What is the primary purpose of survey research in the healthcare field?

Survey research in the healthcare field is primarily aimed at gathering primary data on knowledge and behaviors. This method allows researchers and healthcare professionals to assess various aspects of patient and provider attitudes, beliefs, experiences, and practices. Collecting data through surveys can help identify trends and patterns in health-related issues, inform policy decisions, and improve patient care by understanding the needs and preferences of patients and healthcare workers.

Conducting clinical trials focuses on testing new medications or treatment approaches, which is a different aim than what survey research accomplishes. Analyzing historical patient records serves to explore past data for patterns or outcomes rather than collecting new data. Developing new medical technologies involves the innovation and design of equipment or procedures, which again is distinct from the goal of surveys. Thus, the primary purpose of survey research ties back to its role in informing and improving healthcare practices through direct insights from individuals' knowledge and behaviors.