Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The volume of medical and health care literature which is now available is significant and increases exponentially every year. As a practicing health care professional, you will be expected to systematically inform your practice using sound scientific methods. Developing a skill set which allows you to identify the best available evidence and apply it judiciously to inform practice improvement is critical to fulfilling your role as a paramedic professional.

Aims

The aim of this Unit is to equip you with a basic skill set which will allow you to identify evidence of relevance to emergency pre-hospital practice, critically and systematically analyse that evidence and apply it to your practice.

Objectives

On successful completion of this Unit, you should be able to:

1. describe the basic tenets of evidence based practice and the concepts which underpin it;
2. determine the methodological rigour of a study;
3. interpret basic bio-statistics;
4. demonstrate the skills associated with critical analysis and systematic review of the literature; and
5. describe the processes associated with translating evidence into practice.

Content

This Unit is divided into five modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Evidence Based Practice

Module 2: Introduction to epidemiology

Module 3: Introduction to research methodology and key concepts in bio-statistics

Module 4: Evaluating the evidence

Module 5: Applying Evidence Based Practice principles to professional practice

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This Unit will provide you with opportunities to develop basic skills in critical analysis and application of the evidence relevant to paramedic practice by offering:

1. a study guide which will include directed readings;
2. lectures which provide explanation and practical examples of the tenets of good evidence based practice using the contemporary emergency pre-hospital literature; and
3. tutorials which will facilitate practical application of theory.

The online Blackboard teaching site will be used exclusively for posting all lecture materials, readings and for staff/student communication.

Assessment

Two key methods of assessment are required for this Unit. Students will be expected to sit an end of Semester exam, and complete an assignment.Students will be provided with written feedback on both their assignment.

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: Students will work individually on a critical analysis of a contemporary clinical issue in pre-hospital practice using the peer reviewed emergency pre-hospital literature. Students will be provided with information regarding the development of effective literature search strategies and guidelines for structuring their analysis.
Relates to objectives: 2,3,4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: The exam will cover the theoretical constructs covered by all five learning objectives and consis of short answer questions. The examination will be held in the end of semester Central Examination Period.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no specific textbook set for this Unit although the following text and resources will be used to explain key concepts:

Hoffman et al (2009) Evidence Based Practice across the Health Professions. Churchill Livingstone, Australia. ISBN 9780729539029

In addition, students may find the following websites useful:

Cochrane Library:
NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines:
University of Minnesota:

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit

Substantial computer-based work will be required and you will need to take care that you are working in a safe and ergonomically-sound environment (that is, avoidance of eyestrain, headaches, and physical stress on neck, back, arms and hands). Please consider your seating (heights, angles and distances) and the lighting in your work area (to avoid glare). The physical placement and organisation of peripheral devices, cables and extension cords should be managed to reduce danger to persons or property. Do not use unsafe electrical cords.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 16-Nov-2012