What kind of projects can I choose for my Research Project?

A research project can address any of the core elements of the scientific method -- data collection (observation), hypothesis generation (asking a question), and hypothesis testing (conducting an experiment). A research project could address any one (or several) of these steps. Many projects within the PHPM pathway are focused on policy and management decisions and their clinical and economic impact on patient populations.

For example, a student might conduct an evaluation of a proposed diabetes care program within a retail pharmacy setting. This topic could be studied from a variety of perspectives. The cost-effectiveness of the service could be assessed to support legislation that would facilitate its widespread implementation, the impact on patient quality of life and satisfaction could be evaluated, or the return on investment from the perspective of the retail store could be determined to assist business decisions. Thus, a student might:

1. Collect data on current diabetes care programs in retail pharmacies, categorize them, and assess the published evidence of their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness
2. Hypothesize that the program decreases patient out-of-pocket expenditures and increases satisfaction, and design a survey to test this, or
3. Design a diabetes care program that would be cost-effective
4. Study the use of this evidence in the development of legislation

Another example is the evaluation of a new drug for inclusion on a drug formulary. Many health care organizations, including hospitals and managed care organizations, utilize a drug formulary to insure patients receive safe, effective, and cost-effective medications. The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) has created a Format for the submission of such information by manufacturers to decision makers (see AMCP.org and FMCP.org). A student project might involve:

• Evaluating drug utilization in a managed care population.
• Conducting a meta-analysis (a quantitative, systematic literature review) to evaluate clinical trials or outcomes data.
• Creating a position paper discussing the clinical, economic, humanistic, and ethical considerations surrounding a particularly controversial new agent.
• Conducting a cost-effectiveness analysis according to the AMCP Format, or even evaluating an analysis that was conducted by a manufacturer.

Similar examples exist in the areas of postmarketing adverse drug experience assessments as a basis for risk management decisions affecting drug safety, health communications, law and ethics and other topics.

Go To: The PHPM Research Project