Conducting research studies generally requires having systematised information about the individuals who use our services. To gather all the necessary data on each service user, it is very helpful to establish assessment protocols in order to standardise procedures. The assessment protocol could include information common to all cases (sex, age, educational level, country of birth, occupational profile, etc.) and the standardised assessment tools considered most appropriate for evaluating occupations or client factors, both at initial assessment and at follow-up and discharge.<\/p>\n
In this way, you will have sociodemographic, functional, and occupational performance data, as well as other variables of interest for all individuals receiving your occupational therapy services. Using a protocol also standardises the format for data collection and the tools used, ensuring this information is available for all cases in the same way. Implementing a protocol can help you describe the profile of the users seen at your centre, evaluate the effect of one or more interventions, and even compare outcomes between individuals receiving a standard versus an innovative therapy.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Include informed consent and data management documentation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you wish to use information provided by the service users and\/or family members seen at your clinic, you must begin by providing potential study participants with an informed consent form and a data use agreement for research purposes. This document should include a first section covering all information related to the research project (main objectives, type of participation, possible risks, the right to withdraw, etc.) and a second section containing an explicit declaration by the individual confirming that they have understood all of the above, that they are participating voluntarily, and that they consent to taking part in the study in accordance with data protection law, including their signature and personal details.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Organise information in databases<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We know that assessments and other clinically relevant information are typically collected manually on paper, as this is the most practical approach when the service user is present. However, having data on paper prevents us from working with it or storing it systematically. It is therefore essential to record this information in a digital database for research purposes.<\/p>\n
We recommend creating a database using Excel (Microsoft Office), Google Sheets, or Access or other database tools if you have the relevant skills. It is important that databases intended for research do not contain any information that could identify the individual, such as national ID numbers, full names, social security numbers, etc. These requirements are mandatory in order to comply with the data protection principles set out in Ley Org\u00e1nica 3\/2018, of 5 December, on the Protection of Personal Data and the Guarantee of Digit<\/a>al Rights, which governs the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data.<\/p>\n
Below is an example of a simple database structure composed of two spreadsheet tabs:<\/p>\n
1. Data sheet<\/p>\n
This sheet is organised into columns and rows. Rows typically correspond to individuals (each assigned a code), and columns to the variables or characteristics measured and\/or of interest (e.g. sex, age, country of birth, total FAB scale score, etc.).<\/p>\n
In this example, the column labelled “age_m” corresponds to the mothers’ age in years, and “country_birth_m” corresponds to the mother’s country of birth, with two possible values: 1 or 2.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hacto.umh.es\/files\/2023\/12\/3-1024x335.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Labels sheet<\/p>\n
It is advisable to add a second tab to the database containing the specifications for variable names, the meaning of each response option, the correspondence of numerical labels, and so on.<\/p>\n
What is a numerical label?: It is a number assigned to a specific response to a given characteristic or question. Using numbers makes it easier to enter data into the database consistently across all individuals, and allows data to be exported directly to a statistical analysis programme.<\/em><\/p>\n
In the example above, the variable “country_birth_m” had two possible responses: 1 or 2. In the labels sheet, we can see that this variable corresponds to “mother’s country of birth,” where response “1” corresponds to “Spain” and response “2” to “Other.”<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hacto.umh.es\/files\/2023\/12\/4-1024x330.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIt is important to create this labels sheet so that all collected information is clearly explained, enabling anyone who wishes to view or explore the data to understand its contents without difficulty.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Use Google Forms for data collection<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The data collection process during assessments can be streamlined using tools such as Google Forms (<\/em>https:\/\/www.google.com\/forms\/about\/<\/em><\/a>).<\/em>This online tool allows you to create questionnaires and include any questions you wish. You could use it to digitise some of your most frequently used assessment tools and complete them via a link. Each time the questionnaire is completed and submitted, the responses are automatically exported to a spreadsheet, effectively creating a database. It is important, however, to ensure that any information entered about service users remains anonymous. For example, by generating an identification code for each participant that contains no personal information that could be linked back to them. A data privacy policy and informed consent section should also be included.<\/p>\n
It should be noted that data entered into the Google platform will be stored on its servers. However, according to the platform’s terms of service and privacy policy, data will not be shared with third parties, and you may withdraw your data if you choose to stop using the platform. The terms of service<\/a>, privacy policy<\/a>, and Google Forms platform policy <\/a>can be read in detail at the links provided.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Contact a research group<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You may wish to contact a research group with experience in projects related to your area of interest or field of practice, with the aim of receiving guidance throughout the research process. It is important that, based on the data collected, you formulate hypotheses and research questions that you wish to answer using your data.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Pursue research training <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Undertaking specific training in research methodology, scientific documentation, or evidence-based practice, among other areas, can help you understand these processes and become familiar with different research methodologies. A series of scientific skills related to the research process have been identified:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/hacto.umh.es\/files\/2026\/10\/Infografia-2.png” title_text=”Infograf\u00eda 2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/drive.google.com\/uc?export=download&id=1KL1jl5rGGg2HaKow6FnzbhZkr6L7CHnr” button_text=”Descarga ” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Bot\u00f3n” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
To develop these skills, in addition to formal training, the InTeO Group produces a range of informative and educational entries that you can read, including the present PublicaTO<\/a> series and the critical appraisal section TOCr\u00edtico<\/a>.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texto” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/irene-campos-s%C3%A1nchez-132824226\/” global_module=”3874″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hacto.umh.es\/files\/2025\/12\/Irene-Campos-Sanchez-1-231x300.jpg\")
Irene Campos S\u00e1nchez<\/strong>
Occupational Therapist, Master’s in Neurological Occupational Therapy and Master’s in Public Health. FPU Pre-doctoral Researcher in the PhD Program in Public Health and Medical and Surgical Sciences. Collaborator at InTeO.<\/p><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texto” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/paula-noce-94b062222\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_module=”6790″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hacto.umh.es\/files\/2024\/04\/Beatriz-Espinosa-212x300.png\")
<\/a>Translate by: Beatriz Espinosa<\/strong>
Occupational Therapist, holding a Master’s Degree in Intervention for Functional Diversity in Childhood and specialized training in child development and mental health. University degree officially recognized in Australia.<\/p><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Texto” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Campos S\u00e1nchez, I. (2023, diciembre 18). First steps for getting started with research in your clinical practice.<\/em> PublicaTO \u2013 Habilidades Cient\u00edficas en Terapia Ocupacional de InTeO. https:\/\/hacto.umh.es\/2023\/12\/18\/primeros-pasos-para-comenzar-con-la-investigacion-en-tu-clinica\/<\/a>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”C\u00f3digo” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License![\"Licencia](\"https:\/\/licensebuttons.net\/l\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/88x31.png\")
<\/a>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Have you ever thought about conducting research through your daily clinical practice but are not sure where to begin? In this entry we share some tips that may help you start this process: Include assessment protocols Conducting research studies generally requires having systematised information about the individuals who use our services. To gather all the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3804,"featured_media":5239,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"
[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.16\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<\/p>
Have you ever thought about conducting research through your daily clinical practice but are not sure where to begin?<\/p>
In this entry we share some tips that may help you start this process:<\/p>
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_5,3_5,1_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"3_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/hacto.umh.es\/files\/2023\/12\/Post-redes.png\" title_text=\"Post redes\" align=\"center\" admin_label=\"Imagen\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/uc?export=download&id=1Y4vNQIcZkOpN-cA9yGgacIurI-nCEH2B\" button_text=\"Descarga\" button_alignment=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Texto\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<\/p>
- Include assessment protocols<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
Conducting research studies generally requires having systematised information about the individuals who use our services. To gather all the necessary data on each service user, it is very helpful to establish assessment protocols in order to standardise procedures. The assessment protocol could include information common to all cases (sex, age, educational level, country of birth, occupational profile, etc.) and the standardised assessment tools considered most appropriate for evaluating occupations or client factors, both at initial assessment and at follow-up and discharge.<\/p>
In this way, you will have sociodemographic, functional, and occupational performance data, as well as other variables of interest for all individuals receiving your occupational therapy services. Using a protocol also standardises the format for data collection and the tools used, ensuring this information is available for all cases in the same way. Implementing a protocol can help you describe the profile of the users seen at your centre, evaluate the effect of one or more interventions, and even compare outcomes between individuals receiving a standard versus an innovative therapy.<\/p>
- Include informed consent and data management documentation<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
If you wish to use information provided by the service users and\/or family members seen at your clinic, you must begin by providing potential study participants with an informed consent form and a data use agreement for research purposes. This document should include a first section covering all information related to the research project (main objectives, type of participation, possible risks, the right to withdraw, etc.) and a second section containing an explicit declaration by the individual confirming that they have understood all of the above, that they are participating voluntarily, and that they consent to taking part in the study in accordance with data protection law, including their signature and personal details.<\/p>
- Organise information in databases<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
We know that assessments and other clinically relevant information are typically collected manually on paper, as this is the most practical approach when the service user is present. However, having data on paper prevents us from working with it or storing it systematically. It is therefore essential to record this information in a digital database for research purposes.<\/p>
We recommend creating a database using Excel (Microsoft Office), Google Sheets, or Access or other database tools if you have the relevant skills. It is important that databases intended for research do not contain any information that could identify the individual, such as national ID numbers, full names, social security numbers, etc. These requirements are mandatory in order to comply with the data protection principles set out in Ley Org\u00e1nica 3\/2018, of 5 December, on the Protection of Personal Data and the Guarantee of Digit<\/a>al Rights, which governs the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data.
<\/p>Below is an example of a simple database structure composed of two spreadsheet tabs:<\/p>
1. Data sheet<\/p>
This sheet is organised into columns and rows. Rows typically correspond to individuals (each assigned a code), and columns to the variables or characteristics measured and\/or of interest (e.g. sex, age, country of birth, total FAB scale score, etc.).
<\/p>In this example, the column labelled \"age_m\" corresponds to the mothers' age in years, and \"country_birth_m\" corresponds to the mother's country of birth, with two possible values: 1 or 2.<\/p>
<\/a><\/p>2. Labels sheet<\/p>
It is advisable to add a second tab to the database containing the specifications for variable names, the meaning of each response option, the correspondence of numerical labels, and so on.<\/p>
What is a numerical label?: It is a number assigned to a specific response to a given characteristic or question. Using numbers makes it easier to enter data into the database consistently across all individuals, and allows data to be exported directly to a statistical analysis programme.<\/em>
<\/p>In the example above, the variable \"country_birth_m\" had two possible responses: 1 or 2. In the labels sheet, we can see that this variable corresponds to \"mother's country of birth,\" where response \"1\" corresponds to \"Spain\" and response \"2\" to \"Other.\"
<\/p><\/a><\/p>It is important to create this labels sheet so that all collected information is clearly explained, enabling anyone who wishes to view or explore the data to understand its contents without difficulty.<\/p>
- Use Google Forms for data collection<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
The data collection process during assessments can be streamlined using tools such as Google Forms (<\/em>https:\/\/www.google.com\/forms\/about\/<\/em><\/a>).<\/em>This online tool allows you to create questionnaires and include any questions you wish. You could use it to digitise some of your most frequently used assessment tools and complete them via a link. Each time the questionnaire is completed and submitted, the responses are automatically exported to a spreadsheet, effectively creating a database. It is important, however, to ensure that any information entered about service users remains anonymous. For example, by generating an identification code for each participant that contains no personal information that could be linked back to them. A data privacy policy and informed consent section should also be included.<\/p>
It should be noted that data entered into the Google platform will be stored on its servers. However, according to the platform's terms of service and privacy policy, data will not be shared with third parties, and you may withdraw your data if you choose to stop using the platform. The terms of service<\/a>, privacy policy<\/a>, and Google Forms platform policy <\/a>can be read in detail at the links provided.
<\/p>- Contact a research group<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
You may wish to contact a research group with experience in projects related to your area of interest or field of practice, with the aim of receiving guidance throughout the research process. It is important that, based on the data collected, you formulate hypotheses and research questions that you wish to answer using your data.<\/p>
- Pursue research training <\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
Undertaking specific training in research methodology, scientific documentation, or evidence-based practice, among other areas, can help you understand these processes and become familiar with different research methodologies. A series of scientific skills related to the research process have been identified:
<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_5,3_5,1_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"3_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/hacto.umh.es\/files\/2023\/12\/Investigacion-en-clinica-2.png\" title_text=\"Investigaci\u00f3n en cl\u00ednica 2\" align=\"center\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/uc?export=download&id=1KL1jl5rGGg2HaKow6FnzbhZkr6L7CHnr\" button_text=\"Descarga \" button_alignment=\"center\" admin_label=\"Bot\u00f3n\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<\/p>
To develop these skills, in addition to formal training, the InTeO Group produces a range of informative and educational entries that you can read, including the present PublicaTO<\/a> series and the critical appraisal section TOCr\u00edtico<\/a>.<\/p>
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\"1_5,3_5,1_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"1_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"3_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Texto\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" link_option_url=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/irene-campos-s%C3%A1nchez-132824226\/\" global_module=\"3874\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p>[caption id=\"attachment_3613\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"231\"]
Irene Campos S\u00e1nchez<\/strong>
Occupational Therapist, holding a Master\u2019s degree in Occupational Therapy in Neurology and a Master\u2019s degree in Public Health. FPU predoctoral researcher in the Doctoral Program in Public Health and Medical and Surgical Sciences. Collaborator at InTeO.[\/caption][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\"1_5\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Texto\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p>
Campos S\u00e1nchez, I. (2023, diciembre 18). First steps for getting started with research in your clinical practice.<\/em> PublicaTO \u2013 Habilidades Cient\u00edficas en Terapia Ocupacional de InTeO. https:\/\/hacto.umh.es\/2023\/12\/18\/primeros-pasos-para-comenzar-con-la-investigacion-en-tu-clinica\/<\/a><\/p>
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=\"C\u00f3digo\" _builder_version=\"4.17.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"]<\/p>
- Pursue research training <\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
- Contact a research group<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
- Use Google Forms for data collection<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
- Organise information in databases<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
- Include informed consent and data management documentation<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
- Include assessment protocols<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>
- Pursue research training <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Contact a research group<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Use Google Forms for data collection<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Organise information in databases<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n