Research methods in drug utilization research

This chapter describes how to construct a well-established research question and outlines key differences between qualitative and quantitative research. It also describes how primary research findings can be summarized in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Research methods are the rules and procedures by which knowledge is generated and reported. A drug utilization (DU) study begins with identifying a knowledge gap or problem, followed by formulating research questions or objectives. Original research is information gathered through self-conducted research methods such as a cross-sectional survey distributed to a sample of patients, qualitative interviews, or an analysis of DU patterns undertaken in a database. Finally, the chapter addresses the development of data-driven science and Big Data. Big Data enables a different type of knowledge production both in science and for healthcare improvement. Ethical principles, standards, and procedures should be considered from the outset of a DU research study.