Leader: Mr Malcolm Boyle

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit will introduce the concept and the benefits of research to the ambulance profession. The evidence based practice model will be presented as the framework from which to critically appraise research reports. Students will explore the levels of evidence and be encouraged to reflect on the current evidence base of contemporary ambulance clinical practice.

This unit will introduce the student to research processes and explore the ethical issues of undertaking research. Statistics, biostatistics and epidemiology will be introduced at a level that will allow for basic understanding of data analysis that will contribute to the critical evaluation of research reports.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

1. Understand the relationships between theory, practice and research and how this can contribute to the body of knowledge of ambulance practice

2. Identify possible research questions and explore the application of research findings to ambulance paramedic practice

3. Identify the potential scope for paramedics as researchers

4. Identify barriers to effective research in the pre-hospital care setting and suggest potential solutions to improve the scope and quality of pre-hospital research

5. Understand the concepts of evidence based practice and identify the application of these principles to ambulance practice

6. Evaluate selected findings of clinical research with respect to their application to ambulance clinical practice

7. Understand and interpret statistical tests at an introductory level

Assessment

4 x Worksheets - 40%

2000 word written assignment - 60%

Contact hours

Students will be required to spend 12 hours per week in study and assessment preparation, including contact time in the on campus mode. This equates to a minimum of 156 hours of student work required over the 13 week semester.

Prerequisites

Students are required to hold a Diploma of Ambulance Paramedic Studies or equivalent and be practising paramedics and/or Australian armed forces personnel.

Co-requisites

PAR3010, PAR3020, PAR3030