Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice for Quality Improvement in Healthcare

Program Overview

This online module provides healthcare professionals with a foundation in evidence-based practice for quality improvement. Students will learn to critically evaluate evidence, develop quality improvement initiatives, and assess the impact of practice changes. The module runs from February to March 2025 and requires 200 hours of study. Healthcare professionals with a primary degree and relevant registration are eligible to apply.

Program Outline

• Module Content: This module explores the development and substance of evidence-based practice in healthcare in its broadest scope.
• Turning healthcare and clinical queries into focused questions from which to search the evidence.
• Search strategies across a range of databases relevant to healthcare.
• Matching a research question with the most appropriate study design.
• Strategies for implementing evidence and for developing an evidence-based culture for quality improvement in healthcare are explored.
• Evaluating the effects of evidence-based practice changes in practice.
• Delivery: Delivered fully on-line; students do not attend workshop dates.
• Duration: 200 hours (On-line Learning:- Discussion Board Preparation and Participation, Required Reading, Assignment Preparation and Submission, Self-Directed Learning).
On-line, including orientation.

Assessment:

• Total Marks: 200
• Continuous Assessment: 200 marks (1 x 2,000 word report on a quality improvement initiative:- 120 marks; On-line activities:- 80 marks).
• Compulsory Elements: Continuous Assessment.

Other:

• Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the development of evidence-based practice for quality improvement in healthcare.
• Formulate focused research questions as a basis for searching for evidence to address a healthcare/clinical query concerning quality improvement.
• Analyse and critically examine evidence relevant to student's practice/healthcare area.
• Critically appraise current debates on evidence-based practice and their implications for quality improvement in healthcare.
• Adopt a critical and reflective stance on how practitioners and healthcare providers can engage with the evidence-based practice movement for quality improvement in healthcare.
• Examine strategies to evaluate the effects of evidence-based practice changes in practice.
• Requirements:
• Applicants must be qualified healthcare professionals registered with the regulatory body in their country of residence.
• Applicants must have a primary degree, NFQ Level 8 or equivalent.
• Applicants who are under 23 years of age must satisfy the minimum entry requirements as for the Degrees in Nursing or Midwifery, as set out here.
• Admission to the module(s) will be subject to internal university approval processes on the recommendation of the Head of School.
• Applicants for Nursing and Midwifery CPD modules who do not hold an up-to-date IELTS certificate showing the requisite Academic Board approved CM&H scores must demonstrate evidence of appropriate work experience within an English language environment for at least the previous 2 years.
• These modules will not necessarily run unless minimum recruitment targets of 10 students are achieved.