PH 212 Part C METHODOLOGY

Methodology is an important part of the overall research process in order to carry out the
appropriate methods, relevant study design, methods of data collection and selecting a
population.

Design

A descriptive study will be used since it is trying to understand events that are occurring
in the present (lack of effective communication in hospitals) and the relationship with
patients. A survey research will be used as a study design since it examines the frequency
and the relationship between variables which is lack effective communication of in
hospitals.

Sample

The study population will be the radiology staff of CWM and Lautoka hospital with the
inclusion of the patients of the radiology department that undergoes certain radiological
examinations (including the ward patients as well as general outpatients).

For the staff, the inclusion criteria will be that they have a minimum of two years of work
experience. They must be actively involved in patient communication. Staffs that are in
filing area and reception area will also be included since they are the first ones seen buy
the patients

For patients, the inclusive criteria should be how informative the radiology staffs are to
them and how much to they understand form the procedures undertaken. A simple
random sampling technique will be used where all staff will be included and
approximately 150 patients including hospital inpatient and outpatients.

Data collection

Data collected will be through interviews since it has high response rates with high
validity. Interviews will be done individually by face to face with the patients as well as
the radiology staff. Data will be collected through oral questionnaires since it is difficult
for some people to read and write.
The questionnaires will be created by using a simple and well understood questions
related to the study so that is simple for the patients to understand and give an appropriate
answer. Questions asked will include:
For patients:
• The number of times x rays have been performed on them?
• Were they aware about radiation
• How effective was the interaction with the assisting staff
For staff
• How many cases are done on average by 1 staff in a day?
 • How much did the patient learn form your explanations on the procedures
undertaken?
• What is the importance of effective communication to you and the patient?
• Do you think effective communication is being practiced in the radiology
department? Why?
• What is your opinion regarding practice of and upgrading of communication skills
in hospitals?

Data analysis

Independent variables- communication skill level.

Dependent variables- how does it help in awareness?

.
Correlation of the data will be done by using statistical analysis and all the information
collected through interviews will be analyzed to find out if there is a relationship between
effective communication and understanding of radiology staff and patients in the
radiology department.

Budget

All the research that is being carried out needs to have proper budget resources is well
managed.
Personal budget that will be used is for meals and accommodation. $250
Equipment and materials (transport and stationary) - $110
Printing and photocopying- $ 30
Data processing cost- $ 20
Total cost- $410

Information dissemination

All the findings will be sent to the head of radiology department and the ministry of
health so that a new protocol can be made which states that effective communication is a
pre-requisite and should be practiced all the time in the hospitals especially in the
pediatrics department.

Ravitesh Singh
S070077
BMIS2
FSM.