1. Critically analyse the principals of informed clinical practice with reference to relevant supporting concepts, theories and frameworks
Analysis
Enquiry
Learning

2. Demonstrate the ability to locate appropriate sources of evidence and make justified judgements about their utility and relevance to practice
Application
Analysis

3. Demonstrate knowledge and a critical understanding of relevant forms of research evidence and their value in the application of evidence-based practice
Knowledge and Understanding
Analysis

4. Discuss the purposes of audit and the importance of the audit process in the maintenance of practice standards
Knowledge and Understanding
Analysis

To be able to operate as an informed autonomous practitioner, you will need an appreciation for the key components of this module. These are Evidence Based Practice and Audit, both essential to enable Paramedics to make optimal clinical decisions.

You will begin by considering how evidence shapes the role of a Paramedic and how evidence influences treatment and drugs. You will consider a range of research methodologies and your ethical obligations.

You will then build on your knowledge to consider the role of Audit in healthcare. Looking at the many applications for Audit to improve both individual and organisational level care delivery.

To achieve this, you will examine such topics as:

• An exploration of key research designs and methodologies, and their relative values to clinical practice
• Consideration of the hierarchy of research – What makes some pieces of research more reliable than others?
• The application of critical appraisal and critiquing frameworks
• Locating appropriate sources of evidence
• The formulation and implementation of clinical practice guidelines
• An exploration of ethical aspects of research and decision making
• An exploration of how clinically relevant questions are formulated using tools such as ‘PICO’ and ‘SPICE’
• An introduction to clinical governance, quality assurance and audit
• Understanding of ethical frameworks surrounding paramedic research including principles of consent, autonomy, beneficence, maleficence and non-maleficence
• The role of research ethics committees and research governance within healthcare research
• The role of the literature review


Exploration of these subjects allows you to develop your knowledge and understanding of research and audit.

You will also develop understanding of how these two components work together to create a basis for sound decision making and therefore delivering best practice in prehospital emergency care.

There are TWO assessments for this module, each weighted at 50%. This means that you will need to achieve a mark of 40% or higher in both elements to pass the module

Part 1

A 60-minute unseen exam paper.

The exam will comprise 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.

This exam will take place at the end of your main teaching block in this academic year and will be supported by group tutorials and a mock exam held earlier in the block.

This assessment contributes to Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Part 2

A critical appraisal of a research article, with supporting evidence. For this you will use an appropriate critical appraisal tool to highlight key issues, both positive and negative, of a specified research article. You will be provided with a choice of articles by the module lead.

You have a choice of two options for this.

You can produce either a 1500-word written assignment, or a 20-minute oral presentation. Both options cover the same material and will contribute to Learning Outcomes 1 and 2.

The assessment point for Part 2 will be towards the end of the academic year.

Due to the professional nature of this programme no compensation within or between modules is permitted. All elements of assessment in all modules must be passed

The learning content for this module is delivered using a variety of methods including lead lectures (approx. 60 hours), tutorial support (approx. 12 hours) and online learning through a virtual learning environment.

This is a front-loaded module, meaning that the majority of the teaching will occur within the first few weeks of the teaching block, allowing you the remaining time to consolidate your knowledge, and to work on practical application of the principles we discuss in preparation for the assessments.

To prepare you for Part One of your assessment you will sit a 45-minute mock exam with feedback. This will help you to tailor your individual revision.

You will also be set a formative group work task to prepare you for Part Two of your summative work.

Throughout the year you will be expected to supplement your contact teaching time with your own study. You are expected to undertake approximately 228 hours of independent study for this module. This is to help you expand your knowledge base, consolidate your learning, and prepare for assessments.

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 Paramedic’s guide to research. Maidenhead, Open University Press
HERRING (2016) Medical Ethics and Law 6th Edn, London: Oxford
LAURIE, HARMON, PORTER (2015) Mason and McCall Smith’s Law and medical ethics 10th Edn, London: Oxford
ROSS T (2012) A survival guide for health research methods. Maidenhead, Open University Press.

VLE
IT resources
Library resources

Enrolled onto the following award;
BSc(Hons) of Science in Paramedic Science