MW0719 - Developing Midwifery Practice through Research

The module offers a blended approach to learning, and to support you to undertake your dissertation. This includes a range of e-lectures, seminars, practical workshops and regular meetings with a named supervisor. The eLP will be the platform on which your learning material will be presented, as well as face-to-face workshops, of which some will be academic-led and others student-led.

You will be encouraged to work and learn in collaboration with your peers to build your knowledge and understanding. You will also be provided with the opportunity to link with fellow students in Nursing and Allied Health Professions. This will introduce you to principles of partnership, collaboration and teamwork, so important when conducting successful clinical research. These learning opportunities are designed to provide you with the knowledge, confidence and guidance to develop research skills and an in-depth understanding of the generation of evidence-based practice.

You will be supported by an experienced module team comprised of research and academic staff with knowledge of the teaching and conducting of research. You will receive ongoing guidance and feedback to ensure you are able to engage with research concepts and the academic rigour of the module. Scheduled workshops and regular supervision meetings, with an allocated supervisor, both online and face to face, will be provided to support you in the development of your dissertation. All support will be in line with Disabled Student Services Report Recommendations (DSSR). Learning materials, including directed and e-learning, will be made available on the eLP. Seminars will provide opportunities to engage in discussion and debate to enhance your learning throughout the module, also opportunities for peer support and feedback.

The University Libraries at both Coach Lane Campus and City Campus offer an extensive collection of material, both hard copy and electronic, access to international databases and training in information retrieval. The module will be supported by University library staff and resources, including study skills support packages. You can access the interactive training via the library webpages or the following link: http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/learning-skills . Ask4Help online (accessed through your student portal) provides a comprehensive range of answers to frequently asked questions and is of benefit to students as a central point of reference for information about many different topics. Ask4Help face to face service points include those located in both university libraries.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

You will be expected to:

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate a critical appreciation and understanding of the theory and practice of midwifery/healthcare research, and its complexity.
2. Critically analyse a research topic/issue of your choice.
3. Critically reflect on the contribution of high quality midwifery research in improving outcomes for women, infants and families.

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:
4. Conceptualise a research proposal and establish its relevance to midwifery practice.
5. Demonstrate skill in undertaking a series of research activities that mirror the practice of research in the real world, including the application of ethics.

Personal Values, Attributes:
(Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
6. Confidently defend informed judgements about the way research is planned and conducted, ensuring professional values and accountability are articulated in academic practice.
7. Evaluate your capability as a midwifery professional and researcher, at the point of registration.

Formative Assessment:

Provision of formative feedback on performance will be an ongoing process through group/class discussion in formal scheduled teaching. This will align to the criteria for the summative assessment.

Seminars and assessment tutorials will utilise peer and tutor feedback to aid development of the research study, and enable you to build the skills required to complete the project and present your work effectively. There will be opportunities throughout the year to demonstrate your progress, both individually and as part of a group, including two formal formative submission points.


Summative Assessment:

1. 10,000 word dissertation in the form of either a Systematic Appraisal or an Empirical Project, focused on innovation in midwifery care (70%) MLO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

2. 30 minute presentation of the research project to students, staff and maternity stakeholders (30%)
MLO 3, 6, 7.

Written feedback will be provided via Turnitin.

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Within this module you will be able to experience and develop first hand practical research skills. You will have the opportunity to apply the principles of partnership, collaboration and interdisciplinary working to research and the development of a research idea. You will be encouraged to understand health legislation and current policies which influence health research and research priorities. You will be provided with the principles of health economics as an area of health research, and explore other areas and research methodologies. These areas of knowledge will be used to inform a dissertation designed to explore an area of innovation in the provision of safe, effective and woman-centred midwifery care. This is a year long module, providing the time to develop a research topic which reflects the complexities of providing physically, psychologically and emotionally competent care and support to women, infants and their families. You will have the opportunity to work alongside research staff, assess and direct the development of your research skills and present your research proposal in both written and verbal forms. You will develop the confidence and ability to think critically and contribute to the evidence base for maternity care, becoming a midwife who is able to deftly combine knowledge and skill to lead excellence in practice.