Evidence Based Practice and Research Skills for Dietitians

This unit will prepare students for evidence based practice in dietetics and equip them with research skills commonly used by dietitians. It will enable them to build and apply research skills in basic quantitative and qualitative research methods to assist with understanding, interpreting and appraising evidence whilst developing evidence based practice guidelines for dietetic practice. It will also include a 5 day research placement with practical and seminar components.

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Distinguish between and interpret findings from the different types of research design commonly used in nutrition and dietetics.
2. Outline the principles of research planning and management.
3. Apply skills to formulate a clear research question from a practice problem.
4. Examine the scientific literature and evaluate the level of evidence that addresses gaps and challenges in areas of dietetic practice.
5. Present research findings in both written and oral form.
6. Select and apply appropriate statistical methodologies for analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.