The aim of this course is to introduce you to evidence-based decision-making by developing your understanding of knowledge and evidence, skills in searching for evidence, and critical appraisal skills of relevant research to inform your decision-making in health management.
In this course you will be introduced to different types of decision-making and the level of evidence you will need to make different types of decisions in health services management.
Some decisions need evidence and you will learn how to search the literature for evidence related to a health services issue. Some decisions require the highest level quality of evidence so you will be introduced to study designs applied in medical research and epidemiological principles to evaluate the methodological shortfalls associated with the different designs. Other decisions need lower levels of evidence and you will learn about the appropriateness and flaws of methods for collecting lower level evidence. With this knowledge you will be able to determine the level of evidence you require to make a decision and critically appraise the evidence for flaws. You will also learn to interpret commonly used statistical techniques in health-related and health services research. Your new skills will be applied and assessed to a set of papers related to a health service issue.
This is a core course of the Master of Health Leadership and Management program comprising 6 units of credit towards the total 48 units of credit required for completion of the study program. It can also provide 6 units of credit towards other programs, such as the Master of Public Health.
External (Distance) and Internal (Face-to-Face) classes on campus
Dr Vikram Palit
Course Convenor
v.palit@unsw.edu.au
We welcome students from any discipline and level of experience to contribute perspectives and understandings. In addition, we encourage you to engage with the material, ask questions, discuss relevant issues with teachers and colleagues, and regard the available literature with a critical eye.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
This year we have focused on developing an engaging and inclusive curriculum that directly applies theory to decision-making across different healthcare contexts. Over the course of 10 consecutive weeks, we will use different modes of teaching – face-to-face and webinars –assessments and learning strategies such as small group tutorials and case studies to develop your critical appraisal and management skills.
Assessment 1 – Online Quiz
Weighting: 25%
Length: 25 multiple choice questions
Assessment 2 – Short Answer
Weighting: 35%
Length: 1300 words
Assessment 3 – Board Report
Weighting: 40%
Length: 1250 words
Learning resources for this course consist of the following:
There are many excellent evidence-based practice/medicine textbooks.The preferred textbook for this course is Evidence-Based Practice Across the Health Professions, but you may wish to read alternative texts listed below to assist your understanding: