PMED1060 Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in Health Care Course description

The language is normally English.

This joint course is developed for all the Bachelor programmes at the Faculty of Health Sciences which are part of RETHOS (National guidelines for the Health and Social Studies), and is considered as an introductory course, preferably taken during the first part of the study programme.

In this course, starting with relatable examples, students will learn about asking critical questions about health claims and the sources of claims. This is followed up by focusing on the rationale for evidence-based practice (EBP) and its Core Competencies: Ask, Acquire, Appraise and Interpret, Apply, and Evaluate, and shared decision-making. The course provides a foundation for learning and applying more advanced and field-specific skills.;

No aids permitted.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme. ;

On successful completion of the course, the student has acquired the following learning outcomes classified as knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can define what EBP is and recognizes the rationale for EBP and shared decision making
• knows the steps of EBP
• is familiar with the levels in the S-pyramid and acknowledges the difference between single studies and systematic reviews
• knows the characteristics of a scientific article, e.g. IMRAD
• can explain the purpose and characteristics of qualitative and quantitative studies and syntheses of studies, e.g. systematic reviews
• understands the principles for critical appraisal and knows how to use check lists for different study designs, clinical guidelines and professional procedures
• knows different types of categorical and continuous measures of association and effect, and key graphical presentations ;

Skills

The student

• can identify different types of professional/clinical questions, such as questions about treatment, diagnosis, prognosis, experiences and etiology
• can, for each type of clinical question, identify the preferred order of study designs
• can formulate searchable professional/clinical questions using e.g. PICO;and variations of PICO
• can construct and carry out an appropriate and simple search strategy for professional/clinical questions from the top of the S-pyramid ;

General competencies

The student

• can critically assess health claims in the media
• can discuss the importance of user knowledge, clinical experience, and summarized research in clinical decision-making;

Pathophysiology deals with how different diseases and injuries change the cells and tissue, which also lead to changes in the functions of the tissue, organs and body. The course focuses on disease processes and disease conditions that can cause acute partial or complete organ failure, and knowledge of relevant treatment.

None.

After completing the course, the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can explain the most common pathological processes
• can explain pathology, symptoms, signs, observations and treatment in patients with
• diseases of the respiratory organs
• cardiovascular diseases and circulatory disorders
• diseases of the nervous system
• can present knowledge of diabetes
• can describe diseases of the digestive system
• can explain disease manifestation in elderly people
• can describe serious infections
• can describe what cancer is and how cancer is treated
• can describe the fundamental principles of hygiene and infection control

Skills

The student

• can apply knowledge of pathological processes and types of treatment as a basis for understanding sick persons
• can apply and disseminate knowledge about diseases of the musculoskeletal system
• masters management of infectious material
• can use knowledge of the discipline in a written presentation

General competence

The student

• understands how disease is manifested through vital signs and symptoms

The work and teaching methods vary between lectures, study groups, seminars, simulation and skills training and self-study.

Simulation and skills training comprises infection prevention, intravenous catheter placement and establishing infusions, and skills related to diseases of the respiratory organs.

The following must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

• Minimum attendance of 90% in simulation and skills training
• Minimum attendance of 80% in study groups and seminars
• Individual written home assignment, 2,500 words (+/- 10)

Individual oral exam, up to 20 minutes.

Grade scale A-F.