Leader: TBA

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2008 (Day)
Mildura First semester 2008 (Day)
Peninsula First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit introduces the student to the concept of evidence based practice and its application to health care. The evidence based practice model will be presented as the framework to encourage students to reflect on the current evidence base of contemporary clinical practices. The unit will introduce the student to the principles underpinning qualitative and quantitative research approaches, the research process and methodology and the ethical issues of undertaking research. Students will explore the different levels of evidence through reviewing research reports on topical issues of practice within healthcare delivery.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, it is expected that the student will be able to:

1. Discuss the concept of evidence based practice and its application to clinical practice;
2. Discuss the different forms of knowledge acquisition in nursing and midwifery;
3. Describe the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative and quantitative research;
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of the key aspects within the research process;
5. Discuss the ethical principles underpinning research process, and
6. Assess the quality of evidence derived from nursing and midwifery research literature.

Assessment

Major assignment: 60%
On-line quizzes: 40%

Contact hours

This unit will be offered on campus consisting of 2 hours lectures per week supported with 2 hours tutorials per week for 10 weeks and 116 hours of private study averaged over the semester.

Prerequisites

NUR1102