Evidence for Practice

Subject 514-831 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus or online

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours of lectures and tutorials (on campus) or the equivalent on-line. Students are expected to devote approximately 6-10 hours per week to this subject.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: n/a
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's courses. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

To be advised
Subject Overview:

This subject focuses on the appraisal and use of research in clinical practice. Its purpose is to develop practitioners' confidence and skills in critical consumption of research and evaluation for use in the workplace. Topics covered include: overview of common research and evaluation methods and issues; Internet and library search skills to assist in preparing a literature review; the process of change and strategies for implementing change in a clinical environment. Students will examine research and evaluate findings on an issue identified from their own practice. They will conduct a comprehensive literature review on a clinical intervention in their own practice, evaluate the evidence on which the clinical intervention was based and then apply the findings to their own practice setting.

Assessment: 1. Hurdle requirements (pass/fail):On-campus students: regular attendance and participation in at least 9 tutorials (75% of 12 weeks); Online students: online participation in at least 75% of discussions. 2. Written assignment of 1500 words. Due week 6. (35%)3. Written assignment of 750 words, outlining search strategy. Due Week 9. (20%)4. Written assignment of 2000 words. Due end of semester (45%).
Prescribed Texts: n/a
Recommended Texts: A list of recommended texts will be supplied to students on enrolment in the subject.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students will be expected to be able to:

  • identify common research and evaluation methods and practices;
  • develop literature search skills;
  • critically review research reports;
  • appraise research in relation to its value to clinical practice;
  • apply research findings to clinical practice;
  • develop research and evaluation skills;
  • an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;

On completion of the subject students should have developed the following generic skills of the Melbourne graduate and postgraduate coursework student:

  • an appreciation of the design, conduct and reporting of original research
  • a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in written modes of communication;
  • a capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
  • a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship.
Links to further information: http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au
Notes: Level: 4th Year

This subject has a multi-media tutorial component delivered via the University's on-line Learning Management System (LMS). Students must have access to appropriate computer facilities and the Internet.

The minimum computer hardware and software specifications for the subject are consistent with the University's guidelines on the expected standard of computer equipment (http://www.unimelb.edu.au/student/CompStd.htm):

No special computer skills are required. Students are required to have skills consistent with the University's Statement of "Basic Expectations of Student Computer Skills" : http://www.infodiv.unimelb.edu.au/stuskills.html which includes basic knowledge of computer operating systems, word-processing skills, email use, and the internet. Specifically students need to be able to write, edit and save an essay on the computer and be competent in the use of standard WWW browsers and should be able to use information searching techniques.

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