Research Experience

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Research is a very important part of NHS setups. New Doctors joining the NHS are expected to be involved in research and quality improving projects, and this is commonly asked during the interview. 



Common Questions

  • Tell us about your research experience 
  • What is the difference between audit and research?

If you are applying for a research fellow post: 

  • What do you know about clinical trials and its phases? 
  • What are the principles of research, what do you understand by them? 
  • How do you critically analyse a paper?
  • Define informed consent (with/without capacity) 
  • GMC Good Medical Practice Course 
  • National Institute of Health & Care Research (NIHR Course) 


General Points for Creating Your Response: 

Keep the following points in mind when crafting a response for this question: 

  • The interviewers will see if you understand the process of research or not. 
  • Do NOT answer with a fancy definition! 
  • You should be ready to handle one or more follow-up questions on the research, so it is better to be prepared to explain. 
  • You will have to craft your answer more than once, each time you will notice something redundant and unnecessary. Do not worry, keep perfecting your response.


Question #1: Tell us about your research experience

Cover the following in your answer:

  • Number, type and quality of research projects undertaken
  • Your role in the process 
  • Research related skills you developed i.e., literature review, appraisal, statistics 
  • Any relevant courses attended 
  • Your future plans with regards to research

You do not have to explain all of your research experience if it is quite substantial. If you have more than two research projects, discuss the one which you are proud of and can handle follow up questions better. 

If you don't have any research experience:

Carefully think about any experience that you might have that can be regarded as research, even informally such as literature reviews, case reports, journal club meetings, and / or conferences etc. 


Example Answer: 

"I have been involved in two research projects. One focused on the impact of early sepsis recognition on patient outcomes, where I conducted literature reviews, data collection, and statistical analysis. This project strengthened my skills in critical appraisal, data analysis, and literature review. I also attended a research methodology course, which improved my understanding of study design and statistical techniques.

In the second project, I helped investigate the effects of multidisciplinary team meetings on cancer care pathways. My role involved gathering data and collaborating with various healthcare professionals to interpret results.

In the future, I plan to continue pursuing research, particularly in evidence-based practices that can improve patient outcomes in my field."


Question #2: Difference between clinical audit and research?

This is the most common follow-up question in the interviews. 

Audit

  • It is a process which compares clinical practice against set standards
  • Are the guidelines being followed or not?
  • Are you aligned with the best practices?

Research

  • Create new knowledge that can be used to develop new standards 
  • Whether new treatments or investigations work or not?
  • Determine if one treatment is better than the other 

Research helps to establish guidelines and standards, while audits check whether you are aligned with those guidelines and standards or not.