Evidence Based Practice
Develop an advanced knowledge of how contemporary research and evidence can be applied to practice.
Key facts
Overview
'Evidence, research and development’ is one of the four pillars of practice (NES Post Registration Career Framework). This module aims to develop an advanced knowledge of how contemporary research and evidence can be applied to practice. This module will enable students to develop confidence and structure when searching for evidence. In addition, critical appraisal skills will be developed, and hierarchies of evidence will be explored. The possible barriers to implementation of evidence-based practice and how these can be overcome will also be debated.
Students will develop an awareness of quality improvement and research methodologies as well as an in-depth understanding of the skills required to assess whether the quality of the evidence should result in any changes to practice.
Taken as a pre-requisite for the Advancing Practice Masters dissertation, this module will provide students with sufficient knowledge to be able to choose an appropriate topic. As a standalone module the material gives a good insight into how to assess the quality of evidence and its application to practice within organisations where the students’ work.
Flexible learning
This short course forms part of the MSc Advancing Practice. You can study other stand-alone continuing professional development (CPD) short courses from this degree:
- Advanced Clinical Assessment and Examination (Advancing Practice)
- Advanced Practice
- An Integrated Approach to Frailty
- Diagnosis and Decision Making in Advanced Practice
- Essentials of Mental Health Assessment – a multi-professional approach
- Exploring the Theory and Practice of Psychological Trauma
- Living with Long Term Conditions: Care and Management
- Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals (Advancing Practice)
If you’re interested in studying more than one module from this course, please email our Admissions team at postgraduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk to discuss your course of study.
Entrance requirements
Current professional registration with NMC, HCPC, GPC or SSSC is required for entry to this module. Applicants are required to have a degree qualification.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Objectives
Learning outcome 1: Systematically locate a variety of evidence sources with a critical awareness of the hierarchy of evidence
Learning outcome 2: Critically appraise qualitative and quantitative research, systematic reviews, policy documents and other evidence for its validity and usefulness.
Learning outcome 3: Critically evaluate the literature relevant to a specific clinical issue or problem
Learning outcome 4: Review and assess the implementation of evidence-based practice, including any barriers.
Delivery and assessment
3,000 word literature review.
Module coordinator
Dr James Nicholls
Employability
All modules can be linked to specific professional capability/competency frameworks within your practice area. You are encouraged to view your participation within the Masters of Advancing Practice programme as a means of supporting your professional development plans (PDP) and career progression.
This module may be completed as a single credit-based module. Alternatively you can use it as credit towards the MSc Advanced Practice.
Modules will be offered subject to demand and need to meet a minimum class size of eight students.
Career opportunities
Completion of the Advancing Practice course provides opportunity to develop transferable skills. This will optimise the ability of each student to impact on the experience of individuals, families and service providers within a range of clinical, social and pastoral settings within the UK and internationally.
All modules are related to NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF), enabling you to clearly identify the core and specific dimensions within the KSF which can be achieved when you successfully complete your module/programme.
What next?
Contact us
If you have any questions about entry requirements for our continuing professional development and short courses, contact our Admissions team.
For all other questions, please use our enquiry form.