Evidence Based Practice for Osteopathy 2
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
This unit continues to develop students' understanding of evidence-informed healthcare and the role of research in clinical decision-making. Students further explore quantitative and qualitative research methods, including common statistical concepts and approaches to data collection and analysis used in health sciences research. Students develop skills in locating and critically reviewing peer-reviewed literature through the systematic literature search process. Using osteopathic patient cases, they apply research evidence to clinical questions and evaluate its relevance to patient care.
The unit provides a foundation for evidence-informed practice by strengthening students' research literacy, critical thinking and ability to use the literature to support clinical decision-making in preparation for future clinical practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Apply basic statistical concepts commonly used in health sciences research;
- Review quantitative and qualitative research data collection and analysis methods;
- Exhibit skills and knowledge of the systematic literature search process; and
- Interrogate the literature to support clinical decision making in preparation for clinical practice.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
In Assessment Task 1, students demonstrate knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
In Assessment Task 2 (Report), students develop a PICO clinical question, a search strategy based on Cochrane review methods and conduct a systematic literature search. The assessment requires students to access articles and export citations into a reference manager software, and to develop a literature review which answers a clinical question of their choice. In Assessment Task 3 (Exercise), students answer questions relating to qualitative data analysis and conduct a coding exercise, with interpretation of their findings.
Assessment type: Test | Grade: 30%
Online in-class test (60 minutes) assessing quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques.
Assessment type: Report | Grade: 30%
Group report on a systematic literature search and an interrogation of the literature to support clinical decision making. (2500 word essay)
Assessment type: Exercise | Grade: 40%
In-class assessment examining qualitative analysis methods. (2 hours)
Required reading
Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):