AC6787 - Understanding and development of evidence for practice

What will I learn on this module?

On this module, you will learn and develop your critical skills to become an informed and reflective consumer of evidence and research within the context of contemporary health and social care practice. You will explore and critically evaluate differing philosophies and methodologies underpinning evidence, assessing its quality and applicability to health and social care provision.

The module will enhance your ability to examine the politics of evidence-based practice, analysing how assumptions and contextual factors influence healthcare delivery. Through engaging with real-world examples and case studies you will gain advanced skills in synthesising knowledge, theory, and evidence to inform your professional decision-making and enhance your practice.

You will also develop the ability to critically appraise practice examples, exploring the practical implications of applying evidence-based approaches. The module will also support you to build competencies in presentation, negotiation, and networking - essential professional skills in health and social practice environments.

This module is designed to constructively challenge you and encourage critical thinking and reflection, equipping you with the tools to improve both your practice and your ability to engage in lifelong learning.

How will I learn on this module?

This module applies Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to remove barriers to learning and create an inclusive, flexible experience that accommodates diverse learning styles. By offering multiple ways to engage with content, varied formats for accessing and understanding material, and ample opportunities for diverse action and expression, you can develop and showcase key employability skills. Through a blend of online resources, and live seminars, the module ensures an active, authentic learning journey that supports your success in real-world contexts (La, Dyjur, & Bair, 2018). This means learning will be via a blended delivery using a combination asynchronous (30 hours of web-based resources) and synchronous (12 hours of face-to-face online seminars) learning. A ‘flipped classroom’ approach (Bergman & Sams, 2012) promotes the front loading of theoretical content as preparatory independent study provided via online supported learning (OSL)and reading, prior to the face-to-face online seminars where your understanding of concepts and application of theory will be explored. This approach to module delivery promotes active learning as it works to accommodate your learning needs and abilities by offering flexibility and direction gained from the preparatory web-based materials which are then explored and applied during the live online seminars creating new knowledge. Offering multiple ways of learning helps you to engage along with giving you the opportunity to express your learning through action and/or expression. This encourages a positive learning environment where you are likely to feel more engaged and motivated in your learning. Authentic assessment means that any assessments throughout the module will mirror real life activities that you will be faced with in your professional practice. Authentic assessment will be an on-going key feature of the module, via tasks within the web-based materials and online simulated practice learning. All assessments within the programme will be operated in accordance with standard operating procedures and marked and moderated in accordance with the Assessment Regulations for Taught Awards (ARTA) ensuring the academic standards required for student awards are met.

Bergman, J., & Sams, A. (2012) Flip your classroom. Reach every student in every class every day. Washington D.C., International Science of Technology in Education.
La, H., Dyjur, P., & Bair, H. (2018). Universal design for learning in higher education. Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning. Calgary University of Calgary

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module lead who will guide your academic learning and assessment throughout the module. The module lead was involved in developing the e-learning materials, assessment exercises, and will provide some of your live online seminars and feedback, supported by other staff. This module is supported by Blackboard Ultra and adheres to the university’s minimum standards. The site includes module information, assessment information, power-point presentations and e-learning packages, reading lists and relevant web links. Blackboard Collaborate will be used for the delivery of the live online seminars.

A discussion board is available to the cohort, through which students can post comments and ask questions of their peers throughout the duration of the module. You will have a live online group tutorial which will help you prepare for the summative assessment. Your Programme Lead and Personal Tutor are also available to offer guidance on academic support throughout the programme.

The University Libraries offer an extensive collection of material, both hard copy and electronic, access to international databases and training in information retrieval. A variety of study-skills-related help sheets, and online videos can be found on the library Skills Plus site. You can also access a range of student support and wellbeing services via Student Central or by accessing the student support and wellbeing pages and Ask4Help via your electronic student portal.

You will also have an allocated personal/guidance teacher who will provide advice and support in relation to academic, procedural, and (where desired and appropriate) personal matters during the programme of study you have enrolled on. You will have access to 24/7 generic IT support and specific support from the programme team with any specific IT issues related to the e-learning package.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

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)

What will I be expected to achieve?

On completion of this module:
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will have analysed and evaluated different types of evidence, data, and information to inform and improve health and social care practice.
2. You will have explored and appraised the contextual factors, including uncertainty and ambiguity, that influence the application of evidence in contemporary healthcare practice.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will have applied logical, analytical thinking to solve complex health and social practice dilemmas.
4. You will have effectively utilised information and communication technologies (ICT) to support professional development, evidence-based decision-making, and dissemination of findings.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. You will have demonstrated self-directed learning skills, cultivating a strategy for lifelong learning and continuous professional improvement within health and social care practice.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment
Formative assessment within this module includes a 200-word blog post on the discussion board, where you will critically reflect on a key topic of personal professional interest. Feedback will be provided by peers and tutors to enhance your understanding. Later in the module, peer review breakout rooms during live seminars will offer further opportunities to present and refine your ideas collaboratively. Formative tests and quizzes will also be embedded within e-learning materials. (MLO 1-5)

Summative assessment - written critical reflective account
Submit a 2,500-word reflective account that critically evaluates an element of evidence-based practice within your professional area. This option allows you to explore and contextualize relevant evidence whilst demonstrating critical analysis and academic referencing skills. (MLOs 1,2,3,4,5)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Understanding and Developing Evidence for Practice supports you to build the skills needed to interpret and use evidence effectively in health and social care. This exciting module will guide you in exploring and evaluating the information and research that shapes modern healthcare, helping you make confident, informed and nuanced decisions in your practice. You’ll access engaging online materials and live sessions where you can discuss ideas, ask questions, and apply what you’ve learned. Your final written assessment allows you to clearly articulate your understanding and application of the evidence around a contemporary healthcare issue with significant relevance to your practice. This module will equip you with valuable skills to enhance your professional practice, support lifelong learning, and enhance opportunities for future career development in the fast-changing world of health and social care.