Research methods in clinical investigation: a case study analysis of medication levels and self-harm

This paper uses a case study to illustrate an application of the scientist-practitioner model to clinical practice. Through consultation with a clinical psychologist, a simple method of obtaining an objective overview of the therapeutic use of medication was developed. Focusing on a woman in a Regional Secure Unit, data were gathered from incident forms of self-harm and the corresponding drug charts. Using basic statistical techniques (such as frequencies and measures of central tendency) to summarize these data, useful clinical information was obtained. Actual data from the case study are presented, as an example of a research process that can be applied to understanding the role of extraneous variables when pursuing a course of chemical treatment. Analyses of drug effects suggest that additional variables such as environmental, interpersonal and engagement factors needed to be considered. The paper advocates the ease of applicability of research methods to clinical investigation.