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Writing a ResearchWriting a Research
ProposalProposalDr Heidi ProbstDr Heidi Probst
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Aims of this presentationAims of this presentation
What is a research proposal?What is a research proposal?
Why do you write research proposals?Why do you write research proposals?
Who are the likely audiences for your researchWho are the likely audiences for your research
proposals?proposals? How will different audiences influence theHow will different audiences influence the
presentation of the proposal?presentation of the proposal?
What features make a good and bad researchWhat features make a good and bad research
proposal?proposal? How can you optimise the impact of yourHow can you optimise the impact of your
proposal?proposal?
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By the end of this presentationBy the end of this presentation
you will...you will... Have an understanding of the format of aHave an understanding of the format of a
research proposalresearch proposal
Be aware of the attributes that make a goodBe aware of the attributes that make a goodquality research proposalquality research proposal
Be aware of the different requirements forBe aware of the different requirements fordifferent audiences of research proposalsdifferent audiences of research proposals
Have considered the factors that will increaseHave considered the factors that will increasethe quality of your own final proposal and itsthe quality of your own final proposal and itsability to gain favourable approval at variousability to gain favourable approval at variouscommittees who will need to look at andcommittees who will need to look at and
approve your proposal.approve your proposal.
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Guidance NotesGuidance Notes Audit is a project which seeks to measureAudit is a project which seeks to measure
existing practice against evidence basedexisting practice against evidence basedstandards.standards.
A Project is service evaluation if it seeks toA Project is service evaluation if it seeks toestablish existing practice or the views of usersestablish existing practice or the views of usersand staff, where the findings may not beand staff, where the findings may not be
universally applicable.universally applicable. A project is research if it seeks to establishA project is research if it seeks to establish
new knowledge and its findings may benew knowledge and its findings may begeneralised.generalised.
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Guidance NotesGuidance Notes A research project requires ethical approval if it takesA research project requires ethical approval if it takes
place on NHS property or uses NHS facilities orplace on NHS property or uses NHS facilities orinvolves;involves;
Patients, users, relatives or carersPatients, users, relatives or carers Data of past or present patientsData of past or present patients Organs or other bodily materials of past and presentOrgans or other bodily materials of past and present
ptspts Foetal material and IVFFoetal material and IVF The recently deadThe recently dead NHS staff recruited by virtue of their professionalNHS staff recruited by virtue of their professional
role.role.
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About research proposals...About research proposals... Why write one?Why write one?
Who are the likely audiences?Who are the likely audiences?
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Why write a researchWhy write a research
proposal?proposal? To act as a map to guide your researchTo act as a map to guide your research To ensure that you have a researchable question andTo ensure that you have a researchable question and
appropriate methodology to address that questionappropriate methodology to address that question
Astatement of the purpose and plan of the research
Astatement of the purpose and plan of the researchprojectproject
Details how the study is to be carried outDetails how the study is to be carried out
Incorporates any practical and ethical issues whichIncorporates any practical and ethical issues whichneed to be addressedneed to be addressed
To ensure that you have taken account of theTo ensure that you have taken account of theresource requirements to undertake your researchresource requirements to undertake your research
Accountability funding governanceAccountability funding governance
To inform other stakeholders of your intentionsTo inform other stakeholders of your intentions
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The Types of ProposalThe Types of Proposal Aproposal for a quantitative orAproposal for a quantitative or
qualitative or mixed methodsqualitative or mixed methods
investigationinvestigation Aproposal for an extended review ofAproposal for an extended review of
the literature or systematic review.the literature or systematic review.
The headings used will be dependentThe headings used will be dependenton the type of proposal that ison the type of proposal that isundertakenundertaken..
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Who is your audience?Who is your audience? YouYou
Your supervisorYour supervisor
Funding bodiesFunding bodies Research committeesResearch committees
Research governanceResearch governancecommittees including ISRcommittees including ISR(what is this? click here to find out)(what is this? click here to find out)
ManagersManagers The researched (ie yourThe researched (ie your
subjects)subjects)
What are they looking for?
Independent Scientific Review
If aproject requires NHS ethics approvalitis usually arequirementthat theproposal has beenassessedindependently bytworeviewers.
If your projectis partof aneducationalqualificationyourUniversitywillusuallyhave systems inplacetoundertakethis for you.
If youareapplyingfor researchfundingoftenthefundingprocess willrequirereports fromatl east2 reviewers.
Your localR+D Departmentmaybeableto arrangeforanindependentscientific review for you,alternativelythroughtheNHS ethics review process theethicscommitteewillsendout your proposalfor ISR.
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ISRISR-- What are they looking forWhat are they looking for
from my proposal?from my proposal? Primarily they are reviewing the scientific quality of the work.Primarily they are reviewing the scientific quality of the work.1.1. Has an area/problem/issue been identified?Has an area/problem/issue been identified?
2.2. Is it significant?Is it significant?
3.3. Is there a gap in current literature? Is the reviewIs there a gap in current literature? Is the reviewextensive/informative/clear?extensive/informative/clear?
4.4. What is the aim of the project? Does the research questionWhat is the aim of the project? Does the research questionfollow? Is it clear, doable?follow? Is it clear, doable?
5.5. Has the project been well planned? Is the designHas the project been well planned? Is the design
appropriate? Has reliability/validity/trustworthiness beenappropriate? Has reliability/validity/trustworthiness beenconsidered?considered?
6.6. Has researcher bias been considered?Has researcher bias been considered?
7.7. Is the timescale well considered and practical?Is the timescale well considered and practical?
8.8. Has the funding for the project be adequatelyHas the funding for the project be adequatelyconsidered.Etcconsidered.Etc
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ISRISR-- What are they looking forWhat are they looking for
from my proposal?from my proposal?9.9. Does the researcher or project team haveDoes the researcher or project team have
the appropriate qualifications to undertakethe appropriate qualifications to undertake
the work?the work?10.10. Does the researcher have the appropriateDoes the researcher have the appropriate
access to subjects?access to subjects?
11.11. Are the information sheet/consent formsAre the information sheet/consent forms
appropriate?appropriate?12.12. Has data analysis been adequatelyHas data analysis been adequately
considered?considered?
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What are the EthicsWhat are the Ethics
Committee Looking for?Committee Looking for? How are participants to be recruited?How are participants to be recruited?
How will safety of participants be assured?How will safety of participants be assured?
Is the design culturally sensitive?Is the design culturally sensitive? Are there opportunities for equality in recruitment?Are there opportunities for equality in recruitment?
Confidentiality, anonymityConfidentiality, anonymity
Data protectionData protection
User Involvement? This is crucial and it is worthUser Involvement? This is crucial and it is worthconsidering user perspectives in the design stage asconsidering user perspectives in the design stage aswell as having user representation on the projectwell as having user representation on the projectteam.team.
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FundersFunders-- what do they lookwhat do they look
for?for?Value for moneyValue for money-- can your project producecan your project produce
results efficiently.results efficiently.
Is the research topical and relevant within theIs the research topical and relevant within the
current NHS/social care environmentcurrent NHS/social care environment-- politicalpoliticalcontext? Does it fit with national researchcontext? Does it fit with national researchpriorities? Mention the research priorities thatpriorities? Mention the research priorities thatfit with your project.fit with your project.
Is it designed well? Scientific quality.Is it designed well? Scientific quality. Potential for follow on projects?Potential for follow on projects?
What impact will the research have? Does itWhat impact will the research have? Does ithave the potential to change practice?have the potential to change practice?
Improve outcomes?Improve outcomes?
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FundersFunders-- what do they look for?what do they look for?contdcontd
Think about mentioning professionalThink about mentioning professionalresearch priorities the SCoR have a listresearch priorities the SCoR have a list
of current research priorities look atof current research priorities look atthese and identify how your study fitsthese and identify how your study fitswith those listed.with those listed.
Also consider DoH research priorities,Also consider DoH research priorities,how does your proposed study fit withhow does your proposed study fit withthese national priorities.these national priorities.
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What makes a good researchWhat makes a good research
proposal?proposal? Sticking to the rules eg guidelines for presentation etcSticking to the rules eg guidelines for presentation etc
Importance of the research / justificationImportance of the research / justification
Demonstrated ability to do the workDemonstrated ability to do the work Robustness of the research methodsRobustness of the research methods
Quality of presentationQuality of presentation typos / formatting etctypos / formatting etc
InnovationInnovation
Well organised proposal that is simple, and logicalWell organised proposal that is simple, and logical
Research team have evidence of a good track recordResearch team have evidence of a good track record
The budget is reasonable, believable and justified, withThe budget is reasonable, believable and justified, withrational arguments for including consumables, equipmentrational arguments for including consumables, equipmentand other itemsand other items
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Be creativeBe creative
Think of a good ideaThink of a good idea
Make the reader think "why didn't IMake the reader think "why didn't Ithink of that"think of that"
Good proposals are often simpleGood proposals are often simple
proposals!proposals!
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WRITE.... NOW...WRITE.... NOW... Proposals take timeProposals take time
Writing organises your thoughtsWriting organises your thoughts
Assume your audience know nothing of yourAssume your audience know nothing of yourfieldfield
Know where your audience are coming fromKnow where your audience are coming from
Avoid writing with 'attitudeAvoid writing with 'attitude
Avoid writing in the first personAvoid writing in the first person Remember you are proposing an ideaRemember you are proposing an idea-- itit
shouldnt come across as though you haveshouldnt come across as though you havealready completed the work.already completed the work.
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What are the common sections ofWhat are the common sections of
a Proposal?a Proposal? TitleTitle SummarySummary AimsAims Research QuestionsResearch Questions End PointsEnd Points Significance of the researchSignificance of the research BackgroundBackground Method (clear here for sub sections)Method (clear here for sub sections) Timeline (Gantt Chart)Timeline (Gantt Chart) Project ManagementProject Management Dissemination strategyDissemination strategy Ethics and Research GovernanceEthics and Research Governance CostsCosts ReferencesReferences
Method Sub sections
Study design
Inclusion/exclusion criteria
Sampling and recruitment strategy
Reliability and Validity or Trustworthiness
and Authenticity.
Data Analysis
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TitleTitle A simple statement which describes theA simple statement which describes the
study, should be confined to onestudy, should be confined to one
sentence, try to include the aim of thesentence, try to include the aim of thestudy and the outcomes.study and the outcomes.
HintHint Leave the title till last, it will beLeave the title till last, it will be
easier to formulate a concise statementeasier to formulate a concise statementwhen you have written your aims.when you have written your aims.
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SummarySummary This is a bit like an abstract for anThis is a bit like an abstract for an
article and helps to summarise for thearticle and helps to summarise for the
reader the purpose of the study and thereader the purpose of the study and thepossible outcomes.possible outcomes.
The next slide gives an example of aThe next slide gives an example of a
summarysummary
1.0 Summary
This study examines job turnover (Intentions to Leave) in the radiation therapy
workforce. High vacancy rates and an unsatisfied workforce significantly limit
the access of cancer patients to appropriate care that has deleterious effects on
health outcomes through delays in treatment. This study will address this
significant problem through a longitudinal prospective investigation of the
impact of workload, task complexity and unmet career expectations on
Intentions to Leave. The study will initially draw on the model proposed by
Janssen et al [1], that job turnover intention is highly correlated with emotionalexhaustion and unmet career expectations. In addition the study will extend the
knowledge base on workforce planning in this profession through the
development of a rigorous workload measurement instrument that can be
utilised internationally.
The study aims to develop a tool for measuring radiation therapists activity,based on a validated method for measuring Linear Accelerator productivity
(Basic Treatment Equivalent, BTE). This tool will be used to investigate the
impact of task complexity and work overload on therapists intention to leave.
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What is the purpose of theWhat is the purpose of the
background section?background section? Who will benefit?Who will benefit?
What is the context of the investigation?What is the context of the investigation?Service/politicalService/political
Why do you want to investigate it?Why do you want to investigate it?
What is the value of the investigation?What is the value of the investigation?
What has already been published?What has already been published?
Critical review of the published literatureCritical review of the published literature How will your study build on publishedHow will your study build on published
literature? And why are you best placed toliterature? And why are you best placed toundertake the work.undertake the work.
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Aims
Aims Need to be clear, doable, specific.Need to be clear, doable, specific.
Move on to the next slide to see anMove on to the next slide to see anexample of some project aims.example of some project aims.
Example Aims
1. To identify the factors that influence RadiationTherapists intention to leave their current post or leave
the profession, investigating the factors behind the
differences in vacancy levels between 2 NHS regions
(identified from the DoH 2002/2003 statistics[2] as oneof the best and one of the worst regions in terms of
vacancy rates).
2. To determine the characteristics of the work
environment and conditions of service that can bechanged to enhance therapists work satisfaction, and
reduce turnover.
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The Research QuestionThe Research Question Probably the most difficult part of theProbably the most difficult part of the
research design.research design.
You have to conceptualise the areaYou have to conceptualise the areaunder study and formalise into wordsunder study and formalise into wordsthe exact question under study.the exact question under study.
For each aim you have identified thereFor each aim you have identified thereshould be 1 or 2 research questionsshould be 1 or 2 research questionsthat are clearly linked.that are clearly linked.
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Example Research QuestionsExample Research Questions WhatWhat aspectsaspects ofof aa radiationradiation therapiststherapists workwork areare thethe mostmost
influentialinfluential inin causingcausing aa personperson toto leaveleave theirtheir job?job?
What aspects of radiation therapy contribute to therapists workWhat aspects of radiation therapy contribute to therapists workmotivation?motivation?
Try to ensure your research questions reflect the complexity of theTry to ensure your research questions reflect the complexity of the
topic area. For example, a question with a simple yes /no answertopic area. For example, a question with a simple yes /no answerin a qualitative study will not reflect the complex interplay ofin a qualitative study will not reflect the complex interplay ofissues that surround human behaviour or human interaction.issues that surround human behaviour or human interaction.
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MethodMethod Things to considerThings to consider What design will be adopted, you need to have a clear wellWhat design will be adopted, you need to have a clear well
argued rationale for choosing this approach with reference toargued rationale for choosing this approach with reference to
relevant research texts or previous research.relevant research texts or previous research. Will subjects be Randomised if not explain why or limitationsWill subjects be Randomised if not explain why or limitations
If the study is a qualitative study what sampling approach is toIf the study is a qualitative study what sampling approach is tobe used and why?be used and why?
Inclusion/exclusion criteria for subjectsInclusion/exclusion criteria for subjects
How will subjects be referredHow will subjects be referred
NonNon--conformanceconformance-- how will you deal with cases that donthow will you deal with cases that dontconform to the prescribed intervention or protocol.conform to the prescribed intervention or protocol.
Where you can, support your approach with evidence from theWhere you can, support your approach with evidence from theliteratureliterature
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Data Collection andA
nalysisData Collection andA
nalysis Consider in detail how the data will beConsider in detail how the data will be
collected, who is best placed to collectcollected, who is best placed to collect
data? Will they produce bias indata? Will they produce bias inrecording data? What if they are off?recording data? What if they are off?Who will stand in?Who will stand in?
In what format should data beIn what format should data berecorded?recorded?
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DataA
nalysisDataA
nalysis It is vital that you consider at the outset what type ofIt is vital that you consider at the outset what type of
analysis you would like to undertake, failure to do soanalysis you would like to undertake, failure to do socould mean you record the data in an inappropriatecould mean you record the data in an inappropriate
form.form. For qualitative studies describe the method ofFor qualitative studies describe the method of
analysis and make sure it fits with any philosophicalanalysis and make sure it fits with any philosophicalperspectives described earlier.perspectives described earlier.
HintHint-- try analysing some data in the expected form,try analysing some data in the expected form,set up a data base so you are clear how you needset up a data base so you are clear how you needthe data to be recorded, and try a statistical test,the data to be recorded, and try a statistical test,have you got the right level of data?have you got the right level of data?
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Ethical considerationsEthical considerations You need to consider two factorsYou need to consider two factors
1.1. TheThe ethical implicationsethical implications of yourof your
researchresearch ie how will it impact onie how will it impact onyour participants?your participants?
2.2. TheThe processesprocesses of research governanceof research governance
and ethical approval that you need toand ethical approval that you need tocomply withcomply with ie which committees doie which committees doyou need to go throughyou need to go through
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Ethical ConsiderationsEthical Considerations What might be the ethical implicationsWhat might be the ethical implications
of your study?of your study?
How will you protect participantsHow will you protect participantsconfidentiality?confidentiality?
Who will benefit from your study?Who will benefit from your study?
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Ethical ConsiderationsEthical Considerations Any research involving patients,Any research involving patients,
questioning hospital staff, or use ofquestioning hospital staff, or use of
hospital property will require ethicalhospital property will require ethicalapproval by the local research ethicsapproval by the local research ethicscommittee.committee.
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RiskA
ssessmentRiskA
ssessment Will any of your subjects suffer any detrimentWill any of your subjects suffer any detriment
as a result of inclusion or exclusion in youras a result of inclusion or exclusion in your
study?study? Consider inequality between researcher andConsider inequality between researcher and
participant, will potential participants perceiveparticipant, will potential participants perceivepressure to participate?pressure to participate?
Consider unanticipated consequences of theConsider unanticipated consequences of theresults, they may be politically sensitive.results, they may be politically sensitive.
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Informed ConsentInformed Consent Consider Informed ConsentConsider Informed Consent
What is informed?What is informed?
Usually written consent form is requiredUsually written consent form is required
Usually contains a number ofUsually contains a number ofstatements for participants to agree to.statements for participants to agree to.
Informed consent is a process thatInformed consent is a process thatinvolves good quality informationinvolves good quality information
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Time lineTime line Identify ALL time issues...Identify ALL time issues...
Consider how time is to beConsider how time is to be
allocated,allocated, Gantt chartsGantt charts click hereclick here
Allow 2Allow 2 3 months to prepare3 months to prepare
and clear all ethics andand clear all ethics andgovernance processes.governance processes.
Exampl
Gantt Chart
Weeks
Click to next sli
e forcodes
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Research PersonnelResearch Personnel
Who will do the work?Who will do the work?
When will they do the work?When will they do the work? Other supportOther support statistics,statistics,
administrationadministration
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Other costsOther costs
TranscribingTranscribing
TransportTransport AdministrationAdministration
TapesTapes
TechnologyTechnology Software costsSoftware costs
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Budget
Budget
Should be a logical progression fromShould be a logical progression from
your time and resource input.your time and resource input. Are there alternative forms of funding?Are there alternative forms of funding?
Make sure your project will fit yourMake sure your project will fit your
budget.budget.
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Dissemination of the resultsDissemination of the results
Who cares?Who cares?
How will they know about the results.How will they know about the results. Think about the audiences that need toThink about the audiences that need to
know the results and the best way toknow the results and the best way to
inform them.inform them.
Identified target audiences:
The Board of the College of Radiographers (CoR) and the Council for the Society of Radiographers (SoR).
Council for Clinical Oncology at the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR).
Hospital Trust managers (including Human resources managers).
Clinical Oncologists.
Radiation Therapists.
Policy makers within the Department of Health. Workforce confederations.
Users or carers
Dissemination
Publication of the studies findings within peer-reviewed National and International journals
(including Radiography and Health Service Research and Policy sources) will be an important facetof the dissemination of findings to Clinical Oncologists, Radiographers, Health Service policy
makers and Radiation Therapists.
Meetings with the CoR/SoR Board and Council, Council for Clinical Oncology at the RCR, and
Workforce Confederations to present the findings should ensure relevant decision-makers are aware
of the research.
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ReferencesReferences Choose style according to the rules forChoose style according to the rules for
the relevant committee, funding bodiesthe relevant committee, funding bodies
may stipulate in their rules whichmay stipulate in their rules whichreferencing type you should use.referencing type you should use.
Accurate, up to date, relevant, dontAccurate, up to date, relevant, dont
miss any out of your reference list.miss any out of your reference list.
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FormattingFormatting
Comply with style requirementsComply with style requirements
Be professional in your presentationBe professional in your presentation Use a spell checkerUse a spell checker
Get someone to look over your workGet someone to look over your work
before you submit.before you submit.
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AProposal for a SystematicAProposal for a Systematic
Review of the LiteratureReview of the Literature How does this differ from a primary projectHow does this differ from a primary project
proposal?proposal?
1.1. Headings are slightly differentHeadings are slightly different
2.2. Within the method need to identify a clearWithin the method need to identify a clear
search strategy.search strategy.3.3. Ethical considerations are about researcherEthical considerations are about researcher
bias.bias.
Search Strategy
Databases
Keywords
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Filtering Method
Assessment ofstudy quality/validity
Method for logging reviewed articles.
Limitations
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Final ReminderFinal Reminder What makesWhat makes
proposals uncompetitive or weak?proposals uncompetitive or weak? Project aims are unclearProject aims are unclear
Poorly defined research questionPoorly defined research question
A lack of innovationA lack of innovation
The design is flawedThe design is flawed
The project is unlikely to lead to the stated outcomesThe project is unlikely to lead to the stated outcomes
The project has a so what factor, for example it mayThe project has a so what factor, for example it maynot lead to any changes or improvements in patientnot lead to any changes or improvements in patient
care or there may be no societal benefit apparentcare or there may be no societal benefit apparentfrom the proposed outcomes.from the proposed outcomes.
Timeframe and milestones are unachievableTimeframe and milestones are unachievable