Practice Based Research (HLTH90002)

This subject explores the range of approaches useful for researching health and human services practice. In this subject “practice” is defined broadly to encompass policy and organizational practice as well as practice with individuals, groups and communities.
A range of research methods will be considered, from descriptive and exploratory studies to establishing the effectiveness of ‘what we do’. The subject will explore the research methodologies required to undertake community-based studies as well as review the benefits of, and theoretical approaches used in accessing existing databases. The subject will focus on the current organisational emphasis on evidence-based and evidence-informed practice and will discuss the skill and knowledge base required to access, evaluate and implement research evidence to inform practice. It will promote a theoretical and skill base of practice research that will support practitioners to engage in reflective and evidence informed practice.