Evidence Based Practice

Catalog description

In this course, students will be introduced to the science of clinical reasoning in health care and physical therapy. The integration of clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice will be developed. Students will learn how to access knowledge for practice and learn the methods of scientific inquiry, including research theory, design, methods, and measurement. Students will learn how to: 1) determine the statistical conclusion of research evidence for practice, 2) provide the logic of hypothesis testing, and 3) utilize specific statistical tests used for the descriptive and inferential analysis of experimental research data. Epidemiological statistics that enhance the understanding of diagnostic tests and treatment options will also be covered and the analytical components of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Students will read research literature weekly and participate in a critical appraisal of the selected research methods and the meaningfulness of the findings for clinical decisions.