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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: SAMM001 Module Title: EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE AND CRITICAL APPRAISAL
Module Provider: Postgraduate Medical School Short Name: PGMSPCM04
Level: M Module Co-ordinator: BALLARD K Dr (PGMS)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability

Total Hrs

 

UniS/MATTU

 

Clinical

 

Self Directed Study  

 

150 Hrs

 

24 Hrs

 

0 Hrs

 

126 Hrs

 

Assessment Pattern

Components of Assessment

 

Method(s)

 

Percentage weighting

 

Written

 

2,500 Word Essay

 

100 %

 

Module Overview
Over the past decade, there has been an increasing shift towards evidence-based practice, with the costs and benefits of all aspects of health care being taken into consideration. In many ways, this shift has been made easier by the exponential expansion of published literature and the development of databases such as Cochrane and Medline. However, in order to search these databases effectively and to appraise the literature retrieved, a new set of skills is required. Within this module participants will learn the principles of how to carry out a systematic review of literature, how to critically appraise the evidence retrieved from searches, and how to gather evidence of quality by auditing their work. In addition, participants will learn how to incorporate evidence into clinical practice.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites

None

Module Aims

Within this module participants will learn the principles of how to carry out a systematic review of literature, how to critically appraise the evidence retrieved from searches, and how to gather evidence of quality by auditing their work. In addition, participants will learn how to incorporate evidence into clinical practice. 

By the end of the module students will be able:
 

 

  • To formulate questions from common problems in clinical practice.

     

  • To carry out advanced searches of databases to look for evidence.

     

  • To understand the principles of systematic review of the literature.

     

  • To retrieve relevant evidence.

     

  • To critically appraise a range of published research.

     

  • To understand the epidemiological concepts of absolute and relative risk.

     

  • To understand the process of implementing change in practice on the basis of evidence.

     

Learning Outcomes

Subject Knowledge and Understanding about:

 

The different databases available and the meaning of search terms such as MeSH.

 

To understand the principles behind systematic reviews.

 

The types of checklists that can be used to appraise research papers.

 

The definition of different risk presentations.

 

The principles underpinning clinical audit and steps of the audit process.

 

The principles underpinning change management.

 

 

Cognitive Skills

 

Identifying problems within clinical practice and formulating structured questions that can be answered using published evidence.

 

Evaluating and using different checklists for appraising research.

 

Critically appraising a range of published research (including randomised control trials, cohort studies, meta-analysis, and qualitative studies).

 

Assessing clinical work within a quality framework.

 

 

Practical Skills

 

To carry out an advanced literature search.

 

Use checklists for critically appraising research.

 

To manage change (based on evidence) in the clinical setting

Key Transferable Skills

 

Critically appraise and integrate appropriate published work into written assignments.

 

Argue a case to peers.

 

Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral and written means.

 

Use information technology effectively.
Module Content

Introduction to evidence-based practice

 

Formulating questions from clinical problems

 

Carrying out an advanced literature search (Includes practical session)

 

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

 

How to carry out and evaluate a systematic review

 

The use of different checklists for appraising literature

 

Absolute and Relative risk

 

The audit process

 

How to critically appraise a paper:

 

Randomised Controlled Trials

 

Cohort study

 

Qualitative study

 

Applying evidence and managing change based on evidence
Methods of Teaching/Learning

A combination of lectures, seminars, and practical hands on teaching

Selected Texts/Journals

This module will be supported by printed notes where necessary. Students will be provided with relevant published papers and have access to the lecture materials and background examples in power point presentations. Further recommended reading includes:

 

Essential Text

 

Egger M, Smith GD, Altman DG, eds. (2001) Systematic Reviews in Health Care: Meta-analysis in context. London : BMJ Books

 

Greenhalgh T. (1997) How to read a paper. London : BMJ Publishing Group

 

Green, J. & Britten, N. (1998) Qualitative research and evidence based medicine. British Medical Journal 316:1230-1232

 

Recommended Text

 

MSc Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy

 

Khan, KS. Kunz, R. Kleijnen, J.  Antes, G. (2003) Systematic Reviews to Support Evidence Based Medicine: How to Review and Apply Findings of Healthcare Research. Royal Society of Medicine Press: London

 

MSc Primary Care

 

Ridsdale, L. (1998) Evidence-based Practice in Primary Care. London : Churchill Livingstone

 

Farmer, R. & Lawrenson, R. (2004) Epidemiology and Public Health Medicine. (5th edition) 

Oxford : Blackwell Publishing

 

Background Reading

 

Stevens, A., Abrams, K, Brazier, J. Fitzpatrick, R. Lilford, R. (2001) The Advanced Handbook of Methods in Evidence Based Healthcare Sage: London

 

Lockwood, D. Armstrong, M. & Grant, A. Integrating evidence based medicine into routine clinical practice: seven years' experience at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London . British Medical Journal Oct 2004; 329: 1020 - 1023.

 

Coomarasamy, A. & Khan, K. What is the evidence that postgraduate teaching in evidence based medicine changes anything? A systematic review. British Medical Journal. 2004;329:1017

 

Grol, R. & Grimshaw, J From best evidence to best practice: effective implementation of change in patients' care The Lancet Oct 2003; Vol 362; 9391: 1225-1230
Last Updated

24th June 2008