Module

Research and Evidence Based Practice

Description - summary of the module content

Module description

This module introduces you to the principles of evidence-based practice and research methodologies that underpin patient/client care. Students will be introduced to the principles of professional practice within health and social care. In the context of evidence-based professional practice, students will develop basic problem solving and reasoning skills. Alongside this they will develop an understanding of professional practice.

Module aims - intentions of the module

Through undertaking this module, you will develop skills and understanding in order to critically evaluate research literature relating to diagnostic radiography.  You will begin to understand the importance of becoming an evidence-based practitioner.  This module underpins PAM2005 Project Studies 1 and PAM3004 Project Studies 2 as well as providing core academic skills for completion of coursework across the medical imaging programme. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Explain the concept of evidence based practice and steps involved in evidence based practice;
• 2. Competent in using search strategies relevant for clinical questions in radiography practice;
• 3. Critically appraise the published journal articles in the radiography research field;
• 4. Explain the characteristics of three different research methodologies used by professionals in the field;
• 5. Understand the role of ethics and statistics in conducting research study

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Describe appropriate search strategies to locate research evidence using electronic sources/databases;
• 7. Use appropriate sources of information to develop own knowledge;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 8. Think critically and analyse research articles for their validity and relevance to practice;
• 9. Contribute to group discussions and challenge other`s views and knowledge
• 10. Develop appropriate IT and statistical analysis skills;
• 11. Develop academic writing skills.

Syllabus plan

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

Evidence Based Practice

Concept of Evidence Based Practice (EBP) and the steps involved in EBP;

Range of different approaches that underpin research in EBP;

Research designs, sampling methods and data collection tools;

Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies

Critical appraisal of published literature employing qualitative and quantitative research methods;

Issues of reliability, validity and rigour in research;

Ethical and professional considerations in health care research;

Application of research to professional health care practice

Study skills:  Academic writing skills, how to read a research paper, 

IT Skills 
Manipulation, interpretation and presentation of data using computer packages such as Excel spreadsheets.

Searching for information Search and retrieval of electronic journals (workshop)

Learning and teaching

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Assessment

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Re-assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

In the case of referral you will normally be expected to submit a newly written critical appraisal based on the published journal article.

Resources

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences,   Polgar S. and Thomas S.A. (2007), (5th edition), Churchill Livingstone, ISBNA 978-0-443-07429-5 (UL:WB 25 POL)

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Module has an active ELE page

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

• Bowling A. (2014), Research Methods in Health: Investigating Health and Health Services (4th edition), Open University Press,  ISBN  9780335262748
• Craig J.V. and Smyth R.L. (2011), Evidence Based Practice Manual for Nurses (3^rd edition), Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 9780702046681
• Greenhalgh T. (2014) How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Medicine (5^th Edition), John Wiley & Sons Ltd., ISBN: 978-1-118-80096-6
• Hoffmann T, Bennett S and Del Mar C (2013), Evidence Based Practice: Across the health professions 3E, (2nd edition) Elsevier Australia, ISBN9780729542555

Key words search

Medical Imaging; Research; Practical; Evidence; Care; Health; Professional practice; Approach; Based practice; Interpretations; Based evidence.