Introductory description

This module supports students to explore the role and value of evidence-based practice for child and family support. Here, we champion the achievement of best practice by taking an evidence-based approach. This includes emphasising the value of practitioner expertise and knowledge of the best external research, and evaluation based evidence in order to support decision-making in effective, whole-family support. A key feature of this module is the opportunity to examine the role of community partnerships in the development of high quality practice, as well as to design your own research proposal. This module aligns with the QAA Benchmark Statements of Health Studies and Early Childhood. This module directly connects to workplace practice by equipping students with the skills necessary to make evidence-based and informed decisions for the benefit of children and families.

Course Learning Outcome Alignment:
-Approach practice holistically in order to respond to the broader contexts of child and family health, welfare and wellbeing.
-Apply theories of child and family health and wellbeing to practice.
-Cultivate appropriate partnerships with stakeholders that build community health and wellbeing

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Session 1: Module Introduction - Research, Practice and People
Session 2: Defining evidence-informed approaches to practice with children and families
Session 3: Evidence-based practice, research and quality improvement
Session 4: Locating and building a strong evidence base (assessment support)
Session 5: The value of professional wisdom (assessment support)
Session 6: Understanding real-world research
Session 7: Research Design (1)
Session 8: Research Design (2)
Session 9: Research Design (3)
Session 10: Proposal design (1)
Session 11: Proposal design (2)
Session 12: Proposal design (3)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the value of taking an evidence-based approach to improving quality of care for children and families
• Reflect upon the role of curiosity and research within quality improvement processes
• Consider how partnerships with stakeholders can help to guide implementation of evidence-based practice in real-world settings
• Design a proposal for a piece of applied research into a topic of professional interest

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

Students will be supported to design their own research proposal.

Interdisciplinary

Students will be supported to engage in learning across disciplinary boundaries, drawing upon evidence from across health, education and family support contexts.

Subject specific skills

knowledge of the methods required for systematic study and research relative to children and families
awareness of approaches required to facilitate effective collaborations with parents, carers and other stakeholders
generate and explore hypotheses and research questions
the range of theories of causality and evidence relating to health
draw on authoritative research and research methodologies to locate, review and evaluate research findings relevant to child and family health and wellbeing issues

Transferable skills

gather and evaluate relevant information from a wide variety of sources, using
appropriate manual and digital systems
use information and communications technology to enhance digital capability and
digital literacy in a variety of contexts
identify and propose solutions to problems