Introduction to Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice

Key information

Start date:
To be confirmed
Attendance dates:
To be confirmed
Venue:
Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestley Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YH

Depending on the subject and content, modules will mainly be delivered via a combination of face-to-face and online.

Some modules may be taught at: Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH
Contact details:

View all Health Sciences CPD modules

View all Health Sciences postgraduate CPD courses

Make an enquiry

  • Level
    7 (postgraduate)
  • Credits
    15
  • Module code
    HCRM054

Module overview

This module is for health and social care professionals who want to develop statistical skills and their ability to critically appraise quantitative evidence for evidence-based practice. 

Designed for learners with little or no experience in quantitative methods and statistics, participants will discover how to develop applied research questions and the design principles of both observational and experimental methods. Learners will gain a solid foundation in the key principles of essential statistics used in health and social care research and quality improvement practice, and how to apply theory to real-world research design. 

Teaching takes place in the Kate Granger Building, which is situated within Surrey’s vibrant research park. It is fully equipped with all the modern technology required to deliver state of the art teaching.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:

  • Understand and apply key concepts and principles of statistics and quantitative methodology as applied to healthcare research.
  • Be introduced to a variety of statistical technique commonly used in health and social care research.
  • Gain experience of research design and critical appraisal, managing and analysing health data.
  • Understand how to present and report results to a high standard. 
  • Equip student with basic skills in R coding that will support further learning beyond the module. 

Course content

Indicative module content includes:

  • Epistemology and philosophical approaches to research
  • Foundations for quantitative design and analysis for evidence-based practice 
  • Getting to grips with quantitative research articles
  • Developing your critical appraisal skills 
  • Writing research proposals and statistical analysis plans 
  • Essential descriptive statistics for evidence-based practice
  • Introduction to data visualisations 
  • Univariate and bivariate analysis 
  • Introduction to modelling and multivariable analysis 
  • Ethics in quantitative research 
  • Public patient involvement (PPI) in research
  • Open research and replicability. 

Learning and teaching methods

The learning and teaching methods for this module are designed to demystify statistical research to ensure students achieve the learning outcomes through a series of lectures and discussion and practical statistics laboratory workshops. The lectures focus on providing the theoretical and conceptual foundations for the methodologies and statistics commonly used in health and social care with more hands-on works to develop knowledge and appreciation through experiential learning.  

Assessment

Assessment will include a 3000-word written assignment (70% of mark) comprised of a detailed research proposal and statistical analysis plan designed to answer an applied research question of the student’s choice plus delivery of a 10-minute presentation to module participants and discussion (30% of mark) to critically appraise their proposal and analysis plan. 

You will have the opportunity to submit an outline of their planned presentation for formative feedback and guidance. 

Course leader

Jenny Harris profile image

Dr Jenny Harris

Senior Lecturer in Cancer Care and Health Statistics

Reading list

Take a look at the module reading list.

Entry requirements

  • An undergraduate degree 
  • Professional registration as a healthcare professional: 
  • Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) 
  • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) 
  • Working in health and social care. 

Fees and funding

TBC

How to apply

Please download and fill in an application form. 

Please note: 

  1. Applications close six weeks before the module start date or earlier if we reach a maximum number of applications. If we still have spaces on the course, we may extend the application deadline date.
  2. It is important to ensure that you complete all sections and answer all questions, incomplete forms will cause a delay and may result in you missing out on an available place.
  3. If you are registered on a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course then you will need to complete an application form for each CPD module you wish to apply for.

Send your completed application to postreg_admin@surrey.ac.uk.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

If your sponsoring healthcare provider is funding you for this module, by submitting an application you agree to allow all information regarding your module (for example your exam results) to be shared with the sponsoring provider.

Cancellation policy

If you withdraw less than seven days before the module commences or do not attend on the first day (without informing the module administrator) the full cost of the module will be charged. Withdrawals after the module commences will also be charged.

Module availability

Places are confirmed approximately one month before the module start date. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps. 

Disclaimer

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to module content) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the module. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a module with us. Read the full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Kate Granger Building

Our Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS degree, nursing and midwifery, and health science courses are taught at the Kate Granger Building (30 Priestley Road), on the Surrey Research Park.

Additional information

Depending on the subject and content, modules will mainly be delivered via a combination of face-to-face and online.

Some modules may be taught at: Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH.

Post-registration Administration team
Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH