Students will study application of key concepts and approaches to the review of the evidence base for their practice area, including, how to conduct a literature search and review, critical appraisal of the evidence presented in the literature. The skills of critical reading, precise, paraphrasing and writing a critical analysis of a chosen piece of literature. The written communication of that critical analysis and the results of the appraisal of the evidences from one article identified during the review of the literature. The levels of evidence and their appropriateness to clinical practice.

Aveyard H. (2010) Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Practical Guide. 2nd Ed. Open University Press, Maidenhead
Aveyard H and Sharpe P (2013) A beginner's guide to evidence-based practice in health and social care. 2nd. Ed. Maidenhead, Open University Press.
Creme P and ea M.(2008) Writing at University: A guide for students 3rd Edition. Open University Press, Maidenhead
Greenhalgh T (2010) How to read a paper: the basics of evidence based medicine BMJ Publishing Group London

A critical analysis and evaluation 2500 words of a primary piece of evidence identified from the literature search for a specific area of practice from the student's area of expertise, which demonstrates the students ability to review the paper. Particular reference should be made to comparisons and contrasts in the relevant literature (80%) (contributes to LO's 1, 2 and 3)

Two critically analysis using specified frameworks derived from the analysis of two prescribed research papers (20%) (assessing LO 2)

The student will use two different identified appraisal frameworks to critically analyse two pre-selected research articles (one quantitative and one qualitative study)

All work should be submitted via Blackboard VLE

Formative Assessment / Feedback:
A rationale for choice of practice topic
A tabulated literature search
An example of a critical analysis of the research articles focus

A distance learning approach with,
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (9 hours)
6 hours via blackboard discussion board
3 hours Lead lectures delivered via blackboard VLE

Guided Independent Study: (141 hours)
100 Hours with access to materials on Blackboard VLE and assignment work
41 hours Self directed study including literature searching and reading

Access to a PC windows XP or above
Internet connection (Broadband is advised)
Software Microsoft Office word 2007 and Powerpoint reader 2007
Access to Blackboard VLE