Module: Research methods for Psycho-oncology Practice

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Research methods for Psycho-oncology Practice
Module Code	NS545 (ITS) / NUR1176 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Z-Nursing
Module Co-ordinator	-
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

To enable students to develop transferable problem-solving and team-work research skills relevant to psycho-oncology (quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research) through a Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach

Learning Outcomes

1. Debate ethical concerns in psycho-oncology research.
2. Appraise how to apply an evidence-based approach to practice.
3. Identify researchable questions from psycho-oncology practice
4. Critique the principal research designs used in psycho-oncology research.
5. Explain data collection and analyses processes used in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods psycho-oncology research.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	38	based on indicative content, learning activities, tutorials, group work and discussions
Independent Study	172	self directed study based on additional reading list
Clinical placement	40	reflective learning in practice
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Develop and apply a set of research skills through facilitated Problem-Based Learning activities.
Students will be provided with the opportunity to develop and apply a set of research skills through facilitated Problem-Based Learning activities. This will involve the presentation of problem scenarios/triggers which reflect the module learning outcomes (1-5). This will cover the following themes: 1.Practising in an evidence-based way 2.Understanding qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research designs and methodologies, including, for example, grounded theory, phenomenology, action-research, case-study, documentary analysis, surveys, cohort studies and intervention studies. 3.Identifying researchable questions from practice 4.Undertaking ethical research 5.Working with research data Students will be assigned to groups of approximately 6-8 students and will work with a facilitator from the team of lecturers involved in the module. At the start of the module, students will receive an introduction to problem-based learning: and each PBL activity/theme will begin with an outline of the PBL cycle (Presentation of scenario/trigger; problem list generation by the group, identification of learning needs; group organisation; fixed resource session to the student group to support each theme; self-directed learning; synthesis of information by group; consolidation of information; group presentation; evaluation and feedback from students on the theme). Key readings for each theme will be provided.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Group presentation	Describe and clarify aspects of knowledge and skills gained from the module	50%	Sem 2 End
Participation	Maintain research skills workbook throughout the module for examination	50%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category -

Indicative Reading List

Tashakkori A , Teddlie C.: 2009, Foundations of Mixed Methods Research; Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Techniques in the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Sage, Thousand Oaks CA, 9780761930112
Kornblith, AB, Holland JC.: 1994, Handbook of Measures for Psychological, Social and Physical Function in Cancer. Vol 1:Quality of Life., NY, MSKCC,
Breitbart,W, Holland JC: 0, Handbook of Measures for Psychological, Social and Physical Function in Cancer. Vol 2 Cognitive impairment, VA USA, IPOS,
Julia Addington-Hall... [et al.]: 0, Research methods in palliative care, 978-0-19-853025-1
Trisha Greenhalgh: 0, How to read a paper, 978-1-4051-3976-2
Ann Bowling,: 2009, Research Methods in Health, 978-033523364-9

Other Resources

192, http://www.ncri.ie/ncri/index.shtml, 0, 193, http://www.who.int/en/, 0, 194, http://www.cancer.gov/, 0,