PE4S188 - Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal: Acute Medicine 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PE4S188
Module Title: Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal: Acute Medicine
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Allied Health and Chiropractic
Faculty Sub Group: Clinical Services
Module Leader: Karl New
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: SEP 2021 Final Year of Intake: 2027
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100260 - healthcare science
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation. 

Content Summary

Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes: 

Topics may include:

  • Quantitative Studies 

  • Statistical Analysis Interpretation 

  • Interpreting the Evidence? 

  • Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews 

  • Qualitative Studies 

  • Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesising the Evidence 

  • Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics 

  • Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminars 40
Independent Study 80
Directed Study (including online independent learning) 40
Problem/Challenge based learning 40
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
LO2 Select and apply different methodological approaches and tools to answer research questions in your field of practice.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 A concentrated inquiry into a single case or subject. Learna: Case-based scenarios and discussion forum related to research methodologies and critical appraisal. 0 2500 39 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Project 1 A detailed analysis of a topic, involving some original research undertaken by the candidate who makes use of data and/or primary sources. Learna: Completion of an individual/group task related to research methodologies and critical appraisal. 0 1000 20 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Self Reflective Assessment 1 A personal record of a student’s learning experiences. It requires students to record and reflect upon their observations and responses to situations, which can then be used later to explore and analyse ways of thinking and being in context. Generally involves critical diaries, learning logs and written / visual journals. Learna: Reflective journal. 0 600 10 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 Assessment to be completed in a specific timescale, which is neither an invigilated examination nor a piece of coursework. To be completed over an extended period (e.g. a 2-hour task to be completed within 48 hours, or a 24-hour assessment). Learna: End of module 1.5-hour MCQ examination related to research methodologies and critical appraisal completed within a pre-designated time period. 90 N/A 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Case study 1
Project 1
Self Reflective Assessment 1
Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1

Reading List

Websites 

  • USW library A-Z Databases 

  • BMC Medical Research Methodology 

  • Patient.info 

  • Trip Medical Database 

Textbooks 

  • Bruce, N., Pope, D., Stanistreet, D., (2017). Quantitative Methods for Health Research : A Practical Interactive Guide to Epidemiology and Statistics. Second Edition. 

  • Greenhalgh, T., (2019). How to read a paper: The basics of evidence-based medicine and healthcare, 6th Edition, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell. 

  • Sabin, P.C., (2009). Medical statistics at a glance. Wiley-Blackwell. 

  • Walliman, N., (2018). Research Methods: The Basics : 2nd Edition. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge (Basics). 

Articles 

  • Cochrane (2019). Making what can’t be counted count: Cochrane-WHO collaboration on qualitative evidence syntheses in guidelines showcased in new articles 

  • Downe, S., Finlayson, K.W., Lawrie, T.A., Lewin, S.A., Glenton, C., Rosenbaum, S., Barreix, M. and Tunçalp, Ö., (2019). Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) for Guidelines: Paper 1–Using qualitative evidence synthesis to inform guideline scope and develop qualitative findings statements. Health research policy and systems, 17(1), pp.1-12. 

  • Fuller, Daniel, Richard Buote, and Kevin Stanley. (2017) \\\"A Glossary for Big Data in Population and Public Health: Discussion and Commentary on Terminology and Research Methods.\\\" Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 71.11: 1113-1117. Web.

Each module reading list will consist of up-to-date peer-reviewed journal articles and studies that are continually refreshed as guidelines change.

Additional reading resources are supplemented by the tutors during the running of the module.