Evidence-based practice in health and social care involves taking a systematic approach to examine a range of evidence in order to answer key questions of relevance to the sector. The basis of evidence-based practice is research. In health and social care, research is conducted for a number of reasons for example, to find the prevalence or incidence of disease, to assess the quality of life or patient satisfaction. Research has global relevance and plays a significant role in influencing the development of high-quality provision, supporting a high-functioning integrated workforce, and promoting the health and well-being of those who use health, care services.
The aim of this unit is to develop knowledge and skills to understand the purpose and process of research in health and social care particularly in relation to promoting integrated approaches to care. You will carry out a literature review on a topic drawn from the Practice Themes aimed at quality improvement within wider health, care, or support service practice. You will learn how to source current literature and assess the reliability and validity of sources to be able to construct an argument that leads to a proposal for a potential research study. Throughout this process, you will learn how you can dynamically influence changes and improvements within the health and social care sector. The unit will develop your skills in understanding the steps you need to take to complete a literature review, academic conventions for presenting literature, and how it forms the rationale for a personal research project.
- Teacher: Mathew Cox
- Teacher: Jaya Vishram