Is it appropriate to define the research problem clearly before adopting a strategy?
Generally, yes, because once projects are under way, their objectives and characteristics need to be defined so that appropriate research is conducted and succinct results are reported. • Who is the audience for a study? The users or consumers of the final results. • What is the perspective of a study? The perspective of a study is the viewpoint from which it is conducted. A study’s perspective defines both the costs and benefits that are measured. • Which costs are included in a study conducted from a societal perspective? A study conducted from a societal perspective includes all relevant costs, regardless of who incurs them. • Would patient travel costs be included in a study conducted from a health-care system perspective? No. Travel cost borne by the patient would not be relevant to a health-care system; however, a study conducted from a patient or societal perspective would include such costs. • What is the difference between a study time frame and analytic horizon? • The time fr
