Evidence-based practice (EBP) is defined as 'the conscious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence to make decisions about the care of individual patients'. This unit explores three sources of evidence in reference to healthcare practice and policy setting—consumer values and preferences, best evidence research, and your own clinical expertise. You'll develop ways of integrating and prioritising elements to derive the best outcomes. You will walk away from this unit with a conscientious and analytical mindset to apply to your own career in healthcare decision-making. You'll also gain a stronger sense of self within your clinical leadership role. In this unit, you will study:
- Evidence-based practice
- Finding the evidence
- Types of evidence
- Critical appraisal of the evidence
- Using the evidence: Appraising clinical guidelines
- Using the evidence: Implementation.
Learning outcomes
- Examine the steps in evidence-based practice and the role that critical appraisal takes in informing decisions in health practice
- Frame relevant structured questions and identify the best evidence for answering those questions
- Identify and search the most appropriate data sources for evidence related to relevant structured questions
- Critically appraise appropriate evidence to answer relevant structured questions
- Use critical appraisals to consider implications for practice
- Plan a strategy to change healthcare practice based on results from critical appraisals
Assessment
You will be assessed on the following components, each with its own weighted value against your overall result:
- Report: 40%
- Critical review and implementation plan: 60%
Courses
You can study this unit as part of the Master of Healthcare Leadership, Master of Mental Health and Master of Mental Health (Nursing). Please note, unit structure and content are subject to change. Contact your SCU Online student advisor on 1300 863 819 for more information based on your particular circumstances.