Overview
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s (NMBA) Registered Nurse Standards for Practice (2016) require a registered nurse to think critically and analyse nursing practice. Additionally, the NMBA's Midwife Standards for Practice (2018) require midwives to access, analyse, and use the best available evidence for safe, quality, midwifery practice. These Standards are achieved by accessing, appraising and applying the best available evidence to inform safe and quality practice. In this unit, you will develop the foundational skills required for applying best evidence to navigate information gathering, its application to quality practice and assessment writing, early in your healthcare education.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Must be enrolled in CL91 Bachelor of Nursing or CM77 Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurse Pathway) or CG41 Start Uni Now or NCP172660 Bachelor of Midwifery.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
- Develop literature search strategies, research methodologies and research practices to ascertain high quality evidence relevant to professional healthcare practice.
- Appraise information using critical thinking skills to apply evidence in clinical contexts.
- Explain the purpose of evidence in healthcare practice and why clinical decision-making should be based on the best available evidence.
Content in this unit incorporates a number of professional requirements:
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Decision-Making Framework for Nursing and Midwifery
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for Practice
Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships
Maintains the capability for practice
Develops a plan for nursing practice
Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice
Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Midwife Standards for Practice
Promotes health and wellbeing through evidence-based midwifery practice
Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships
Demonstrates capability and accountability for midwifery practice
Undertakes comprehensive assessments
Develops a plan for midwifery practice
Provides safety and quality in midwifery practice
Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Code of Conduct for Nurses
Legal compliance
Person-centred practice
Cultural practice and respectful relationships
Professional behaviour
Teaching, supervising and assessing
Research in health
Health and wellbeing
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Code of Conduct for Midwives
Legal compliance
Woman-centred practice
Cultural practice and respectful relationships
Professional behaviour
Teaching, supervising and assessing
Research in health
Health and wellbeing
International Council of Nursing Code of Ethics for Nursing
Nurses and People
Nurses and Practice
Nurses and the Profession
Nurses and co-workers
International Confederation of Midwives International Code of Ethics for Midwives
Midwifery relationships
Practice of midwifery
The professional responsibilities of midwives
Advancement of midwifery knowledge and practice
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards
Clinical governance
Partnering with consumers
Preventing and Controlling healthcare-associated infection
Medication safety
Comprehensive care
Communicating for safety
Blood management
Recognising and responding to acute deterioration
Patient Safety Competency Framework
Person-centred care
Therapeutic communication
Cultural competence
Teamwork and collaborative practice
Clinical reasoning
Evidence-based practice
Preventing, minimising and responding to adverse events
Infection prevention and control
Medication safety
Aged Care Quality Standards
Consumer dignity and choice
Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers
Personal care and clinical care
Organisation’s service environment
Feedback and complaints
Human resources
Organisational governance
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 40% | |||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 60% | |||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||
| 5 - Team Work | |||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
All essential reading materials will be provided via the e-reading list and on the unit Moodle site.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- CQUniversity library literature search tools
- Zoom account (Free)
- CQUniversity Library Resources
- CQUniversity library all other resources
- EndNote (bibliographical software). EndNote bibliographic software to format your references is NOT mandatory. However, it will be a great tool to manage your research references and cite them in texts. Consult ITD for instructions on how to download this software. It is easy to use and very helpful. See https://my.cqu.edu.au/group/it-services/endonte to access the software
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
k.lane-krebs@cqu.edu.au
r.zhang@cqu.edu.au
a.adeleye@cqu.edu.au
j.padigos@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Introduction to evidence-based practice.
Module Content
This module introduces the foundations of evidence-based practice (EBP) and its central role in contemporary healthcare.
Chapter
Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
Find out what is in Student Support offers.
Find out how to find the library.
Click on the link and learn what is in the academic Learning Centre.
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentations:
Welcome and Unit introduction.
Weekly workshop.
Activity: Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues and maybe why you are studying this unit and course.
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Understanding research in health care
Module Content
This module develops foundational knowledge of research as it applies to healthcare practice.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Assessment 1- Review the Assessment 1 requirements and key concepts from the previous Module.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
The EBP process and clinical questions
Module Content
This module builds on earlier learning by introducing the principles and processes that underpin Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in healthcare.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Census Date - is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
Assessment 1 - Prepare for Assessment 1 by reviewing key concepts from previous Modules.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Searching the literature (Accessing/locating)
Module Content
This module focuses on developing the practical skills required to conduct a structured, systematic and transparent literature search to locate high-quality evidence for clinical or research questions.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Census Date - Tuesday week 4
Assessment 1 - Review key concepts from previous Modules.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 5
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Assessing (evaluating/ appraising) the literature
Module Content
This module focuses on the importance of validity, trustworthiness and quality of evidence in healthcare research.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Assessment 1 - Review contents that include key concepts from previous Modules.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 6
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Critical Appraisal of Research — Qualitative Studies
Module Content
This module focuses on appraising the rigour, trustworthiness and relevance of qualitative evidence to inform evidence-based care.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Assessment 1 - Quiz opens: 00:01 hour (AEST) Monday 13 April 2026 Quiz closes: 23:59 hours (AEST) Wednesday 15 April 2026 (Week 6)
Review key concepts from Modules 1 to 6.
Note: The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Online quiz Due: Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Rest, relax and recharge
Chapter
There are no required readings for this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
There are no activities scheduled for this week.
Week 7
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Critical Appraisal of Research - Quantitative Studies
Module Content
This module focuses on how to perform critical appraisal of quantitative evidence and its importance in informing hig-quality evidence-based practice.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Assessment 2 - Prepare for assessment 2 by reviewing the Task requirements and selecting your Topic area.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 8
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
Ethical considerations in research and practice
Module Content
This module explores ethical principles, frameworks and practices that guide the conduct of human research and the ethical use of evidence when applied in health care.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Assessment 2 - Focus on Task 3.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 9
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
Integrating evidence into clinical decision making
Module Content
This module explores the practical challenges and facilitators associated with implementing evidence-based practice in the clinical environments, and how evidence is integrated with clinical expertise and patient values in providing evidence-based care.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Assessment 2 - Commence writing your assessment. Focus on Task 4.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 10
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Communicating and applying evidence in health care practice
Module Content
This module focuses on the processes through which research evidence is communicated and translated into meaningful and sustainable improvements in healthcare practice.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Assessment 2 - Continue with Task 4.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 11
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
EBP and reflective practice
Module Content
This module examines the role of reflective practice in strengthening clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and evidence-informed decision-making.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Assessment 2 - Continue with Task 4. Consider if you require ALC support (e.g. referencing) and make an appointment.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey - We encourage students to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens in Week 11 and closes one week before the release of grades.
Week 12
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Review: Piecing it all together
Module Content
This final module revisits and consolidates learning from across the unit, providing students with an opportunity to integrate and apply their knowledge and skills to support evidence-based clinical decision-making.
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom - Workshop and unit content.
Assessment 2 - Is due at 4 pm (AEST), Wednesday 3 June 2026 (Week 12).
Check the originality of your assessment through Turnitin and make relevant changes to your assessment after reviewing the originality report. Submit your assessment.
Announcements and Discussion Forums - Check for posts and updates.
Student email - Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey - We encourage students to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens in Week 11 and closes one week before the release of grades.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don't forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Written assessment Due: Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
There is NO exam scheduled for this unit
Chapter
There is no required reading for this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey - We encourage students to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens in Week 11 and closes one week before the release of grades.
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
There is NO exam scheduled for this unit
Chapter
There is no required reading for this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
REMINDER: Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey
We encourage students to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens in Week 11 and closes one week before the release of grades.
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week, as there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term, and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
You will complete the online quiz to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assessment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are not available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does NOT apply to this assessment
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
1
Other
Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
The quiz opens Monday 13 April 2026 at 00:01 hours AEST and closes Wednesday 15 April 2026 at 23:59 hours AEST.
Week 6 Wednesday (15 Apr 2026)
The number of correct responses will be available immediately after the attempt is completed.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Develop literature search strategies, research methodologies and research practices to ascertain high quality evidence relevant to professional healthcare practice.
- Appraise information using critical thinking skills to apply evidence in clinical contexts.
- Explain the purpose of evidence in healthcare practice and why clinical decision-making should be based on the best available evidence.
2 Written Assessment
You will demonstrate the process of finding, evaluating, and applying evidence to inform safe, high-quality healthcare practice. Students will develop foundational skills in literature searching, critical appraisal, and academic writing, essential components of evidence-based decision-making in healthcare.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assessment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting. CQUniversity Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft CoPilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI use Allowed: Level 2: You may use AI for planning, idea development and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
Week 12 Wednesday (3 June 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment online via Assessment Two Moodle Tile.
Vacation/Exam Week Wednesday (17 June 2026)
The return date is an approximate date only. Marking will take a minimum of three weeks. An announcement will be posted advising when marking is completed.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more details on how marks will be assigned.
- Develop literature search strategies, research methodologies and research practices to ascertain high quality evidence relevant to professional healthcare practice.
- Appraise information using critical thinking skills to apply evidence in clinical contexts.
- Explain the purpose of evidence in healthcare practice and why clinical decision-making should be based on the best available evidence.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
