Abstract
This paper synthesises the results of three participatory action research (PAR) studies undertaken to improve the integration of evidence-based practice (EBP) education in three undergraduate health courses at one Australian university: Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, and Bachelor of Physiotherapy. The PAR process with interested academics uncovered a range of EBP education strengths and weaknesses in the three courses. Common themes were evident, which are likely to be applicable in other similar courses. Identified weaknesses included a lack of explicit teaching about the meaning, principles, steps, and importance of EBP, partly stemming from a lack of shared understanding. A relative lack of emphasis on certain EBP steps was also noted, particularly the first step of ‘asking’ questions. A lack of communication with workplace learning (WPL) supervisors about how to facilitate EBP was also noted, raising concerns about variable EBP-education quality across WPL settings. Opportunities for improvement were identified by academics in each course, across multiple subjects and year levels. In our experience, PAR has been a highly constructive approach to EBP curriculum improvement. We encourage consideration of a PAR approach for addressing similarly complex curriculum challenges.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Higher Education Advances |
Publisher | Universitat Politecnica de Valencia |
Pages | 605-614 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISBN (Print) | 9788490486610 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Event | 5th International Conference on Higher Education Advances: HEAd'19 - Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain Duration: 26 Jun 2019 → 28 Jun 2019 Conference number: 5 http://www.headconf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/HEAd19-program.pdf (conference program) https://archive.headconf.org/head19/index.html (Conference website) |
Conference
Conference | 5th International Conference on Higher Education Advances |
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Country/Territory | Spain |
City | Valencia |
Period | 26/06/19 → 28/06/19 |
Other | This conference is an excellent forum for researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas, experiences, opinions and research results relating to the preparation of students, teaching/learning methodologies and the organization of educational systems. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following topic areas: Innovative materials and new tools for teaching Teaching and learning experiences Educational technology (e.g., virtual labs, e-learning) Evaluation and assessment of student learning Emerging technologies in learning (e.g., MOOC, OER, gamification) Scientific and research education Experiences outside the classroom (e.g., practicums, mobility) New teaching/learning theories and models Globalization in education and education reforms Education economics Entrepreneurship and learning for employment Education accreditation, quality and assessment Competency-based learning and skill assessment |
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