Evidence-Based Nursing

This module will support students in developing skills and knowledge so that they are able to understand and apply evidence in practice for the benefit of patient care. Students will identify an issue arising from their area of clinical practice or experience and will be guided in developing this into a focused question. Consequently, students will be steered through the process finding evidence to answer the formed question. Having found appropriate research papers, students will develop critical appraisal skills in order to determine if the evidence found can be implemented. Issues relating to the introduction of evidence into the clinical environment and strategies for managing change will be addressed. This module will also introduce students to research and literature retrieval principles.

The module comprises of the following 6 sessions.

1. Introduction to Evidence-Based Nursing
2. Searching for Evidence
3. Critically Appraising Research Evidence
4. Evidence Synthesis and Implementation
5. Applying Evidence in Practice
6. Evaluation of the Outcomes of a Practice Decision or Change

Hours of Total Learning for this module:

• Contact Hours: 27
• Self-Study Hours: 84
• Assessment Hours: 14
• Total Learning Hours: 125

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

1. Formulate a search question, select search terms, build up a search strategy, and limit searches and sources of health and social care information (e.g., MEDLINE; CINAHL; PSYCHINFO etc.)
2. Appraise quantitative (e.g. RCT and survey) and qualitative (e.g. participant observation) studies, systematic reviews, policy documents and other evidence.
3. Synthesise systematic reviews, literature searches, RCT’s and qualitative studies.
4. Implement evidence from research and experiential knowledge into practice by identifying, via audits, the need for change and using guidelines, protocols, CRD, Cochrane, evaluation, and performance review.
5. Critically discuss the skills required to implement evidence in practice.
6. Develop academic writing skills.

Each module will be assessed based on the following components:

1. Quality of Contributions in Forums: 20%
   • Evaluation of participation and the quality of insights shared in online discussion forums.
2. Quality of Contributions in Tutorials: 20%
   • Assessment of engagement and contributions during tutorial sessions.
3. Assignment/Case Study: 60%
   • Completion and quality of assignments that demonstrate understanding and application of the course material.

Passing Criteria:

• Students must achieve an aggregate of 50% or higher across the three components to pass each module.

Scholarship Schemes for Maltese residents:

• MySkills Scheme: Malta residents are eligible for up to 80% reimbursement, capped at €5,000, subject to eligibility criteria. International students would be able to apply for the MySkills Scheme once they obtain their Student Temporary Residence Card (TRC). (For individual modules only)
• Get Qualified Scheme ( Scheme available for Maltese residents ) – 70% refund of course fee as a tax rebate