Introduction to Evidence-Based Midwifery Practice

This course explores the design and methods of health research in the maternity context.  Specific areas of focus are the foundations of evidence-based practice and critical appraisal within the realm of maternity care.

Course topics include:

• Evidence-based practice and research
• Key principles of evidence-based practice
• Different research designs including qualitative and quantitative research
• The meaning and importance of critical appraisal in research
• Rationale for critical appraisal for midwives/health care professionals
• Use of common appraisal techniques
• Where to find and how to use literature databases.

• To define and understand the key principles of evidence-based practice and the ‘hierarchy’ of research evidence.
• To understand the key differences between the research paradigms of quantitative and qualitative research.
• To understand key principles of quantitative research design including randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case control studies, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies.
• To understand the key principles of qualitative research design including phenomenology, grounded theory and ethnographic studies.
• To understand key principles of mixed methods research.
• To understand the definition of critical appraisal and the rationale for critical appraisal for midwives/health care professionals
• To conduct a critical appraisal
• How to use literature databases.