Research Toolkit
This collection of clinical research resources supports gynecologic surgeons, fellows, trainees, and investigators at every stage of the research process. Developed by the SGS Research Committee, these materials provide practical guidance on clinical study design, research methodology, qualitative and quantitative analysis, reporting guidelines, and publication. Whether beginning a new research project or refining an ongoing study, these resources help promote rigorous, evidence-based research in gynecologic surgery.
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Quantitative Study Design Tools
The following resources support quantitative clinical research, including study design, statistical planning, data collection, and analysis.
Statistics & Analysis
Epi Info (CDC)
Free statistical software for sample size calculation, data entry, and basic epidemiologic and statistical analyses commonly used in clinical research.Choosing a Statistical Test
Practical guidance for selecting appropriate statistical tests based on study design, data type, and research questions.
Study Design
Certara Trial Designs – Non-inferiority vs. Superiority vs. Equivalence
Overview of different clinical trial design approaches and guidance on when each design is most appropriate.NEJM Clinical Trials Series
Educational articles covering key concepts in clinical trial design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation.Duke University Evidence-Based Medicine Resources
Curated evidence-based medicine tools and guidance to support selection of appropriate quantitative study designs.University of Minnesota Libraries – Overview of Study Designs
Accessible summaries of common research study designs, including strengths, limitations, and appropriate use cases.
Data Management
REDCap Instructional Videos
Step-by-step video tutorials on REDCap project setup, data collection, and data management for clinical research studies.
Study Design & Implementation
SGS Research Handbook
Practical guidance on designing, implementing, and reporting clinical research studies, with a focus on female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
Evidence Synthesis
Brown University School of Public Health – Meta-analysis Software
Software tools and educational resources to support meta-analysis and evidence synthesis in clinical research. -
Qualitative Study Design Tools
These resources support the design, conduct, and analysis of qualitative research in clinical and health services research.
Foundations of Qualitative Research
StatPearls – Introduction to Qualitative Research
Provides an overview of qualitative research principles, study designs, data collection methods, and clinical applications.Yale University – Fundamentals of Qualitative Research (Video Series)
A series of educational videos covering core qualitative research concepts, including study design, interviewing techniques, coding, and thematic analysis.
Qualitative Analysis Methods & Tools
NVivo and Alternative Software Tools
Overview of NVivo and other qualitative data analysis software options, including key features, strengths, and use cases.Analytic Approaches in Qualitative Research
Guidance on selecting appropriate qualitative analytic frameworks based on research questions and study design.
Research Registration & Compliance
Clinical Trials Registration
Information on clinical trial registration requirements and guidance on when registration is required by journals and regulatory bodies. -
Helpful Textbooks
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Online Courses
Stanford Online
Thinking Critically: Interpreting Randomized Controlled Trials
Learn how to critically evaluate randomized controlled trials, with a focus on study design, bias, statistical interpretation, and clinical applicability.Introduction to Systematic Reviews
An overview of systematic review methodology, including research question development, literature searching, and critical appraisal of evidence.
Johns Hopkins Online
Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Covers the principles of conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including data synthesis and interpretation of pooled results.Design and Interpretation of Clinical Trials
Introduces key concepts in clinical trial design, conduct, and analysis, with emphasis on understanding strengths, limitations, and results.Biostatistics for Public Health
Provides foundational biostatistics training, including probability, hypothesis testing, and regression methods commonly used in clinical research.
Vanderbilt Online
Data Management for Clinical Research
Focuses on best practices for collecting, organizing, and managing clinical research data to ensure quality, reproducibility, and compliance.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (IPPCR)
A comprehensive course covering the ethical, scientific, and operational aspects of clinical research from study design through dissemination. -
Community Engagement Information
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Journal Author/Name Estimator
Free website to assist with selecting an appropriate journal for manuscript submission
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Journal Reporting Guidelines
Learn how journal reporting guidelines such as CONSORT, STROBE, PRISMA, and SPIRIT improve transparency, rigor, and reproducibility in clinical research.