Introduction to evidence-based practice

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

   
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Effective Term: 2027/05
Institute / School :Institute of Health and Wellbeing
Unit Title: Introduction to evidence-based practice
Unit ID: NURBN1102
Credit Points: 15.00
Prerequisite(s): Nil
Co-requisite(s): Nil
Exclusion(s): (NURBN1015)
ASCED: 060301
Other Change:  
Brief description of the Unit

This unit introduces students to the processes involved in locating, acquiring, and critically reviewing nursing evidence, to apply research findings to clinical practice. A key focus is on understanding the steps inherent in the research process and the ability to assess research findings. Students will explore how the quality of evidence contributes to safe, effective, and holistic care to optimise patient outcomes. This unit aims to equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills to become informed consumers of research.

Grade Scheme: Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)
Work Experience Indicator:
No work experience
Placement Component:
Supplementary Assessment:Yes
Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment
Course Level:
Level of Unit in CourseAQF Level(s) of Course
5678910
Introductory                                                
Intermediate                                                
Advanced                                                
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
K1.

Recognise and describe relevant sources of nursing evidence used to support holistic care

Skills:
S1.

Distinguish between different levels of evidence and explain their relevance to clinical decision-making

S2.

Describe the principles of ethical research and Artificial Intelligence usage.

Application of knowledge and skills:
A1.

Discuss and use effective evidence-based communication skills required for professional practice and dissemination of evidence through verbal, written and digital means.

Other outcomes:
Unit Content:

The following key standards have guided the content development of this unit:

  • NMBA Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (Registered nurse standards for practice, Midwife standards for practice, Code of conduct, and ICN Code of ethics for nurses)
  • NSQHS National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards
  • National Safety and Quality Primary and Community
  • ACQS Aged Care Quality Standards
  • National Health Priority Areas


The content of this unit focuses on introducing essential skills in nursing research, broadly including:

  • Locating and acquiring quality evidence
  • Evidence based practice
  • Ethical principles guiding research



Graduate Attributes:
Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.

FED TASK and descriptorDevelopment and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit
Level
FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal

Students at this level will demonstrate an advanced ability in a range of contexts to effectively communicate, interact and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display high level skills in-person and/or online in: • Using and demonstrating a high level of verbal and non-verbal communication • Demonstrating a mastery of listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Demonstrating and showing empathy for others • High order skills in negotiating and conflict resolution skills\\ • Demonstrating mastery of working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams.

Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines
FEDTASK 2
Leadership

Students at this level will demonstrate a mastery in professional skills and behaviours in leading others. • Creating and sustaining a collegial environment • Demonstrating a high level of self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect and justify decisions • Inspiring and initiating opportunities to lead others • Making informed professional decisions • Demonstrating initiative in new professional situations.

Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor
FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity

Students at this level will demonstrate high level skills in working in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically to generate and consider complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level • Analysing complex and abstract ideas, concepts and information • Communicate alternative perspectives to justify complex ideas • Demonstrate a mastery of challenging conventional thinking to clarify complex concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving to new situations for further learning.

Level 1 - Students require directions and boundaries from mentor
FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy

Students at this level will demonstrate the ability to work competently across a wide range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Mastering, exploring, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information professionally • Collating, managing complex data, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding professionally to messages in a range of professional digital media • Contributing competently and professionally to digital teams and working groups • Participating at a high level in digital learning opportunities.

Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines
FEDTASK 5
sustainable and Ethical Mindset

Students at this level will demonstrate a mastery of considering and assessing the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting professional ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Demonstrate informed judgment making that considers the impact of devising complex solutions in ambiguous global economic environmental and societal contexts • Professionally committing to the promulgation of social responsibility • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Communicating lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to the diverse professional others • Generating, leading and implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life

Level 2 - Student demonstrates some independence within provided guidelines
 Learning Outcomes AssessedAssessment TasksAssessment TypeWeightingProfessional Standards
1. K1, S1, S2

Evidence-based practice

Asynchronous Oral Presentation

40-60%

1, 5

2. K1, S1, A1

Critical Analysis of research evidence

Written Essay

40-60%

1, 5

3. K1, S1, S2, A1

Attendance at Active Learning Sessions

80% Attendance at Active Learning Sessions

S/U Hurdle

1, 5

4. K1, S1, S2, A1

Attendance/attempt at all assessments

100% Attendance/attempt at assessments 1 and 2

S/U Hurdle

1, 5

Adopted Reference Style:
APA  ()

Professional Standards / Competencies:
 Standard / Competency