Evidence for Practice

This subject is not offered in 2013.

In addition to the subject contact hours, students are expected to devote approximately 6 hours a week to this subject.

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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 think their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

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.

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;

1. Hurdle requirements (pass/fail):

Online participation in at least 75% of activities.

2. Written assignment of 2000 words (45%) - Due mid semester.

3. Written assignment of 500 words, outlining search strategy (10%) - Due Week 8.

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

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Melynyk, B. & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2005). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.

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.