PHDH906 Research implementation

Contents and structure

Qualitatively good and secure health and social services require that new and relevant knowledge from research is utilized in the context of local innovative solutions and transformed into effective practice. This is called "Knowledge Based Practice" (KBP) and involves the patient's perspective, the professional's experience and knowledge, regard for context, and that knowledge is systematically obtained. Good research practice requires an open and systematic approach to existing knowledge in the field, a critical examination of it, and a professional and ethical justification for new research projects to contribute necessary and relevant knowledge. The purpose of the course is to give an understanding of the implementation of knowledge in both clinical practice and in research and how systematic knowledge summaries can be used as a basis for implementation.

Implementation of research focuses, among other things on the gap between new research and change of practice. In this topic, different perspectives are used in discussing the gap that exists between research-based knowledge of treatment efficacy and promising practices on the one hand, and the community-created social and health services offered to citizens on the other. The course shows how the relationship between research and practice can be influenced, and how research on health, function and participation can be organized to shorten the path from research to practice. The purpose of implementation science is to research on methods for and results of implementation and social processes in complex organizations, e.g. within health and social services and at the individual, group and community level. The course will provide thorough knowledge of the systematic review tool, which is a necessary prerequisite for creating a systematic overview of the knowledge that is desired to be implemented and methods of implementation.

Learning Outcome

A PhD student who completed course shall achieve the following learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The student ...

• will be able to critically reflect on concepts and theories included in systematic reviews, implementation strategies and implementation research
• is in the knowledge front within appropriate and effective implementation interventions at the individual, group and community level
• is in the knowledge front within the methodological possibilities and challenges in preparing systematic reviews

Skills:

The student ...

• will be able to identify and critically discuss relevant issues related to various implementation interventions in health science and in the exertion of research
• will be able to identify and critically discuss relevant issues in different types of systematic reviews in the implementation of new knowledge in health science and in conducting research

General competence:

The student ...

• can reflect critically and independently on various elements that are part of the implementation processes, including the importance of systematic reviews as relevant basis for choosing implementation strategies in relation to health science and conducting research in national and international forums
• can initiate and participate in complex and multidisciplinary implementation projects
• can identify new and relevant issues in relation to the implementation of new knowledge in health science and the pursuit of research

Teaching methods

The course is organized as an interactive web-based course, with compulsory group assignments (work requirements) between web-based sessions. Participants may meet physically at HVL for an introduction to the course as well as in order to conclude the course by presenting the group assignments.

Tentative workload

Lectures (online): 15 hours

Group work: 25 hours

Self-study (literature, etc.): 65 hours

Home assignment: 35 hours

Total (5 ECTS credits): 140 hours

Compulsory learning activities

The following compulsory learning activity must be approved before the candidate can prepare for the exam:

Participation in three online group sessions, which involves presenting the implementation question related to one's own project, as well as online discussions with group participants and teachers.

Assessment

Individual written home assignment of up to 6 pages where the candidate chooses one of two alternative home assignments.

Grading Pass / fail

If failing to pass, a second exam date allows for an improved version of the essay to be handed in.