SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Methodology”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources

PubMed2004

Efficient total syntheses of phytoalexin and (+/-)-paniculidine B and C based on the novel methodology for the preparation of 1-methoxyindoles.

A general route to 2-unsubstituted-1-methoxyindoles, based on our methodology for the synthesis of 1-methoxyindoles, is reported. This synthesis renders accessibility to a variety of natural products possessing the said skeleton. A direct synthesis of phytoalexin (1), (+/-)-paniculidine B (2), and (+/-)-paniculidine C (3) is disclosed based on the methodology. The synthesis of paniculidine B (2) has been achieved from aldehyde 10 in only two steps in 88% yield and in five steps from a methoxyindole compound 8 obtained using our earlier methodology.

Indoles↗

PubMed2000

Feminist approaches to social science: epistemological and methodological tenets.

This paper is a primer for community psychologists on feminist research. Much like the field of community psychology, feminist scholarship is defined by its values and process. Informed by the political ideologies of the 1970s women's movement (liberal, radical, socialist feminism, and womanism), feminist scholars reinterpreted classic concepts in philosophy of science to create feminist epistemologies and methodologies. Feminist epistemologies, such as feminist empiricism, standpoint theory, and postmodernism, recognize women's lived experiences as legitimate sources of knowledge. Feminist methodologies attempt to eradicate sexist bias in research and find ways to capture women's voices that are consistent with feminist ideals. Practically, the process of feminist research is characterized by four primary features: (1) expanding methodologies to include both quantitative and qualitative methods, (2) connecting women for group-level data collection, (3) reducing the hierarchical relationship between researchers and their participants to facilitate trust and disclosure, and (4) recognizing and reflecting upon the emotionality of women's lives. Recommendations for how community psychologists can integrate feminist scholarship into their practice are discussed.

Community Mental Health Services↗

PubMed1999

Toward a methodology for the ethical analysis of clinical practice.

The scope of this essay is to introduce and explain the methodology underlying the Lanza Foundation Protocol for the analysis of clinical cases. The essay is divided in three parts. Part one examines the Protocol's methodology within the whole evolutionary framework of argumentation in bioethics. Particular attention is given to the most significant methodologies developed in European bioethics. Part two describes the system of argumentation which serves as a frame for both approaches, namely, the normative and the hermeneutical. Finally, the third part presents in an analytic fashion the operations which define the Protocol itself. The Protocol is the result of an interdisciplinary effort and it provides a detailed grid for analyzing and tackling the ethical components of clinical cases. The Protocol is primarily directed toward Ethics Committees in their consulting activity, yet it has been proven of considerable importance at an educational level also, particular in continuing education programs for health care professionals.

Altruism↗

PubMed2003

Methodological challenges in studying recurrence of low back pain.

Recurrences of low back pain (LBP) have been shown to be both frequent and costly, with reported recurrence rates ranging from 5 to 82%. Numerous methodological approaches have been developed to identify recurrence but there has been no standardized definition of LBP recurrence or required follow-up time. The objective of this study was to compare the methodological approaches used to analyze LBP recurrence in seminal contributions and to describe the differences in definitions of LBP recurrence and follow-up structure. Twelve seminal articles were identified for review during which four types of LBP recurrence definition and two types of follow-up structure were recognized. Definitional and follow-up differences considerably contributed to variations in computed recurrence rates due either to measurement or other methodological shortcomings, such as loss to follow-up and sick person effect. The results suggest that there is a need to develop a standardized definition of LBP recurrence and a standardized approach to follow-up to allow direct comparisons of published research findings. The use of alternative definitions is also likely to impact analyses of risk factors contributing to LBP recurrence and direct and indirect costs associated with treating LBP.

Follow-Up Studies↗

PubMed2003

A quantitative methodology for indexing environmental sensitivity and pollution potential.

A methodology for rating the suitability of sites for the location of industrial facilities is formulated and applied to the case of a coal-fired power plant location. The methodology comprises two major interlinked components: the environmental plant location indexing component, which involves the identification, scaling and weighting of environmental sensitivity factors; and the impact analysis component, which involves the superimposition of the pollution generation impacts of an industrial facility on spatially gridded zones of various environmental sensitivities. For each rectangular areal unit defined by a square grid, the Unit Pollution Potential Index is determined by the severity and distribution of key environmental sensitivity factors and the coverage of superimposed pollutant effects as determined by contaminant fate and transport models. For any alternative site of a planned facility, the summation of the unit indices over the area of influence of the facility provides the quantitative Pollution Index, which can be used as a basis for comparison of alternative sites for planned facilities. For this paper, this methodology is applied to the hypothetical case of the siting of a coal-fired power plant in the northeastern region of the United States, in which three alternative sites are considered. The three sites: A, B and C yielded indices of 47.83, 47.91 and 47.6, respectively, indicating that site C is the most suitable for siting the power plant.

Coal↗

PubMed2004

The effectiveness of neurofeedback and stimulant drugs in treating AD/HD: Part I. Review of methodological issues.

The paper examines major criticisms of AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) neurofeedback research using T. R. Rossiter and T. J. La Vaque (1995) as an exemplar and discusses relevant aspects of research methodology. J. Lohr, S. Meunier, L. Parker, and J. P. Kline (2001), D. A. Waschbusch and G. P. Hill (2001), and J. P. Kline, C. N. Brann, and B. R. Loney (2002) criticized Rossiter and La Vaque for (1) using an active treatment control; (2) nonrandom assignment of patients; (3) provision of collateral treatments; (4) using nonstandardized and invalid assessment instruments; (5) providing artifact contaminated EEG feedback; and (6) conducting multiple non-alpha protected t tests. The criticisms, except those related to statistical analysis, are invalid or are not supported as presented by the authors. They are based on the critics' unsubstantiated opinions; require redefining Rossiter and La Vaque as an efficacy rather than an effectiveness study; or reflect a lack of familiarity with the research literature. However, there are broader issues to be considered. Specifically, what research methodology is appropriate for studies evaluating the effectiveness of neurofeedback and who should make that determination? The uncritical acceptance and implementation of models developed for psychotherapy, pharmacology, or medical research is premature and ill-advised. Neurofeedback researchers should develop models that are appropriate to the technology, treatment paradigms, and goals of neurofeedback outcome studies. They need to explain the rationale for their research methodology and defend their choices.

Artifacts↗

PubMed2004

Does empirical research make bioethics more relevant? "The embedded researcher" as a methodological approach.

What is the status of empirical contributions to bioethics, especially to clinical bioethics? Where is the empirical approach discussed in bioethics related to the ongoing debate about principlism versus casuistry? Can we consider an integrative model of research in medical ethics and which empirical methodology could then be valuable, the quantitative or the qualitative? These issues will be addressed in the first, theoretical part of the paper. The concept of the "embedded researcher" presented in this article was stimulated by the two questions, (1) how can we safeguard that our research will yield valid and meaningful results to practice? and (2), how can we convince clinical colleagues that medical ethics offers relevant contributions to the analysis and solution of problems? One tentative answer has been our effort to elaborate a coherent methodological research approach in the field of end-of-life issues integrating qualitative and quantitative as well as casuistic methodologies. This development is characterized in the second part describing the ECOPE Study (short title) "Ethical Conditions Of Passive Euthanasia." The achievements and limitations of the suggested approach of the "embedded researcher" are discussed referring to 3 examples of our joint studies about ethical issues concerning (1) critical decision-making in neonatology (2) limitation of treatment in intensive care (3) problems with doctor-patient conversation at the end-of life in oncology. Conclusions from our studies are put to discussion in the final part of the paper about how to further develop research in the field of end-of-life care and, maybe, clinical bioethics as a whole.

Bioethical Issues↗

PubMed2005

Methodology in family science: introduction to the special issue.

Methodology influences every facet of scientific inquiry including the processes of framing questions, operationalizing constructs, sampling individuals within populations and observations within persons, analyzing data, and bringing meaning to the results. This introduction to the special issue on methodology emphasizes the recursive interaction of research methodology and theories underlying family science. Because the science of family psychology is richly complex, so too must the methods for examining couple and family phenomena be equally diverse. Articles comprising this special issue vary in their emphasis on research design versus data-analytic techniques and on confirmatory versus discovery-oriented strategies. The special issue is intended to advance not only the conduct of family science but also the understanding and integration of an increasingly complex research literature by those engaged in education and clinical interventions. ((c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved).

Journal Article↗

PubMed2003

A combustion-free methodology for synthesizing zeolites and zeolite-like materials.

Zeolites are mainly used for the adsorption and separation of ions and small molecules, and as heterogeneous catalysts. More recently, these materials are receiving attention in other applications, such as medical diagnosis and as components in electronic devices. Modern synthetic methodologies for preparing zeolites and zeolite-like materials typically involve the use of organic molecules that direct the assembly pathway and ultimately fill the pore space. Removal of these enclathrated species normally requires high temperature combustion that destroys this high cost component, and the associated energy release in combination with the formed water can be extremely detrimental to the inorganic structure. Here we report a synthetic methodology that avoids these difficulties by creating organic structure-directing agents (SDAs) that can be disassembled within the zeolite pore space to allow removal of their fragments for possible use again by reassembly. The methodology is shown for the synthesis of zeolite ZSM-5 using a SDA that contains a cyclic ketal group that is removed from the SDA while it is inside the zeolite without destruction of the inorganic framework. This approach should be applicable to the synthesis of a wide variety of inorganic and organometallic structures.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Relevance of methodological design for the interpretation of efficacy of drug treatment of premature ejaculation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate whether the design and methodology of drug-treatment studies of premature ejaculation affect the efficacy outcome differently. Therefore, methodological, design and efficacy data from 79 studies (3034 males), published between 1943 and 2003, are reviewed. A meta-analysis is performed on 43 selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clomipramine studies (1514 males), published between 1973 and 2003; these studies were pooled to provide a summary variance-weighted effect size. The antidepressant-induced percentage increase of the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) was calculated and examined against various methodological items. A significant difference in efficacy between SSRIs was observed. Using daily treatment, paroxetine appeared more effective than the other SSRIs. Retrospective use of a questionnaire, subjective reports, single-blind and open study designs generate far greater variability of ejaculation time both at baseline and during active drug treatment than real time assessment by stopwatch. In conclusion, at daily treatment, the overall efficacy of paroxetine, clomipramine, sertraline and fluoxetine is comparable, but paroxetine exerts the strongest ejaculation delay. Only eight (18.5%) studies on antidepressant treatment fulfilled all criteria used in evidence-based medicine, for example, randomised, double-blind studies with prospective real time (stopwatch) assessment of the IELT at each intercourse. Single-blind studies, open designs, retrospective reporting, or the use of a questionnaire to assess ejaculation time should be avoided.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Mesa Grande: a methodological analysis of clinical trials of treatments for alcohol use disorders.

AIM: A 3-year update with 59 new controlled trials is provided for the ongoing Mesa Grande project reviewing clinical trials of treatments for alcohol use disorders. The project summarizes the current evidence for various treatment approaches, weighting findings differentially according to the methodological strength of each study. DESIGN: The review includes 361 controlled studies that (1) evaluated at least one treatment for alcohol use disorders, (2) compared it with an alternative condition (such as a control group, a placebo, a brief intervention or an alternative treatment), (3) used a procedure designed to create equivalent groups before treatment and (4) reported at least one outcome measure of drinking or alcohol-related consequences. Studies were rated by two reviewers on 12 methodological criteria, and outcome logic was analyzed for the specific treatment modalities tested. FINDINGS: Methodological quality of studies was significantly but modestly correlated with the reporting of a specific effect of treatment. Among psychosocial treatments, strongest evidence of efficacy was found for brief interventions, social skills training, the community reinforcement approach, behavior contracting, behavioral marital therapy and case management. For the first time, two pharmacotherapies also appeared among the most strongly supported approaches: opiate antagonists (naltrexone, nalmefene) and acamprosate. Least supported were methods designed to educate, confront, shock or foster insight regarding the nature and causes of alcoholism. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment methods differ substantially in apparent efficacy. It would be sensible to consider these differences in designing and funding treatment programs.

Alcoholism↗

PubMed2001

A methodology for quantitative evaluation of root canal instrumentation using microcomputed tomography.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to present an objective methodology for quantitative evaluation of root canal instrumentation using microcomputer tomography, together with developed software based on a constructed mathematical model. METHODOLOGY: A desktop X-ray micro-CT scanner (SkyScan 1072) was used to provide data sets of an extracted mandibular molar before and after instrumentation (ProFile 0.04 Taper instruments, Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) that were stored for later use by software. A volume visualization package (T3D) was applied to obtain 3D renderings of the molar to illustrate the qualitative visualization capacity. Next, medical image volume fusion software was used to allow alignment of pre and post image volumes. Finally, software was developed to make quantitative measurements and to provide additional qualitative information on the registered image volumes. This procedure implemented a true 3D mathematical model for quantification of instrumentation effects. Using a local co-ordinate frame, perpendicular reslices were made at five different levels within the mesio-buccal canal to evaluate transportation and centring ability. RESULTS: At first accurate and detailed 3D renderings were obtained. The general and local canal shape before and after preparation could visually be examined in 360 degrees rotation. Numerical values were obtained for volume, volume changes and transportation. Centring ability was calculated by centring ratio and centre movement. CONCLUSIONS: This methodology is a new and objective way for quantitative evaluation of root canal instrumentation using microcomputer tomography and dedicated software.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

PubMed1999

Practice innovation: a methodological maze.

Practice innovation is an inevitable feature of a health culture preoccupied with evidence-based practice. The cyclical process of defining best practice, implementing and evaluating change represents an unparalleled opportunity for nurse researchers to engage in, and develop, practice through 'realistic evaluation'. However, the methodological dilemmas and challenges inherent in evaluation research which informs policy should not be under-estimated. This paper seeks to introduce and wrestle with some of the political tensions and methodological issues surrounding practice innovation when it is undertaken within an evaluative research framework. A critical pathway is presented to stimulate discussion and guide novice evaluators through this often perplexing methodological maze. A case study in audiological rehabilitation in elder care is used to illustrate the issues raised.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

The evaluation of the effectiveness of health education interventions in clinical practice: a continuing methodological challenge.

AIM: This paper examines the methodological issues arising from an evaluation of the effectiveness of a health education project undertaken to increase Hong Kong Chinese women's knowledge of the prevention of cervical cancer and the uptake of screening. BACKGROUND: The significance of health promotion to the prevention of diseases currently affecting contemporary society has become increasingly recognized. Within the context of health promotion health education continues to provide an important preventive strategy. Indeed the leading causes of mortality such as coronary heart disease and cancer lend themselves well to health education interventions. However the evaluation of the effectiveness of health education remains complex and raises some important methodological issues. DESIGN: The project used a health education intervention as the major preventive strategy and employed multiple methods of evaluation to assess its effectiveness. Outcome evaluation consisted of a confidential questionnaire administered at two points in time to measure changes in health-related behaviour and knowledge. It also included the collection of data from service providers to assess changes in the uptake of cervical cancer screening. Process evaluation involved the use of focus groups with randomly selected groups of women who had participated in the health education intervention and a diary kept by the project nurse. FINDINGS: Methodological issues identified in the evaluation of the project included the extent to which changes in health-related knowledge and behaviour could be attributed to the intervention, the sensitivity of outcome measures and challenges in developing methods of process evaluation appropriate to the target population. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the complexity of designing effective evaluation strategies for health education and the need to consider these issues in the development of both process and outcome evaluation.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed2003

Establishing methodological rigour in international qualitative nursing research: a case study from Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Attention to rigour, from the identification of the problem to the dissemination of the findings, is essential in all qualitative research. In this paper, research carried out in Ghana in 1999 is used to highlight methodological issues in relation to rigour in international qualitative nursing research. AIM: The purpose of this paper is to review the literature in relation to rigour in qualitative research, highlight the methodological decisions enhancing rigour during this research project, and describe the criteria used to assess rigour during the research process. DESIGN: A participatory action research design was used to explore the cultural, social, economic, and political factors that influenced Ghanaian women's vulnerability to HIV infection. Collaboration with participants and partnerships with key professionals were integral to the design of the study. FINDINGS: Participatory action research provided a flexible, socially, and culturally adaptable framework to guide this international research project. Prior to the initiation of international research it was essential to establish the relevance and feasibility of the proposed project. This international research project posed additional methodological challenges to the establishment of rigour. Patience, flexibility and sensitivity were required of the researcher to overcome these challenges. CONCLUSION: Collaboration with participants and with culture-specific 'experts' may be key to culturally competent scholarship, particularly in unfamiliar settings.

Communication↗

PubMed2000

Action research, change and methodological rigour.

AIM: To critically examine concepts of methodological rigour in action research and consider how these affect its capacity to enable change. KEY ISSUES: Action research is potentially attractive to managers of nursing because it is a problem-focused approach. As action research is identified as a continuum of definitions and philosophies rather than a single approach, caution is expressed that the search for definition may obscure the underlying process of change. Issues of reliability and validity are explored, suggesting that concern for methodological rigour may limit the potential for change and improvement in practice. Ethical issues in action research are considered identifying areas for tension between researchers, managers and practitioners. Some examples of action research in nursing are discussed. CONCLUSION: Action research may be valuable in individual practitioners' development or in fostering collaboration between academe and practice. However the demands for methodological rigour in research limit its effectiveness as a strategy for managing change.

Conflict, Psychological↗

PubMed2003

The struggle for methodological orthodoxy in nursing research: the case of mental health.

This paper is not intended as an exhaustive review of contemporary mental health nursing research. Rather, the intention is to explore some of the competing arguments for different methodological approaches in social research, using mental health nursing as a case example. The paper questions the extent to which the artificially dichotomized debate over quantitative versus qualitative research impacts upon the working lives of practitioners, managers and policy makers. In particular, the paper traces the development of survey method, during this its centennial anniversary year. It also traces its subsequent decline, in favour of what will be referred to as the new methodological orthodoxy in nursing research. It is also interwoven with occasional accounts of personal experience, drawn from an international perspective. The paper calls for a reapproachement between different wings of methodological opinion, in deference to a publicly unified position for nursing research in which the achievement of quality becomes the over-arching concern.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

Consultative Committee on Road Traffic Fatalities: trauma audit methodology.

BACKGROUND: Since 1992 the Consultative Committee on Road Traffic Fatalities in Victoria has identified deficiencies and errors in the management of 559 road traffic fatalities in which the patients were alive on arrival of ambulance services. The Committee also assessed the preventability of deaths. Reproducibility of results using its methodology has been shown to be statistically significant. The Committee's findings and recommendations, the latter made in association with the learned Colleges and specialist Societies, led to the establishment of a Ministerial Taskforce on Trauma and Emergency Services. As a consequence, in 2000, a new trauma care system will be implemented in Victoria. This paper presents a case example demonstrating the Committee's methodology. METHODS: The Committee has two 12 member multidisciplinary evaluative panels. A retrospective evaluation was made of the complete ambulance, hospital and autopsy records of eligible fatalities. The clinical and pathological findings were analysed using a comprehensive data proforma, a narrative summary and the complete records. Resulting multidisciplinary discussion problems were identified and the potential preventability of death was assessed. RESULTS: In the present case example the Committee identified 16 management deficiencies of which 11 were assessed as having contributed to the patient's death; the death, however, was judged to be non-preventable. CONCLUSION: The presentation of this example demonstrating the Committee's methodology may be of assistance to hospital medical staff undertaking their own major trauma audit.

Accidents, Traffic↗