HPER71-110: Evidence Based Practice and Policy

As society grapples with the increasing demand and spiralling costs of healthcare and unexplained variations in practice, the delivery of healthcare based on evidence has never been more important. The growing volume of this evidence presents significant challenges for health professionals. After exploring the preconceptions of evidence based practice, challenging and evaluating the theory behind it, participants in this subject will develop the skills needed to efficiently access and examine evidence that supports and affects healthcare practice. Participants will be able to develop searchable questions from practice and policy problems, understand the type of research studies that can address these questions, and recognise the strengths and limitations of the different research study designs. Skills in locating research evidence and critically evaluating the evidence will be developed and refined through supported hands-on practice. Participants will be able to interpret and effectively communicate the findings of research evidence to different audiences and make evidence-informed decisions to support clinical practice and healthcare delivery.