Huge thanks to all who have replied so far
Lots to think about
More questions to come I'm sure
Thanks again
Rob

Mr Rob Goodwin
Post Graduate Researcher
Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing
School of Medicine
University of Nottingham
Room B112, B Floor
Medical School 
Queens Medical Centre
Nottingham, NG7 2UH.


-----Original Message-----
From: Jan Burke [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: 26 January 2016 15:07
To: Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Synthesis: Evolving Standards; Rob Goodwin
Subject: Re: constructing programme theories

Hi Rob
I'm also a PhD student, carrying out a Realist evaluation of a similar service (a novel early intervention service delivered by Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists for working people with 'common health disorders' - i.e. musculoskeletal conditions, so-called 'mild to moderate' mental health disorders and some cardiovascular conditions). I found the early project documentation for the service (e.g. funding bids etc.) useful when trying to determine programme theories, as they contained information on what the service was expected to achieve (and to some extent how). This tended to draw on theory arising from earlier research that I think could reasonably be described as Middle Range Theory. For example in the case of my research there is an existing theory that work is good for the health and well-being of people with common health disorders (I see this as a Middle Range Theory). The early project documentation for the service I'm evaluating builds on this and gets a little more specific by theorising that early Cognitive Behavioural intervention to help working people with common health disorders manage their health conditions more effectively will enable them to remain in/return to work, which will be beneficial to their health and well-being. At least that's how I'm seeing it at the moment anyway! So for me, the Programme Theory has become apparent from a mixture of theory I've found in the general literature on this topic, and the early project documentation. As Nessa has said - lots of reading!
Of course, I'm new to Realist evaluation myself so I may be wrong, but I thought I'd be brave and describe how I've been going about it and I hope more experienced contributors to this network will let me know if they think I'm on the wrong track.
I hope this helps, Rob.
Jan Burke
PhD student,
Swansea University
South Wales

Sent from my iPad

> On 26 Jan 2016, at 13:12, Rob Goodwin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> Hello All
> 
> I am new to the site and would be grateful for any advice
> 
> I am a new PhD student and am undertaking a realist review as part of my year one activities
> 
> I would like advice with regards to constructing my 'programme theories'
> 
> My topic is the implementation of a novel physiotherapy service for patients with musculoskeletal complaints in primary care, as an alternative to normal GP care
> 
> I am expecting to expose issues around:
> Patients- expectations, beliefs about hierarchy in health professions, understanding of medicine, understanding of physiotherapy
> Policy- local and national agendas politically, institutional agendas
> Professions- professionalization
> Clinical service delivery- efficacy, evidence
> 
> I'm just at a bit of an impasse with regards to realizing my programme theories as nowhere seems to directly describe the process!
> 
> Any advice/ examples of the process very welcome
> 
> Regards
> 
> Rob




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