Evidence Based Practice - WKBL8130

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Module delivery information

This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.

Overview

This module will focus on promoting the skills of the professional practitioner to become an effective user of research findings with a view to the enhancement of quality service outcomes.
Sessions will focus on the analysis of literature in order to inform evidence based practice. This will include understanding critical appraisal tools and statistical principles used to analysis data. Emphasis will be placed on developing skills to evaluate the quality and integrity of data, assessing the appropriateness, validity and range of data. The module will culminate in a forum designed to promote dialogue regarding the extent of external evidence available from systematic research and how this can be applied to improve outcomes within the participant's area of professional practice.

Details

Contact hours

Total contact hours: 23
Private study hours: 127
Total study hours: 150

Availability

This module is available during Autumn and Spring terms

Cost

This module is part of the Master's level programme

Method of assessment

4,000 Word Written Assignment

Indicative reading

Trinder, L. and Reynolds, S. (2000) Evidence-Based Practice, A Critical Appraisal. Blackwell:London
Desirable:
Creswell, J. (2007) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 3rd Edition. London: Sage.
Davies, H., Nutley, S., Smith, P (2000) What Works? Evidence-based Policy and Practice in Public Services. Policy Press: Bristol.
Hamer, S.,Collinson, G. (2005) Achieving Evidence-Based Practice: A Handbook for
Practitioners.2nd Edition. Bailliere Tindall: London
Hammersley, M. Ed (2007) Educational Research and Evidence Based Practice. Open University Press: Milton Keynes.
Nutley, S., Walter, I., Davies, H. (2007) Using Evidence: How Research Can Inform Public Services. Policy Press: Bristol

See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)

See the library reading list for this module (Medway)

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module students will be able to:

1. Critically analyse the role of evidence-based practice in the wider organisational context and the constraints to professional practice.
2. Formulate a focused question pertinent to work-based practice; a prelude to building an effective search strategy for related evidence.
3. Design and implement an informed search strategy to identify the best available evidence, utilising a range of database tools and techniques.
4. Critically appraise and evaluate literature using recognised appropriate appraisal tools to assess validity and relevance of evidence.
5. Critically evaluate and apply understanding of data management of evidence sources in terms of the evaluation of data quality, statistical principles, integrity and bias when selecting literature and evidence in practice.
6. Critically reflect on the own professional practice and the process of evidence basing that practice.

Progression

PG Certificate / PG Diploma /MA/MSc in Professional Practice

Notes

  1. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  2. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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