92355 Translating Research into Midwifery Practice
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
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 learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | 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. |
|---|---|
| B. | Locate current research literature from a range of methodologies related to a specific topic. |
| C. | Critique the validity and reliability of the methods used in different studies. |
| D. | Formulate evidence based guidelines and demonstrate the ability to use woman centred language when discussing the findings with women. |
| E. | Identify the midwives role in generating an evidence-based practice culture. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Practise woman-centred care (1.0)
- Are professionally competent midwives who provide safe and effective midwifery care using intelligent kindness (2.0)
- Communicate effectively using spoken, written and non-verbal language across a range of contexts and to diverse audiences (2.3)
- Are professionally engaged critical thinkers who take a lively and questioning approach and embrace lifelong learning (6.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
In this subject, you will participate in a range of teaching and learning strategies that are designed to encourage students to engage with contemporary, evidence-based midwifery care and practice. Small group work is a major strategy to mirror authentic evidence based practice.
Case studies and stories from practice
Case studies and stories from practice depict people and their families in clinical, community and social situations. Students use these scenarios to learn concepts, interpret the evidence and develop creative solutions. Critical thinking is developed through analysis, interpretation of and reflection on evidence-based midwifery care and practice.
Online learning activities
Students access online learning resources including podcasts, videos, and professional and grey literature either prior to or in place of face-to-face attendance. Online resources enable students to clarify complex concepts and terminology at their own pace. Online activities are then discussed in class to share learning, experiences and reflections.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Formulating research questions
| Intent: | This assessment will assist students to consider possible research questions relating to the clinical practice of midwives. Midwifery practice should always be based on evidence. Considering clinical practice through a research lens is important in order to enhance quality and safety. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B, C and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.0 and 6.0 |
| Type: | Essay |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 800 words (approximately). Please complete the template as instructed in class. Do not delete any of the text in the template. No references are required for this assessment task. |
| Criteria: | See Canvas for a marking rubric for this assignment. |
Assessment task 2: Critique of the evidence
| Intent: | This assignment mirrors an authentic activity that you will need to undertake as a midwife. Midwifery practice should always be based on evidence so finding and reviewing the evidence is an important skill and knowledge to develop. In addition, you need to be able to apply the evidence into practice through the development of a practice-based protocol. In practice, this activity is always done in a multidisciplinary team. Therefore, you will be required to do the assignment in a small group which will also develop your teamwork skills. Part 1 is marked individually (20%). Part 2 is marked as a group (20%). |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B, C, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.0 and 6.0 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Part 1: 3000 words (approximately). Please submit all the completed CASP templates as a group, with the name of the student group member who completed the CASP at the top of the template. Do not remove any of the text in the templates. 20%. Part 2: 1000 words (approximately). Group mark, maximum 20% |
| Criteria: | Please see the rubric on Canvas. |
Assessment task 3: Case study: facilitating informed decision making
| Intent: | This assessment focuses on the students' ability to work in partnership with women, use appropriate woman-centred language and the students' ability to facilitate and enable informed choices in midwifery/obstetric care. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.0 and 2.3 |
| Type: | Case study |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 800 words |
| Criteria: | See Canvas for a marking rubric for this assignment. |
Required texts
Pairman, S. (2019). Midwifery?: Preparation for practice (4th ed.). Elsevier.
(Available online in UTS Library)
Recommended texts
Hoffmann, T., Bennett, S. & Del Mar, C. (2017). Evidence-based practice across the health professions (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
Walsh, D. (2012). Evidence and skills for normal labour & birth: A guide for midwives (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Whitehead, D., Ferguson, C., LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2020). Nursing and Midwifery Research: Methods and Appraisal for Evidence Based Practice (6th ed.). Elsevier.
References
Aveyard, H., & Sharp, P. (2013). A beginner's guide to evidence-based practice in health and social care (2nd ed.). McGraw Hill, Open University Press.
Hoffmann, T., Bennett, S., & Del Mar, C. (2017). Evidence-based practice across the health professions (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
Leap, N. (2012) 'The power of words revisited', Essentially MIDIRS, 3(1).
Melnyk, B,.& Fineout-Overholt, E. (2011). Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare (2nd ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Page, L., & McCandlish, R. (2006). The new midwifery: science and sensitivity in practice (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
Straus, S., Richardson, W.S., Glasziou, P., & Haynes, R.B. (2010). Evidence-based medicine: how to practice and teach EBM, (4th ed.). Churchill Livingstone.
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