Research, Evidence and Translation
Contact hours
- 24 Hours + Blended
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
2026 teaching periods
| Hawthorn Higher Ed. Semester 2 |
||
|---|---|---|
Dates: Results: Last self enrolment: Census: Last withdraw without fail: |
Prerequisites
Admission to MA-PHYS Master of PhysiotherapyAims and objectives
This unit focuses on the principles of research that guide and inform evidence-based translation and clinical practice. Specifically, this unit consolidates research ethics, design, methodology and statistical concepts. Students will critique, interpret and evaluate the evidence and research within and relevant to physiotherapy.
1. Explain the principles of ethical, evidence-based practice and how these impact on the physiotherapy profession and its advancement.
2. Evaluate the quality of research using appropriate appraisal tools.
3. Apply skills to formulate a clear research question from a practice problem.
4. Systematically search, critically analyse and interpret findings from different types of research design relevant to physiotherapy practice.
5. Critique and appraise gaps relevant to physiotherapy practice.
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
| Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
| On-campus Class | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Workshop | 3 | 6 | 24 |
| Specified Activities Various | 6 |
6 |
36 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent learning | 14 | 6 | 84 |
| TOTAL | 150 hrs |
Assessment
| Types | Individual or Group task | Weighting | Assesses attainment of these ULOs |
| Presentation | Group | 40% | 2,4,5 |
| Assignment | Individual | 60% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
General skills outcomes
During this unit students will receive feedback on the following key generic skills:
- Problem solving skills
- Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
- Analysis skills
- Communication skills
- Ability to work independently
Content
- Critical appraisal of research with respect to ethics, design and the validity of conclusions
- Clinometric properties of quantitative and qualitative tools used in clinical practice
- The essential components of human ethical research
- Interpretation of findings from statistical tests and their relevance to clinical practice, professional and policy development
- Evidence based practice
- Paradigms, methodology and methods
- Writing research questions
- Searching research databases
- Culturally safe research, including indigenous ways of knowing
Study resources
- References.
References
Herbert, R., Jamtvedt, G., Birger Hagen, K., & Mead, J. (2011). Practical Evidence-based Physiotherapy (2nd ed.). Great Britain: Elsevier.
Hoffmann, T., Bennett, S., & Del Mar, C. (2017). Evidence-Based practice across the health professions (3rd ed.). NSW, Australia: Elsevier.
Portney, L. & Watkins, M.P. (2015). Foundations of Clinical Research Applications to Practice (3rd ed). Philadelphia, USA :F.A. Davis Company.