Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Through a variety of in-class, clinically based, and student driven activities, this subject should enable students to explore various `ways of knowing' and evaluate the role each plays in underpining professional and midwifery practice; examine the elements of qualitative and quantitative research processes and their relationship to issues of generalisability and bias; perform identified nursing or midwifery practices and therapies within their area of specialisation; recognise ethical issues relating to research and practice; develop critical evaluation skills through identification, critique, and evaluation of a body of research literature relevant to a specialty practice or therapy.
Synopsis This subject builds upon students' basic knowledge of research to develop informed consumers and encourage students to explore research as a means of improving practice. A set of nursing or midwifery therapies and practices will be identified for students to explore in their area of clinical specialisation. Students will have the opportunity to perform each according to current norms in the health care organisation. Students will select a therapy or group of therapies for more in-depth analysis.
Assessment Critique of a research article, evaluation of current practice in relation to findings in the literature.