Reporting novel data

Primary research studies report data or findings collected by the authors. This includes data from a cohort of patients or single patients, or experimental bench science. In the case of human subjects, the primary research outcomes are relevant to that group, but you do not know if the findings can be generalised to others. If the characteristics of the group or person you are caring for are very similar, then it may be relevant to your question.

The type of primary research is defined by the nature of the findings collected:

Quantitative

Quantitative research generates numerical data or data that can be converted into numbers for analysis.

Qualitative

Qualitative research describes attitudes and behaviour without collection of numerical data.

Mixed methods

Mixed methods studies combine qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

Patient experience is an important primary outcome in palliative care research and qualitative research can help you to examine this. [1] However, in developing policy or in allocating resources quantitative evidence is often asked for. Mixed methods research can give you both, but it is also more complex and as with any study type not always appropriate. [1] In palliative care research you will find that most publications are generally based on either a quantitative or qualitative approach. [2]

Quantitative and Qualitative - what's the difference?

Video from Deakin University

Research type is also defined by how and what is done

Interventional

Interventional research is where participants receive specific interventions according to a pre-specified protocol. The influence of factors other than the intervention can be minimised through randomisation to receive either the intervention or not (control group).

Observational

Observational research is where the course of events is studied or observed without any intervention from the researcher. In this case there is no way to control for different factors that might influence the outcome.

Primary study definitions and examples in palliative care [3]

https://youtu.be/Jd3gFT0-C4s?si=yxOm07yRHK_xwNlc

Last updated 01 June 2026