Enrolled onto one of the following awards;

Foundation Degree of Science in Paramedic Science

Access to clinical practice placements

The student will study the following core content:

- Searching for information followed by assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of sources of evidence
- Levels of evidence
- Awareness of research design, methods, techniques
- Appraisal of the trustworthiness, reliability and validity of research
- Judging the ethical integrity of research
- Through the process of developing knowledge in these areas and skill in appraisal, students will develop the capacity for making a balanced, justified judgment about the utility of evidence assessed
- An introduction to clinical governance and the importance of audit in maintaining practice standards
- Outcome measures and the importance of gathering data in order to audit practice
- Recording data in relation to the audit trail

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (36 hours)
15 hours lead lectures
12 hours group work
4.5 hours Group tutorials
3 hours module launch and assignment launch
1.5 hours module evaluation

Guided Independent Study Hours: (264 hours)
120 hours Background reading and individual work
100 hours Assessment preparation
44 hours VLE/Blackboard

Lecturers
Classroom
VLE
IT resources
Library resources
Clinical practice
Clinical practice mentor/specialists

BURGESS R Ed (2011) New Principles of Best Practice in Clinical Audit. 2nd Ed. Abingdon, Radcliffe Publishing Ltd.
GERRISH K and LACEY A Ed (2010) The research process in nursing. Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell.
GRIFFITHS P and MOONEY GP Ed (2012) The Paramedics guide to research. Maidenhead, Open University Press.
ROSS T (2012) A survival guide for health research methods. Maidenhead, Open University Press.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of sources of evidence, including research evidence (Analysis, Health Award Specific Option 1, Knowledge and Understanding)

2. Appraise the value of research evidence using a variety of critiquing tools (Analysis, Enquiry, Health Award Specific Option 1, Problem Solving)

3. Demonstrate understanding and the ability to make judgements about the utility of research evidence in guiding practice (Application, Health Award Specific Option 1, Problem Solving)

4. Demonstrate understanding of the role of the paramedic in gathering data for the purposes of audit and the importance of the audit process in the maintenance of practice standards (Communication, Health Award Specific Option 1, Problem Solving)

There are TWO assessments each weighted at 50%

PART 1.
A 1500 word critical appraisal of one research article, with supporting evidence of the appraisal process (contributes to Learning Outcomes 1 and 2). There are two assessment options for part 1:
oral presentation 30 minutes including questions OR a written assignment (1500 words)

AND

PART 2.
A 90 minute unseen paper. It will comprise of a number of short answer questions relating to the nature and role of evidence in enhancing the quality of practice, audit, performance measurement and the relationship between Evidence Based Practice and audit (contributes to Learning Outcomes 1, 3 and 4)

Formative Feedback / Assessment:
Group work - appraisal of research papers
Group work - presentations
Group tutorials

If you have ever been confused by research, not understood an academic paper or want to know how to use published research and articles into your practice then this module is for you. You will develop your understanding of the research process, discuss a range of papers applicable to your area of practice and learn how to assess the quality of research. Skills gained in this module will not only support your further study but will enable you to keep your practice current through utilising only the best research to inform your practice.