NURS7023 Evidence Based Health Care

An Introduction to this Subject

This subject is designed to develop students’ knowledge of the principles and processes necessary for evidence-based clinical practice. General concepts associated with evidence-based health care are explored. In addition, students are assisted to formulate focused clinical questions and conduct a comprehensive literature search for research evidence that may assist in answering such questions. Issues and techniques involved in the rigorous appraisal of research reports are addressed. The importance of clinical significance when making clinical judgements about the implementation of research findings are also explored.

What is Expected of You

Study Load

A student is expected to study an hour per credit point a week. For example a 10 credit point subject would require 10 hours of study per week. This time includes the time spent within classes during lectures, tutorials or practicals.

Note for Summer Terms: As Summer subjects deliver the same content and classes over a shorter period of time, the subjects are run in a more intensive mode. Regardless of the delivery mode, the study hours for each subject in Summer will be around 30 hours.

Attendance

Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration) Students: Compulsory attendance at tutorials is required. Students must attend 100% of classes.

Postgraduate Students: There are four face-to-face workshops in this subject. Students who are enrolled as Day mode are required to attend at least 80% of the workshops (3 out of 4). Online students are welcome to participate in these workshops, but attendance is not compulsory. Students enrolled in Day mode who do not attend (3 out of the 4) workshops will receive a Fail Non Submission grade.

Online Mode Students: No attendance is required.

Attendance is required to ensure that you develop core skills and knowledge for safe clinical practice. The Master of Nursing Practice - Preregistration is an accredited program with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC). Our accreditation requires students to be safe, and have sufficient knowledge and skills to be eligible for registration as a nurse (Division 1) at the end of their program.

Approach to Learning

1. Blended Learning Activity

It is an expectation of this subject that you will fully engage with the online learning and teaching resources that have been designed to be dynamic and interactive before attending each class either online or face-to-face. Blended learning activities have been embedded throughout the subject content to enhance the student learning experiences through the use of tutorials, clinical practice subjects, audio visual material, small group work, and online quiz material.

Access to a computer and the internet is essential in order to be able to: access program materials; to participate in discussion groups; and to access additional resources provided by the lecturer during the session. See westernsydney.edu.au for further information.

2. Tutorial/Seminar

A tutorial/workshop/seminar is a small group activity that enables you to have lecture content explained by the tutor if required. You will then be able to apply, explore and debate the content through interactive learning activities with other students.

3. Group Work

Group work enhances student learning. Through planned group activities, and discussion with other students, you will have the opportunity to clarify your own thoughts and understandings of subject concepts. Group work also offers the opportunity to cooperate in a team situation and to learn skills that will assist you to work effectively in a health care team.

4. Online Learning Requirements

Subject materials will be made available on the subject’s vUWS (E-Learning) site ( https://vuws.westernsydney.edu.au/ )

You are expected to consult vUWS at least twice a week, as all subject announcements will be made via vUWS.

Teaching and learning materials will be regularly updated and posted online by the teaching team.

Special Requirements

Essential Equipment:

Access to the internet and computer.

Legislative Pre-Requisites:

Not Applicable

Online Learning Requirements

Subject materials will be made available on the subject’s vUWS (E-Learning) site (https://vuws.westernsydney.edu.au/). You are expected to consult vUWS at least twice a week, as all subject announcements will be made via vUWS. Teaching and learning materials will be regularly updated and posted online by the teaching team.