Ateneo - UPO

The course integrates several teaching modules (epidemiology and public health, statistics, basic research methodology, informatics, evidence-based nursing, qualitative research) that explore research methodology with particular attention to: scientific method; literature search and critical literature review; experimental and observational research designs within the quantitative paradigm; data collection, analysis, and interpretation, dissemination of results; statistical and epidemiological methods; internet, computer networks, and health information systems; fundamentals of evidence-based practice; qualitative research, main research designs, data collection and analysis methods.

The course integrates various teaching modules (epidemiology and public health, statistics, basic research methodology, informatics, evidence-based nursing, qualitative research) that explore research methodology with particular attention to: scientific method; literature searches and critical literature review; experimental and observational research designs within the quantitative paradigm; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; dissemination of results; statistical and epidemiological methods; internet, computer networks, and health information systems; foundations of evidence-based practice; qualitative research, main research designs, data collection, and analysis methods.

Denise F. Polit, Cheryl Tatano Beck. Fondamenti di Ricerca Infermieristica. Ed. Mc Graw Hill, Milano 2014. Edizione Italiana a cura di Alvisa Palese.
James A., Fain A. La ricerca infermieristica. Ed. McGraw Hill, Milano, 2004.
Chiorri C. Teoria e Tecnica Psicometrica. Costruire un test psicologico. McGraw-Hill, Milano, 2011.
Paolo Chiari, Daniela Mosci, Enrico Naldi, Centro Studi EBN. Evidence-Based Clinical Practice. La pratica clinico-assistenziale basata su prove di efficacia 2/ed. McGraw Hill, Milano, 2011.
Sironi C. Introduzione alla Ricerca Infermieristica – I fondamenti teorici e gli elementi di base per comprenderla nella realtà italiana. Casa editrice Ambrosiana, 2010.
Geri LoBiondo-Wood, Judith Haber. Metodologia della ricerca infermieristica – Edizione Quinta. McGraw Hill, Milano, 2002
Di Censo A. Evidence – Based Nursing – A guide to Clinical Practice. Ed. Elsevier Mosby, 2005.
E.Vellone - M.Sciuto. La ricerca bibliografica. Ed. McGraw-Hill, Milano, 2001.
Marczyk G, DeMatteo D, Festinger D. Essentials of Research Design and Methodology. Wiley, 2005.
D. Curtin, K. Foley, K. Sen, C. Morin. Informatica di base 5^ edizione. McGraw Hill, 2012.
Eugenio Santoro. Web 2.0 e social media in medicina 2^ edizione. Il pensiero scientifico Editore, 2011.
Additional teaching materials (scientific articles related to the topics covered) will be indicated by the instructor during the lessons and made available on the DIR platform.

At the end of the course, the students will be able to:

Read and critically analyze scientific literature, both primary and secondary sources.
Understand the differences between the quantitative and qualitative research paradigms.
Describe the key characteristics of various study designs.
Describe the fundamental characteristics of a data collection tool.
Understand the results of a research report.
Define the process of evidence-based practice (EBP) and apply it.
Acquire knowledge of key statistical measures and statistics applied to EBP.
Structure a simple research protocol and implement it.
Understand and utilize the potential of the Internet as well as tools offered by new technologies.

Students should have:

Sufficient knowledge and skills to understand written English for reading scientific articles.
Mathematics knowledge corresponding to the first two years of high school.
Basics of medical statistics.
Basic computer terminology and skills.

The teaching methods for this course include:

Lectures with the use of MS PowerPoint presentations.
Practical exercises, including computer lab sessions, research and reading of scientific articles, individually or in groups, and discussion and interpretation of results.
Individual study and exercises on an e-learning platform.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-
students-physical-or-learning-disabilities

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam will consist of a written test and an oral examination.

The written test will consist of 32 mostly multiple-choice questions (totaling 24 points) designed to assess: 1) the student's knowledge regarding the research process, structure of a scientific article, publication process, evidence-based practice, main study designs, functioning of the internet and online research; 2) the student's ability to read and understand the results of a scientific article (the article text will be provided before the test to allow sufficient time for reading).

Students will be eligible to take the oral examination only if they have achieved a total score of at least 60% of the maximum possible score.

The duration of the written test will be 40 minutes.

In the oral examination, the ability to apply the acquired knowledge will be assessed through critical reading of a scientific article of specific nursing interest (quantitative/qualitative, primary/secondary literature). The oral examination will be considered successful if the candidate demonstrates sufficient knowledge of the theoretical concepts as well as adequate critical understanding of a scientific article (e.g., correctly identifying the research question based on reading the abstract, interpreting result tables, forest plots, process of conducting a qualitative study, etc.).

Failure to pass the oral examination will require repeating the entire exam (written and oral). To achieve a score of 30/30 with honors, the student must demonstrate excellent knowledge of all the topics covered during the course.

For the detailed program, please refer to the description of each individual teaching module.

In terms of knowledge and understanding, at the end of the course, students will be able to:

Describe the process of scientific research.
Identify the distinctive characteristics of the quantitative research paradigm compared to the qualitative paradigm.
Describe different study designs and evaluate their applicability in nursing research.
Describe the process of evidence-based practice.
Acquire knowledge of basic statistical measures.
Identify the fundamental characteristics of data collection tools.
Identify the key components of a research protocol.
Understand the functioning of computer networks.
In terms of applying knowledge and understanding, at the end of the course, students will be able to:

Read and critically analyze scientific literature, both primary and secondary.
Understand and utilize the results of a research report.
Conduct the process of evidence-based practice.
Calculate key statistical measures using a literature article.
Write a simple research protocol.
Collaborate in the design and implementation of a research study.
Utilize the potential of the internet and technology in supporting research.
In terms of making judgments, at the end of the course, students will be able to:

Evaluate organizational, educational, and healthcare problems that can be addressed through research projects or literature synthesis.
Use scientific literature to obtain valuable information for understanding the complexity of healthcare problems, patients, and organizational issues in their work environment, and utilize online resources for continuous professional development.