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92927 Evidence-based Practice (Midwifery)

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

UTS: Health
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Handbook description

This subject provides students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be able to effectively use evidence to inform midwifery practice as well as be research aware within the clinical practice environment. Students gain a broad understanding of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research. The ability to critique the evidence assists students formulate evidence-based guidelines. A focus on using woman-centred language helps students develop the skills needed to be able to discuss research findings with women in practice.

Subject objectives/outcomes

Successful completion of this subject will enable you to:

  1. Describe the role of evidence in midwifery practice and the advantages, disadvantages and constraints of evidence-based practice from the perspective of midwives, women and policy makers. (ANMC 14.1)
  2. Locate current research literature from a range of methodologies related to a specific topic. (ANMC 14.1)
  3. Critique the validity and reliability of the methods used in different studies. (ANMC 14.1)
  4. Formulate evidence based guidelines and demonstrate the ability to use woman centred language when discussing the findings with women. (ANMC 3.1, 3.2, 5.6, 13.1)
  5. Identify the midwives role in generating an evidence-based practice culture. (ANMC 2.5, 14.1)

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Critique of the literature on a specific topic and the development of evidence-based midwifery guidelines

Objective(s):

2, 3 and 4
Weighting: 60
Criteria:
  • Clarity of expression -10%
  • Relevance of selected sources - 10%
  • Accuracy of critique - 25%
  • Application of evidence - 15%

Assessment Item 2: Translating evidenced into practice using woman centred language

Objective(s):

1 and 5
Weighting: 40
Criteria:
  • Organisation: clarity of presentation, logical organisation, linking ideas, grammar, spelling, format margins (5 marks)
  • Appropriate bibliography (5 marks)
  • Described the evidence and answered the questions relating to the clinical issue in language that enables the woman's understanding (25 marks)
  • Demonstrated appropriate midwifery practice (5 marks)

Required texts

The Cochrane Collaboration: http://www.cochrane.org/

The Joanna Briggs Institute: http://www.joannabriggs.edu.au/

Recommended texts

DiCenso, A., Guyatt, G. & Ciliska, D. 2005, Evidence based nursing: a guide to clinical practice, Mosby, St. Louis, Missouri.

Page, L. & McCandlish, R. 2006, The new midwifery: science and sensitivity in practice, 2nd edn, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.

References

Cluett, E.R. & Bluff, R. 2006, Principles and practice of research in midwifery, 2nd edn, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.

DiCenso, A., Guyatt, G. & Ciliska, D. 2005, Evidence based nursing: a guide to clinical practice, Mosby, St. Louis and London.

Downe, S. 2008, Normal childbirth: evidence and debate, 2nd edn, Churchill Livingstone, London.

Hoffmann, T., Bennett, S. & Del Mar, C. 2009, Evidence-based practice across the health professions, Churchill Livingstone, Chatswood, Australia.

Leap, N. 1992, 'The power of words', Nursing Times, vol. 88, no. 21, pp. 60-1.

Leap, N. 2012, The power of words revisited, Essentially MIDIRS, vol. 3, no. 1

MIDIRS. 2008, The Informed choice initiative for professionals, MIDIRS, United Kingdom.

Page, L. & McCandlish, R. 2006, The new midwifery: science and sensitivity in practice, 2nd edn, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.

Sackett, D.L. 2000, Evidence-based medicine: how to practice and teach EBM, 2nd edn, Churchill Livingstone, New York.

Walsh, D. 2007, Evidence-based care for normal labour and birth: a guide for midwives, Routledge, London.

Wickham, S. 2006, Appraising research into childbirth: an interactive workbook, Butterworth Heinemann, Edinburgh.

Other resources

UTS Student Centres

Building 10
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am - 5pm
Wednesday: 11am - 5pm
Tel: (02) 9514 4911

Kuring-gai
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday: 11am - 4:30pm
Tel: (02) 9514 5021

Website details for student centres: https://servicedesk.uts.edu.au/CAisd/pdmweb.exe

For other resources/information refer to the Faculty Health website (www.health.uts.edu.au/students/current/index.html) or UTSOnline at: https://online.uts.edu.au/ webapps/ login/.

Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.

HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS is located in Student Services, on level 3 building 1 at City Campus and via the Student Services area at Kuring-gai. Phone 9514-2327 or 9514-2361

Please see www.UTS.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.