NSB203 Inquiry in Clinical Practice

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit at a developmental level of your course, explores inquiry in clinical practice by examining the role of evidence-based practice and application of research processes in nursing practice further synthesised in your final year. You will develop skills in use of digital systems and tools (GenAI) to find, appraise and synthesise information.  Interpretation of evidence will be developed and an overview of various approaches to research are examined to enable students to be effective consumers of research. The relationship between research, evidence, and safety and quality in health care is explored. This knowledge is fundamental to all remaining units in the course. Contemporary nursing work requires the ability to ethically seek, interpret, analyse, synthesise, and integrate evidence into practice. The facilitation of ongoing improvement in nursing practice requires critical thinking, broader perspectives, and decision making informed by evidence.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Explain the key concepts and principles of evidence-based practice for provision of safe and person-centred care.
2. Demonstrate the ability to locate, interpret, and appraise research evidence.
3. Synthesise research evidence to inform contemporary nursing practice.
4. Develop evidence-based recommendations for practice change.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit will use a blended approach to learning and teaching. You will be expected to actively engage with, and take responsibility for, self-directed learning. You are encouraged to develop peer networks to support a collaborative approach to learning. 

To appreciate the value of peers and the knowledge and experience they bring, there are timetabled learning activities in which small groups will use structured exercises, readings, and resources to lead collaborative learning, encourage critical inquiry, and reflect on a range of issues.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will be provided with feedback and guidance to assist your learning throughout the semester through:

• Formative feedback online or in class interactions throughout semester, individually and/or as a group
• Immediate feedback on engagement activities. written summative feedback on digital presentation and critical evaluation and analysis.
• The unit coordinator and tutors will be available for consultation throughout the semester in on-campus and online contexts

Assessment

Overview

The three assessment items in this unit progressively develop your conceptual knowledge of research principles and methods, and your ability to apply and evaluate different research methods through a contemporary clinical issue. This is followed by presentation of an evidence-based informational poster on an area of clinical practice.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Participation

Assessment: In class exam

The exam will consist of a series of multi-choice questions, true/false and questions based on case studies. Each exam will be invigilated in the classroom. Content examined draws from all learning content and unit-based activities from Weeks 1-5. 

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is not authorised in the completion of this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

Assessment: Individual oral presentation

Using a structured inquiry-based learning approach, you will research using digital health data bases and GenAI tools to explore a patient safety concern related to nursing practice and develop an individual professional oral presentation. In your presentation, use research evidence to justify your recommendations and to support your conclusions. This task is designed to help you prepare for real-world practice by simulating how you would communicate clearly and professionally to an audience of nursing and other health professionals. You must record your presentation and upload the recording as part of your submission.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times while on campus. You can obtain more information on health and safety from http://www.hse.qut.edu.au.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Registered Nurse Standards for Practice

1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice.

1. The RN accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality practice
   Relates to: Participation, In class exam, Individual oral presentation
2. The RN contributes to quality improvement and relevant research.
   Relates to: Participation, In class exam, Individual oral presentation

3: Maintains the capability for practice.

1. The RN uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others
   Relates to: Participation, In class exam, Individual oral presentation

4: Comprehensively conducts assessments.

1. The RN uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice
   Relates to: Participation, In class exam, Individual oral presentation

5: Develops a plan for nursing practice.

1. The RN uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
   Relates to: Participation, In class exam, Individual oral presentation

6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice.

1. The RN provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
   Relates to: Participation, In class exam, Individual oral presentation

7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice.

1. The RN evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes
   Relates to: Participation, In class exam, Individual oral presentation

Course Learning Outcomes

NS42 Bachelor of Nursing

1. Apply scientific knowledge and skills to provide safe, person-centred, evidence-based nursing care across the lifespan.
   Relates to: Participation, In class exam, Individual oral presentation
2. Utilise critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and digital literacy skills to make ethical and sustainable evidence-based decisions and evaluate outcomes.
   Relates to: Participation, In class exam, Individual oral presentation
3. Implement effective communication skills, therapeutic relationships, and professional capabilities to practice as a registered nurse independently and in inter- and intra-professional healthcare teams, to ensure safe, person-centred, evidence-based care.
   Relates to: Individual oral presentation
4. Advocate for positive individual and community health outcomes in dynamic healthcare contexts using foundational leadership capabilities.
   Relates to: Individual oral presentation