On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
explain how research information is stored and retrieved, using various types of databases in the health sector as examples of `evidence-based' research presentation for a variety of audiences
describe and appraise some of the sources of evidence based information
explain how statistical evidence is presented and discuss the implications of presentation format
discuss how qualitative and quantitative evidence may be appraised
apply skills of critical appraisal
propose a strategy to ensure that knowledge and evidence is shared within an organisation and its clientele, and that any appropriate changes are made when new evidence becomes available
Brief description
Unit 1 discusses the scientific method, the process of generation of the research evidence in a knowledge base and the role of consensus in deciding how and where research is published. Unit 2 discusses the format of research evidence in various databases, and how such databases are searched. Unit 3 covers critical appraisal skills required for selecting and using the evidence. Unit 4 discusses how to implement a culture which values an evidence-based approach to practice, and how to achieve awareness and acceptance of research information in the process of implementing research findings. Unit 5 discusses the presentation of the research evidence, demonstrating how changing the way in which statistics on risk are presented can affect our attitudes to whether the evidence is compelling or not. Unit 6 examines some possible future directions to information systems research and `evidence-based practiceż for information professionals