Unit rationale, description and aim
The use of best evidence is a critical component of physiotherapy clinical practice. In year 1 students were introduced to the principles of evidenced-based practice. In this unit key concepts in quantitative and qualitative research are introduced such as research design, data analyses including statistical analyses, and the importance of reliability, internal and external validity. Students will further develop their skills of scientific writing and oral presentation, database searching to identify research literature and using referencing systems. Basic competencies in critically evaluating literature will be developed including appraising the methodology, analysis, results and discussion sections of a paper. Students will also consider the implications of research findings for physiotherapy practice. The overall aim for the unit is to prepare students for the application of evidence-based practice in subsequent academic and clinical practice units.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Access and search databases and other resources to...
Learning Outcome 01
Describe, discuss and evaluate quantitative and qu...
Learning Outcome 02
Critically appraise the literature
Learning Outcome 03
Apply an evidence-based approach to decision-makin...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
Research
- Research designs
- Quantitative and qualitative studies
- Internal and external validity and reliability
Statistics
- Descriptive and inferential statistics
- Thematic analysis
- Performing statistical analyses
- Interpreting statistical analyses
Evidence-based practice
- Formulating a research/clinical question
- Database searching
- Critical appraisal of the literature including interventions, diagnosis, prognosis and qualitative studies
- Interpreting and applying information to physiotherapy practice
- Scientific writing
- Referencing systems
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks align with the presentation of the content in this unit of study. This unit takes an authentic assessment approach allowing students to demonstrate their learning and competency for evaluating and applying the findings of the literature as relevant to physiotherapy practice. Assessment task 1 (written examination) is designed for students to demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge as a foundation for the subsequent assessment tasks. For Assessment task 2 students are required to integrate the skills of data base searching, critical appraisal and interpretation of research findings of research relevant to physiotherapy practice in a written form. Feedback from this task will prepare students for Assessment task 3 where they will be required to demonstrate their ability to critically appraise and interpret research relevant to physiotherapy practice in more depth in a verbal form.
Overview of assessments
Assessment task 1: Mid-semester written examinati...
Assessment task 1: Mid-semester written examination
Enables students to demonstrate their understanding of research methodologies and designs, and data analyses.
1.5 hrs
25%
Assessment task 2: Answering a clinical question ...
Assessment task 2: Answering a clinical question
Enables students to locate, critique, and interpret and discuss the implications of the findings of, a research paper relevant to physiotherapy practice.
Assignment
30%
Assessment task 3: Critical appraisal of a resear...
Assessment task 3: Critical appraisal of a research paper
Enables students to critique and interpret and discuss the implications of the findings of literature relevant to physiotherapy practice.
Viva
45%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit involves 150 hours of learning with a combination of face-to-face, online and other directed independent learning activities.
The theoretical knowledge underpinning understanding, critiquing and applying the findings of research will be delivered via lectures. Tutorial and practical classes provide students with the opportunity to consolidate and apply theoretical knowledge through the use of case scenarios.
Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively within group activities, demonstrating respect for the individual as an independent learner.