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

Professional practice as a registered nurse requires decision making that is based on defensible rationales that are supported by the use of appropriate evidence. Consequently, this second Professional Studies unit focuses on the development of knowledge and skills that are needed to appreciate the importance of research and evidence-based decision making within nursing practice and health care.

Aims

The aims of this unit are to enable you to develop fundamental knowledge and skills for understanding research in order to incorporate contemporary evidence within nursing practice.

Objectives

To complete this unit successfully it is expected that you will be able to:

1. Describe key concepts and principles of research and evidence-based practice, and their application in nursing and health care;



2. Demonstrate foundation-level skills in locating, critiquing, synthesising and reflecting on evidence;



3. Discuss the application of research and evidence-based practice to improve patient/client care; and



4. Demonstrate sound communication skills, written and oral, relevant to professional audiences.

Content

• Language of research: What is research; fundamental research processes; research design and research methodologies; ethics of research; and



• What is Evidence Based Practice: EBP in health care, background, assumptions; nature of evidence; processes and tools of EBP; levels of evidence; connecting research, safety and quality improvement in health care.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be presented using a blended learning approach that incorporates face-to-face teaching and learning with online resources and activities. These will include lectures and workshops which are designed to assist you in mastering the key concepts, principles and skills being developed. Workshops will be presented using a journal club approach where you will work with a group of your peers to build knowledge and skills in relation to key research concepts and principles, and the incorporation of evidence within nursing practice. Online resources will include topics, conversations and other learning objects that will enable you to prepare for classroom sessions. You will be expected to engage actively with all learning activities in order to meet the outcomes of this unit. The unit coordinator and the tutors are available for consultation throughout the semester by telephone, email and in person. You are also encouraged to develop peer networks to support a collaborative approach to learning.

Assessment

There are two summative assessments to be completed in this unit. You will also have the opportunity to receive formative feedback regarding your progress throughout the semester.The unit coordinator and the tutors are available for consultation throughout the semester by telephone, email and in person. Feedback will be provided as part of the workshop discussions throughout semester. Online quizzes will also be available for you to check your understanding of key concepts and principles. An in-class feedback session will be run following the first summative assessment to discuss challenging aspects and provide advice on how to improve.

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: Evidence-based Practice Case Study: This assessment task requires you to analyse the application of evidence- based practice principles within a selected nursing practice scenario, and discuss the implications for nursing practice. You will also need to include an annotated bibliography which contains a concise summary and evaluation of each of the literature sources you have used for this task.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: As indicated

Assessment name: Oral Presentation
Description: This assessment task requires you to collaborate with a group of your peers in analysing the application of research and EBP principles to a selected topic. Your work will be presented to a group of your peers who will provide feedback on your presentation. You will also be required to write an individual commentary which summarises and justifies your key reflections on the workshop discussion, and includes a brief outline of your individual contribution to the group process.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3 & 4.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Throughout 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

Recommended
Courtney, M., & McCutcheon, H. (2010). Using evidence to guide nursing practice (2nd ed.). Elsevier: Sydney.

Polit, D.E. & Beck, C.T. (2010). Essentials of nursing research: Methods, appraisal, and utilization (7th ed.). Lippincott: Massachusetts.

Risk assessment statement

Students will be advised that if they are distressed by issues explored in the content of this unit they should approach staff or consult the University counselling service.

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: 15-Jan-2013