Research in healthcare is the foundation of evidence-based practice, scientific advancement, and informed clinical decision-making. Guide to Research Methodology for Allied and Healthcare Professionals – Volume 2 by Dr. Som Sankar Mukherjee (Ph.D) presents a comprehensive and structured exploration of essential research concepts and methodologies relevant to students, educators, researchers, and professionals in allied and healthcare sciences.
Building upon the fundamentals introduced in the earlier volume, this book covers Chapters 8–13 and takes readers through the key stages of the healthcare research process. It begins by examining the role and significance of research in evidence-based practice and explores how scientific inquiry has evolved alongside modern healthcare systems. The book provides readers with a clear understanding of how meaningful research questions are developed, beginning with problem identification and progressing through the formulation of research objectives and hypotheses.
A major strength of the book is its systematic approach to research planning and execution. It explains conceptual frameworks and emphasizes the importance of literature review in developing a strong scientific foundation for research. Readers are introduced to different research designs and sampling techniques, along with an understanding of variables, measurement tools, and data collection methods. By presenting these concepts in a clear and practical manner, the book helps learners understand not only what research methods are, but also how and when they should be applied.
The book also gives significant importance to research ethics and responsible scientific practice. Topics such as informed consent, confidentiality, patient privacy, research integrity, and ethical responsibilities are addressed as essential components of healthcare research. These principles are particularly important in health sciences, where research frequently involves human participants and sensitive personal information.
Another important component of the book is its introduction to biostatistics. Readers are provided with essential analytical concepts that can help them understand, evaluate, and interpret healthcare data. This provides a valuable bridge between research methodology and practical data analysis, enabling learners to approach scientific findings with greater clarity and critical thinking.
Written in a clear, structured, and learner-friendly style, Guide to Research Methodology for Allied and Healthcare Professionals – Volume 2 aims to develop research competence, analytical ability, and scientific thinking among its readers. The book connects theoretical concepts with practical applications, helping students and professionals gain the confidence required to participate in academic research and contribute to evidence-based healthcare practice.
The author, Dr. Somsankar Mukherjee, PhD (Physiotherapy), M.Phil (Physiotherapy), and MPT (Sports Physiotherapy), is a distinguished academician, researcher, and healthcare professional with more than 18 years of experience in national and international universities across health sciences, rehabilitation, and sports medicine. His extensive academic career includes teaching, curriculum development, research supervision, and mentorship of postgraduate and doctoral scholars. Through his work, he has consistently promoted evidence-based practice and scientific research in healthcare education.
Currently serving as the Chairperson of the Arunachal Pradesh Allied and Healthcare Council, Dr. Mukherjee contributes to strengthening healthcare education standards, professional regulation, and academic development. His academic contributions also extend to several textbooks, including Textbook of Sociology for Physiotherapists, Textbook of Psychology for Physiotherapists, Foundation of Ethics and Professionalism in Physiotherapy, Pedagogy in Physiotherapy, and Management and Administration in Physiotherapy Practices. With more than 30 research publications in reputed journals, he continues to make significant contributions to academic advancement and scientific inquiry.
With its comprehensive coverage of research design, methodology, ethics, data collection, and introductory biostatistics, Guide to Research Methodology for Allied and Healthcare Professionals – Volume 2 serves as a valuable academic resource for learners and professionals seeking to strengthen their research skills. It provides a strong foundation for understanding advanced healthcare research and encourages readers to approach clinical and academic questions through systematic, ethical, and evidence-based methods.
The publication of this volume marks another meaningful contribution to healthcare education and research methodology. By combining conceptual clarity, practical relevance, and academic rigor, the book is positioned to become a useful reference for students, educators, researchers, and allied healthcare professionals striving to build stronger research capabilities and contribute effectively to the future of evidence-based healthcare.