Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit gives students an advanced overview of the skills necessary to critique and evaluate research evidence. Students will be introduced to completing a critically appraised topic. This will provide the foundation to integrate clinically relevant evidence into daily professional practice. Components of evidence-based practice in OT will be introduced and practiced. Students will also be introduced to case reports, case control studies, cohort studies, randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, methods of presenting evidence, question design, data analysis and interpretation of data results.This knowledge will enable students to be evidence-based practitioners.

Objectives

upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an advanced understanding of the levels of evidence for evidence-based practice;
2. demonstrate ability to critique ways all levels of evidence are obtained: For example, surveys, focus groups, semi-structured interviews, randomised controlled trials, single-subject studies, diagnostic tests, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical practice guidelines, expert evidence, and case-control studies;
3. identify gaps in intervention practice knowledge, develop a researchable clinical intervention research question and search databases for best evidence to support practice;
4. demonstrate ability to find relevant evidence using a variety of formal and informal methods (eg health science databases, internet);
5. demonstrate ability to select, appraise and/or design questionnaires/scales used to gather data;
6. demonstrate ability to conduct qualitative data gathering methods such as conducting a focus group or semi-structured interview;
7. demonstrate knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods; and
8. demonstrate knowledge of ethical issues related to conducting research in professional practice.

Assessment

Survey development report (2000 words): 30%; Focus group interview report (2000 words): 30%; One hour MCQ & short answer exam one hour: 40%; Hurdle requirement: attendance at 80% of tutorials, develop survey questionnaire, develop semi-structured interview question schedule and gather data using focus group or semi-structured interview.

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Ted Brown

Prerequisites

OCC2022