)
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5. • Attend relevant courses when opportunities • Consider involvement of MDT / get
arise backing and support
- Critical Appraisal
- Searching the Literature • Ethical considerations – you will need
- Questionnaires clearance!!!
- Understanding Statistics
- Monitoring and Study Documentation
- Consent and Participant Info
- Data management
- Ms Excel Basic
Learning Points Remember!
• Don’t be disappointed by failure – see positives • Gaining encouraging feedback - powerful
motivator
• Need not be complicated
• Facilitates service improvement and aides self-
• Needs to be relevant – clinical applicability development
• Need to be interested in subject • Promotes quality in service delivery
• May need to give own time • Experience in research – encourages self and
encourages and supports others
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6. Questions ?
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