Anglia Ruskin University

This module deals with the understanding of evidence-based practice in health and social care, and the skills to utilise published research which are an essential requirement of all practitioners at every level of practice, as Beaven & McHugh (2003) identified. With the increased emphasis on research based practice over the last decade, it is essential that established practitioners who wish to continue their education understand a range of research methodologies and the application of theory to practice in their field.

The ability to be analytical and insightful regarding research reports is an invaluable skill for those wishing to provide effective, appropriate care in their individual sphere of practice. Today's practitioner is also working in an expanding field of multi professional, multi-agency collaboration, and thus requires the skills and insight into the efficacy of research within these disciplines. This module revisits existing knowledge of the research process and assists the student in further developing skills of critical analysis. In addition, students will appraise the ethical dimensions of research studies.

Assessment
Studies will take place in St Helena Hospice Education Centre, Colchester. The Hospice is a specialist palliative care unit with a full complement of a specialist practice in the care and support of patients and families with incurable illness, the dying and bereaved. The tutor is actively engaged in research in the specialist palliative care field.

The module will be assessed through an essay comparing two pieces of original research on a palliative care topic, one using a quantitative research methodology and one qualitative.

Content outline

• The ambiguities & limits of knowledge
• Research methodologies & processes - different approaches to research, key examples & definitive concepts and terms
• Qualitative & quantitative research in the context of specialist palliative care
• Analysis of statistical &/or non statistical data
• Rigour, reliability, validity/trustworthiness
• Research governance & ethical consideration
• Evaluating & applying research to policy and the practice setting

At present we have no dates for this module. However, you can register your interest by emailing healthcontractsteam@anglia.ac.uk

Claire Dalling (Academic Administrator)
Email cdalling@sthelenahospice.org.uk

Rana Ahmed (Contracts Officer)
Tel 0845 196 4614
Email rana.ahmed@anglia.ac.uk

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