Research protocol

Every study needs a well-written, comprehensive research protocol. All research, including low-risk studies, require a protocol with sufficient detail for ethical, governance, and methodological appraisal. Even Quality Assurance and Improvement projects, along with clinical audits, should be grounded with a well-designed protocol.

The protocol should be considered a living document and if researchers need to adjust or amend their processes related to their project, an updated protocol will be required. In some cases it is necessary or expected to register a protocol, further information is available here.

The Gold Coast Health protocol template provides researchers with a step-by-step guide on how to complete the necessary background work for their project. The Writing a Research Protocol microcredential course is an online course that teaches you how to create a detailed and ethical health research study protocol, including formulating research questions and choosing study designs, with free access available to Gold Coast Health staff.

In order to improve and refine project design and proposed outcomes, researchers are encouraged to submit their protocol for peer-review.