Journal of Health & Medical Informatics

The Journey towards Successful Research in a Diabetes Clinic: Expectations vs. Reality

Abstract

Hayat Mushcab*,W George Kernohan,Jonathan Wallace,Roy Harper,Suzanne Martin

In theory, conducting robust clinical research is a matter of developing a strong proposal with ethical governance and following through the complete research cycle. However, the reality of design and conducting research is a complicated process involving many opportunities and obstacles that challenge the researcher from start to finish. In this paper we reflect on our experience of conducting our study and how these were responded to and influenced the research. A brief overview of our study’s design and location is provided followed by a pragmatic discussion of the challenges as they arose. An understanding emerged of the critical need to nurture a mutual understanding and strong collaboration between the research team, clinical team and the patient as a key facilitator in completing a research trial