Evidence for Practice

Subject 514-831 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

On campus
For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours on campus lectures and 12 hours online and on campus tutorials.
Total Time Commitment: In addition to the subject contact hours, students are expected to devote approximately 6 hours a week to this subject.
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.

Contact

School of Nursing and Social Work
The University of Melbourne
Level 5, 234 Queensberry St
Carlton Victoria 3053 AUSTRALIA
T: +61 3 8344 9400
F: +61 3 9347 4375
W: www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au
W: www.socialwork.unimelb.edu.au

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.
Objectives:

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;
Assessment:

1. Hurdle requirements (pass/fail):

Online participation in at least 75% of discussions.

2. Written assignment of 2000 words (45%) - Due week 6.

3. Written assignment of 500 words, outlining search strategy (10%) - Due Week 9.

4. Written assignment of 2000 words (45%) - Due end of semester.

Prescribed Texts: n/a
Recommended Texts: Melynyk, B. & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2005). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Breadth Options:

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

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:

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.
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Care Nursing

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