NS3118 - Evidence-Based Practice

Credit points:	03
Year:	2013
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition

This subject focuses on evidence-based nursing and midwifery practice. The concept of evidence - in particular research evidence, is further explored, building on the content ot NS1012. Students are taught how to determine the quality of evidence and the process of applying evidence at the point of care. The research process is explained in the context of major research traditions (qualitative and quantitative research). Mainstream research designs are discussed including methods of sampling, data collection and analysis. Ethical, legal and cultural issues related to research are outlined. Evidence summaries including systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines are explained. The importance of criticlaly appraising research findings and their usefulness to practice are highlighted and related to the principles of effective change management.

Learning Outcomes

• outline the research process and explain the sequence of its components;
• demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between evidence based practice and research;
• discuss different research designs and their suitability to nurisng and midwifery research;
• identify ethical and legal requirements for rigorous research;
• demonstrate skills for evaluating published research and its applicability to practice and discuss how research can be applied in nursing and midwifery practice to improve patient care.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to deploy critically evaluated information to practical ends;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to evaluate that information;
• An understanding of the economic, legal, ethical, social and cultural issues involved in the use of information;
• The ability to select and organise information and to communicate it accurately, cogently, coherently, creatively and ethically;
• The acquisition of coherent and disciplined sets of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics from at least one discipline area;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to manage future career and personal development;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively.

Prerequisites:	NS2022 and (NS2213 OR NS2214 OR NS2218) and NS2112 and NS2015 and PP2131 and PP2231
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	NS3112

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 28-Mar-2013
Coordinator:	Assoc. Professor David Lindsay
Contact hours:	20 hours lectures 16 hours tutorials 4 hours
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); assignments (50%).
External, Study Period 1
Census Date 28-Mar-2013
Coordinator:	Assoc. Professor David Lindsay
Method of Delivery:	WWW - LearnJCU
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); assignments (50%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 28-Mar-2013
Coordinator:	Assoc. Professor David Lindsay
Contact hours:	20 hours lectures 16 hours tutorials 4 hours
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); assignments (50%).
Mount Isa, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 28-Mar-2013
Coordinator:	Assoc. Professor David Lindsay
Contact hours:	20 hours lectures 16 hours tutorials 4 hours
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); assignments (50%).
Thursday Isl, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 28-Mar-2013
Coordinator:	Assoc. Professor Jane Mills
Contact hours:	20 hours lectures 16 hours tutorials 4 hours
Assessment:	end of semester exam (50%); assignments (50%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.