Bachelor in Science in Midwifery Honours Degree programme

MW2801 -Midwifery Research - Awareness (5 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Differentiate between the myriad of approaches to research;
  
• Demonstrate an understanding of the features of the research process through examining examples of both qualitative and quantitative research approaches;
  
• Review, analyse and critique research;
  
• Relate and compare research findings and evidence to midwifery practice in Ireland;
  
• Discuss the role of research and evidence in influencing midwifery and obstetric practices and policy formulation in Ireland;
  
• Discuss the role of midwifery practice in influencing research and theory generation;
  
• Consider the factors involved in conducting research;
  
• Demonstrate the ability to comprehensively search the literature;
  
• Demonstrate the ability to present a comprehensive search strategy and an annotate bibliography;
  
• Relate research findings and evidence to information given by midwives to women.

Module Learning Aims

The aim of this module is to build on the student's knowledge of the research process and facilitate them
to develop their skills in the process of reviewing, analysing and critiquing research and highlighting
implications for practice to ensure that care offered to women is underpinned by the most appropriate
evidence based knowledge.

Recommended Reading List

Essential Reading

• Bryman A. (2008) Social Research Methods, 3rd edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  
• Cluett E. & Bluff R. (eds.) (2006) Principles and Practice of Research in Midwifery, 2nd edn. Churchill Livingstone, London.
  
• Gerrish K. & Lacey A. (eds.) (2010) The Research Process in Nursing, 6th edn. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.
  
• Rees C. (2002) An Introduction to Research for Midwives, 2nd edn. Books for Midwives Press, Cheshire.
  

Additional Reading

• Burns N. & Grove S.K. (2006) Understanding Nursing Research, 4th edn. Saunders, London.
  
• LoBiondo-Wood, G., Haber J. (2002) Nursing Research: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice, 7th edn. Mosby, London.
  
• Polit, D.F., Beck, C.T. (2008) Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice, 8th edn. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, London.
  
• Proctor S. & Renfrew M. (eds.) (2000) Linking Research and Practice in Midwifery: A Guide to Evidence-Based Practice. Balliere Tindall, London.
  

* Additional readings will be given for each unit of learning.