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PAR-30009 - Module Specification
School of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 26 June 2026

PAR-30009 - Evidence-based Practice
Coordinator: Rachel Pogson Room: N/A
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733928

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

The Evidence-Based Practice module will afford you the underpinning theory to develop knowledge and comprehensive understanding of research methodologies and the role of evidence-based practice applicable to healthcare and contemporary paramedic practice. The process of change management and the notion of service improvement is explored.
It will combine a mixture of lecture presentations, smaller group tutorials, personal reading, and personal reflective exercises in order to increase the students’ research mindedness and confidence in their skills to improve clinical practice.

Aims
The module aims to enhance the students’ knowledge and understanding of evidence-based practice and research. To develop skills of literature searching, research methodologies, critical appraisal and application of research to paramedic practice in line with HCPC (2023) and College of Paramedics (2024) standards and guidelines. Therefore, this module provides the foundations for level 7 study on the MSci in Paramedic Science Programme



Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/par-30009/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Identify a current area for change within paramedic practice in either emergency, urgent or primary care, demonstrating a contextual and critical justification utilising appropriately sourced evidence.: 1,2
Critically evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and efficacy of a range of research methodologies in relation to evidence-based practice.: 1,2
Implement strategies for accessing sources of graded evidence and critically appraise current research, evidence and professional practice for proposing a service improvement project.: 1,2
Discuss and apply hierarchies of evidence and evaluate their role in evidence-based practice.: 1,2

Study hours

Lead Lectures 12 hours
Group work 16 hours
Tutorial Preparation 18 hours
Independent Study - 104 hours to include:
Directed reading - 30 hours
Independent research and assessment preparation - 74 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Viva weighted 0%
Submission of literature review with VIVA
2000 notional words. This literature review must be submitted to be eligible to undertake the Viva and is therefore a prerequisite.

2: Viva weighted 100%
30 minute Viva
Students will undertake a critical review of contemporary literature and the evidence base relating to a defined area of paramedic practice, aligned to one of the four domains of the Royal College of Paramedics postgraduate career guidance: Clinical, Education, Research, or Leadership & Management. A 30 minute VIVA will consist of students critically justifying their processes in undertaking their literature review.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 26 June 2026