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Study information

Evidence Based Practice for Radiographers (M)

Module titleEvidence Based Practice for Radiographers (M)
Module codeRADM202DA
Academic year2024/5
Credits15
Module staff

Dr Fay Manning (Convenor)

Mrs Becky Stride (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

Please see note below*

Please see note below*

Please see note below*

Number students taking module (anticipated)

20

Module description

*Please note that Degree Apprenticeship programmes have variable start dates and modules are taught across the full year.

This module rapidly develops your skills in evidence-based practice by developing a sound understanding of research terminology, methods and principles and further develop your ability to both critically evaluate published research and to apply it to practice as well as to undertake an project (audit, service evaluation or research)

The module commences with an attendance block at the University of Exeter with an emphasis on face-to-face learning. The module then runs over a 12 month period with a series of 6 Masterclasses consisting of live online learning. In the non-block weeks there will be protected ‘off the job’ learning (one day (7.5 hours) per week shared across all modules) supported by e-learning materials provided by the academic team. The full calendar of activities and assessment will be made available via the handbook. Annual leave may be booked in accordance with the requirements laid out in the handbook.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to consolidate your prior learning so that you enter the profession of diagnostic radiography fully equipped to be an informed, evidence based, compassionate practitioner.

During this module you will develop the skills and knowledge to fulfil the non-clinical aspect of your role as a diagnostic radiographer. You will build learn about of evidence-based practice and research and will plan, undertake and evaluate a workplace-based audit or service evaluation project, or a research project (which might be in the workplace or at the university) written up to be suitable for publication.

This module further develops your academic writing skills and IT skills relating to data handling, analysis and presentation.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Explain the concept of evidence-based practice (EBP) and the processes involved in EBP
  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of improvement methodology, clinical audit, service improvement skills and service user involvement to monitor, evaluate and ensure quality of practice
  • 3. Explain ethical issues in healthcare research and the similarities and differences between audit, service evaluation and research
  • 4. Explain the value of research to the critical evaluation of practice.
  • 5. Present a rationale for, and undertake, an evaluation of an aspect of practice

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 6. Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with medical imaging practice, and an ability to present, evaluate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data within the context of professional radiography practice.
  • 7. Demonstrate conceptual understanding of radiography practice that enables you to devise and write an argument, use the evidence base and the ability to make use make use of scholarly reviews and primary resources.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 8. Manage time and prioritise competing workloads
  • 9. Synthesise information from a variety of sources to develop knowledge and understanding

Syllabus plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:

EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE

Concept of Evidence Based Practice (EBP) and the steps involved in EBP;

Range of different approaches that underpin research in EBP;

Research paradigms, designs, sampling methods and data collection tools;

Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies

Critical appraisal of published literature employing qualitative and quantitative research methods;

Issues of reliability, validity and rigour in research;

Role of ethics and statistics in human health research

Application of research to professional health care practice

 

HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Ethical issues in clinical research

Research, audit and service evaluation - definitions and role

Quantitative and qualitative data analysis and hypothesis testing

Service user involvement in quality improvement and research

 

AUDIT, SERVICE EVALUATION OR RESEARCH

Use appropriate resources for a literature search;

Undertake a literature review

Formulate a question for an audit, service evaluation or piece of research, identify the appropriate research paradigm, select an appropriate methodology

Consider Ethical issues

Select an appropriate method of data analysis for the planned project.

Present a plan for the project

Undertake the project,

 

QUALITY OF PRACTICE

Need to monitor and evaluate the quality of practice

Value of contributing data for quality assurance and EBP

Value of research in relation to the critical evaluation of practice

 

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

Audit, service evaluation project or research, including collection and analysis of data

Improvement methodology, clinical audit to ensure service quality

Role of service users in improving services

Experts by experience involvement in care strategy and research.

The role of Patient Advisory Liaison Services (PALS)

Using complaints and feedback to improve care

 

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC

Synthesise appropriate sources of information, including research papers, to develop own knowledge

Professional literature and how to cite it correctly

IT Skills - Manipulation, interpretation and presentation of data using computer packages such as Excel spreadsheets.

Searching for information- Search and retrieval of electronic journals (workshop)

Demonstrate problem solving skills

 

ACADEMIC SKILLS

Use appropriate sources of information to develop own knowledge

Demonstrate problem solving skills

Use appropriate IT skills for data acquisition, data analysis, presentation of results etc.

 

TIME MANAGEMENT

Manage time

Prioritise workloads

Organise a piece of work (audit, service evaluation or research)

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
58290

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled learning and teaching activities99 x 1 hour lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities99 x 1hour practical sessions / seminars
Scheduled learning and teaching activities4040 x 1 hour e-learning resources
Guided independent study29Directed reading, private study and revision
This module is delivered as part of an integrated degree apprenticeship programme. The total required study hours for the programme have been designed in accordance with the ESFA regulations.

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Project protocol1000 words2 - 9Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
80020

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Audit / Service Evaluation report / Research Project803000 words2 - 9Written
Viva2015 minutes1 - 9Written
0
0
0
0

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Audit/Service Evaluation report/ Research Project (80%) (3000 words)Audit / Service Evaluation report / Research Project 2 - 9During the published assessment period (see ELE)
Viva (20%) 15 minutesViva 1 - 9During the published assessment period (see ELE)

Re-assessment notes

All assessment components must be passed at 50% or above. Each component of this module must be passed.  Reassessment should be of the original assessment with additional preparation made to bring performance up to passing standard. The referred assessment will be capped at the pass mark. The module mark will not be capped. If any component is not passed at the final referral attempt, the module is capped at 49%.

This programme runs to a non-standard timetable; assessment weeks and Assessment, Progression & Awarding Committees (APACs) for both initial and deferred assessments are held as per the programme’s published timetable.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Polgar S. and Thomas S.A. (2013), Introduction to Research in the Health Sciences (6th edition), Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 978-0702041945

Ramlaul, A. (2014), Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Research: Skills and Strategies, Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 9780702048289 electronic version also available

 

ELE – College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

  • How to write and publish a scientific paper, Day R.A (2012), Cambridge University Press, ISBNA 0-521-36760-3 (UL:501.49 DAY)
  • SPSS Survival Manual, Pallant J. (2016), Open University, ISBNA 978-0335242399 (UL: 005.55 PAL)

Society & College of Radiographers Current Policy and Guidance Document library including:

  • Code of Professional Conduct, College of Radiographers (2013), Society and College of Radiographers, https://www.sor.org/
  • Principles for continuing professional development and lifelong learning in health and social care, Society and College of Radiographers, https://www.sor.org/
  • Obtaining consent: a clinical guideline for the diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy workforce, Society and College of Radiographers, https://www.sor.org/
  • Guidance on mental capacity decisions in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy, Society and College of Radiographers https://www.sor.org/
  • Professional supervision – Advice & Guidance Document, Society and College of Radiographers https://www.sor.org/
  • The radiological investigation of suspected physical abuse in children https://www.sor.org/
  • The College of Radiographers Research Priorities for the Radiographic Profession, Society and College of Radiographers https://www.sor.org/

Key words search

Medical Imaging; Images; Health Service Evaluation, Quality Improvement, Audit, Research

Credit value15
Module ECTS

7.5

Module pre-requisites

RADM101DA, RADM102DA, RADM103DA, RADM104DA

Module co-requisites

RADM201DA, RADM203DA, RADM204DA

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

No

Origin date

17/11/2020

Last revision date

15/09/2023