Evidence-Based Practice - HEA00168M
Module summary
This module will support you in developing your evidence-based practice skills in your advanced practice journey. You will develop your skills in evidence-based practice by understanding how to gather evidence from patients, their families, and others through questioning and exploring their experiences. You will combine this with understanding the relevant research, policies and guidelines that inform practice and combine these elements together to act as the foundation for the remainder of your programme.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2025-26 |
Module aims
This module will support you in developing your evidence-based practice skills in your advanced practice journey. You will develop your skills in evidence-based practice by understanding how to gather evidence from patients, their families, and others through questioning and exploring their experiences. You will combine this with understanding the relevant research, policies and guidelines that inform practice and combine these elements together to act as the foundation for the remainder of your programme
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
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Critically reflect on the need for and methods of gathering evidence from various sources including the patient, research, policies and guidelines.
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Critically consider decision-making theory and articulate diagnostic reasoning with reference to underpinning clinical science, theory, and evidence.
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Develop an in-depth understanding of evidence-based practice from systematic examination of existing knowledge and research question construction, through research design, data collection, and analysis, to reporting and dissemination.
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Critically explore the concept of diagnosis with reference to history, culture, professional identity and personal perspectives.
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Communicate an understanding of ethical issues which underpin professional practice with reference to evidence-based practice.
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Synthesise the evidence to make evidence-based decisions.
Module content
Exploring evidence
- Considering what evidence is - research, patient based, critical reflection on self
- Developing critical reflection skills to generate evidence
- Generating evidence through reflection
Research
- Introduction to research methods and main designs used in health care
- Qualitative and quantitative paradigms
- Searching for the evidence
- Critical appraisal of evidence
- Approaches to analysing different types of evidence
- Ethical considerations and research governance
- Service user/carer and patient engagement with research
Diagnostics and decision making
- Definitions and models of clinical diagnosis – historical, cross professional and cross cultural perspectives
- Decision making theory and its application to diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision making
- The accuracy of diagnostic testing: sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, risk and probability.
- Shared decision making
- Decision making in those with communicative challenge
- Making decisions and judgements
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
Non-compensatable
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Written feedback for the summative assessment is provided on the standard proforma, within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.
Indicative reading
Elliott, G. Kadi-Hanifi K. (2018) Your guide to successful postgraduate study (student success) Sage Study Skills: UK
Flick, U. (2020). Introducing research methodology: Thinking your way through your research project Sage Publications: UK
Greenhalgh, T (2019). How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Practice 6th edition Wiley Blackwell: UK
Jasper, M. Rosser, M. Mooney, G. (2013) Professional Development, reflection and decision making in nursing and health care (Advanced Healthcare Practice) Wiley Blackwell: UK
Sox H, Higgins M, Owens D (2013). Medical Decision Making. Wiley Blackwell