Clinical Research Project

Objectives

This curricular unit takes place over the second year of the Master course and aims to develop advanced clinical skills and research skills. The curricular unit is divided into 2 modules: Through the advanced clinical placement module, students have the opportunity to develop their knowledge, clinical reasoning and professional skills and to implement an evidence based and patient centred model of model of practice in patients with musculoskeletal conditions.

Through the research module, students extend their knowledge and understanding of advanced clinical research methods and their appropriate application. They have the opportunity to develop independent and critical thinking, and other research competency, such as, the ability to develop a research plan, perform appropriate statistical analyses, and to apply the knowledge acquired to the development and implementation of an original research project relevant to the field of physiotherapy practice.

General characterization

Code

MF38

Credits

60

Responsible teacher

Prof. Doutor Eduardo José Brazete Cruz

Hours

Weekly - Available soon

Total - Available soon

Teaching language

Portuguese / English

Prerequisites

 

Bibliography

Domholdt, E. (2000) Research Methods for Physical Therapists. New York, EUA: Butterworth-Heinmann.

Fortin, M. F.(2000) O processo de investigação: da conceção à realização. 2a edição. Loures: Lusociência.

Mann, C J Emmerg.(2003). Observational research methods. Research design II: cohort, cross sectional, and case-control studies. Med. J. vol. 20, pg. 54-60.

Marôco, J. (2011). Análise estatística com o SPSS Statistics (5ª edição). Pero Pinheiro: ReportNumber.

Pestana, M.; Gageiro, J (2000).- Análise de dados para ciências sociais. A complementaridade do SPSS.2ª edição. Lisboa: edições Silabo.

Portney, L.G.; Watkins, M. P. (2009). Foundations of Clinical Research: Applications to Practice, 3rd Ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, ISBN: 978-0-13-234470-8.

 

Software:

SPSS® - Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Teaching method

The advanced clinical placement module the dominant teaching-learning method is the learning in the context of professional practice (practice learning) with clinical mentorship. In this context, independent study is crucial for individual reflection and learning.

In the research report module, the teaching and learning strategies includes seminars and lecturers, webseminars, lab training, tutorials and independent study.

Evaluation method

The advanced clinical placement module is assessed through a practical examination of 2 real patients followed by a discussion with the clinical mentor. A minimum of 50% is required for all the examinations. In the case of failure in any of the assessment components, students had to repeat the clinical placement module.

The research project is assessed through: The defence of the research dissertation in a public presentation, including its oral presentation and discussion with an examining committee (40%+20%); an synthesis of the research work developed written up in the form of a paper suitable for publication (15%).

Subject matter

Advanced clinical placement module

·        Integration and development of knowledge, skills and attitudes specific to a specialized practice in the area of the musculoskeletal conditions, building on the students' previous and current experience.

·        Components reflect the following sections of practice - clinical reasoning, clinical and management skills, evidence base practice and communication and patient relationship skills.

 

Research Report

·        Research Protocol; Research Question; Development of a literature review; Research Methods; Lab Instrumentation;

·        Data Analysis; Managing and exploring data in SPSS; Parametric and non parametric tests; linear and logistic regression analysis.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: