Developing your research idea

Decide what it is that you are interested on, and then use these simple pointers to help you refine your ideas to see if you can develop them into a workable research idea.

• Why does the area interest you? Is it of interest to others as well?
• What is your aim? (In general terms, what are you trying to find out?)
• Are you looking to test a hypothesis?
  • If yes, clearly state your hypothesis in the form of an addressable statement or series of statements
  • If no, what are you trying to do?
    • Explore a new area to get basic understanding of something we currently have little knowledge of?
    • Explore an area in which we do have knowledge but in a new/novel way?
    • Explore the relationship between two phenomena for the first time?
  • Is your idea novel? You need to review the literature to see what related research has already been done.
  • Why does this matter? If someone has already done the research that you are interested in, then there is no benefit to you or others for that research to be repeated. However, if there is research in related areas that is not identical to what you plan, then this may supply supportive evidence for your idea,
  • How will the NHS benefit from your research: is your research relevant to the NHS? Consult colleagues, NHS commissioners other researchers

You should talk to the R&D office of the Trusts who will be involved in your research as soon as possible: for example your study may involve recruitment of patients of practitioners from primary care or the community or issues that might affect commissioning decisions. Your R&D office will also be able to give you further advice on sponsorship and indemnity considerations.

Will patients or service users benefit from your research: is your research of relevance and importance to them? It is very important to have lay involvement in your research from the identification of your idea, through the development of your proposal, to the management of the research and dissemination of the results. For lay input, you should contact the Public and Patient Involvement in Research (PPIRes) group.