Curriculum Information

This module will enable an understanding of the research priorities of the occupational therapy profession and the need for consideration of the wider health and social care context of practice.

The content of the module will address the following key areas:

The need for evidence and research to deliver safe and effective health and social care practice. The mechanisms for measuring the effectiveness of occupational therapy assessment and interventions and how these relate to the wider context of practice.

The importance of using evidence-based, best practice approaches to question own and others’ practice, creating opportunities to generate new knowledge.

Understanding quality improvement models and how these mirror the occupational therapy process.

Reviewing, critically appraising, and synthesising the literature - Debating the implications for practice where no research or conflicting research evidence exists.

Research methodologies including evaluating strengths and weaknesses, ethical considerations, study design, data analysis, data protection and confidentiality.

Critically analysing strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative studies including ethical considerations.

The role of audit in monitoring and improving standards of care.

Exploring best local, national, and international evidence relevant to health, care, policy, and occupational therapy practice. Identifying how these may be used to improve services, care standards and policies.

Understanding and critically reflecting on adverse incidents: reporting and lessons learnt.

Designing a small-scale research, audit, or quality improvement project, identifying evidence gaps, and formulating the critical questions that need to be explored.

Exploration into working in partnership with service users, families, and communities to recognise how co-design and co-production can be utilised to provide the best occupational therapy practice.

Keeping up to date by accessing evidence-based information and policy, applying digital literacy and critical appraisal skills.

Understanding and critically reflecting on adverse incidents: reporting and lessons learned. Learning from mistakes and methodologies for learning to prevent recurrence.

Working with multi-professional groups to develop effective improvement strategies. for quality and safety, hearing feedback and learning from positive and adverse outcomes and experiences.