Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

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