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Rutgers SHP Requirements for Graduation and Course Descriptions

Department of Physician Assistant Studies and Practice

Physician Assistant

PHYA4141 - Evidence Based Medicine

Course Description

This course provides a platform for physician assistant students to become familiar with the principles of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM). EBM involves the systematic selection and analysis of research studies examining a given clinical question and the interpretation and application of relevant outcomes. In this course, students will expand on the skills obtained in PHYA4080 Introduction to Scientific Inquiry by exploring the steps needed to investigate and analyze medical literature to inform clinical understanding and practice decisions.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits: 1

This one (1) credit course will consist of 6 classroom meetings, completion of online tutorials, and group and individual assignments.

Prerequisites

PHYA4140 Introduction to Scientific Inquiry.

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

Course Goal code: G-01
Goal: Provide the framework of evidence based medicine and its application to clinical medicine.
RU PA Program Competency Domain(s): MK, PBL
ARC-PA B standards: B2.13

Course Goal code: G-02
Goal: Develop skills to analyze medical literature in order to inform clinical decisions
RU PA Program Competency Domain(s): MK, PBL
ARC-PA B standards: B2.05, B2.13

Course Goal code: G-03
Goal: Enhance clinical reasoning skills to appraise and apply medical literature to clinical decision making
RU PA Program Competency Domain(s): MK, PBL
ARC-PA B standards: B2.05, B2.13

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students are expected to have the knowledge and skills to be able to:

Goal(s): G-02
Outcome Code 4141: O-01
Learning Outcome: Formulate a clinical question based on a clinical case in the PICO format
RU PA program Competency/ies: 2MK.a,b, 3PBL.a,c,e
ARC-PA B standards: B2.05, B2.13a
Assessment: online library module and quiz; EBM report using the appropriate template; 3 group report and 1 individual report

Goal(s): G-02
Outcome Code 4141: O-02
Learning Outcome: Perform a literature search, focusing on evidence based systematic reviews and primary research studies
RU PA program Competency/ies: 3PBL.c
ARC-PA B standards: B2.13a,c,e
Assessment: EBM report using the appropriate template; 3 group report and 1 individual report

Goal(s): G-01, G-02, G-03
Outcome Code 4141: O-03
Learning Outcome: Appraise the strength of the evidence as it pertains to the clinical question
RU PA program Competency/ies: 3PBL.c
ARC-PA B standards: B2.05, B2.13b,c,d
Assessment: EBM report using the appropriate template; 3 group report and 1 individual report

Goal(s): G-02, G-03
Outcome Code 4141: O-04
Learning Outcome: Assess the applicability and relevance of the research to patient care
RU PA program Competency/ies: 2MK.a,b,f, 3PBL.c
ARC-PA B standards: B2.05, B2.13b,c,d
Assessment: EBM report using the appropriate template; 3 group report and 1 individual report

Goal(s): G-02, G-03
Outcome Code 4141: O-05
Learning Outcome: Identify the strengths of clinical research based on research design, sample population, and generalizability
RU PA program Competency/ies: 2MK.a,b,f, 3PBL.c
ARC-PA B standards: B2.05, B2.13a-e
Assessment: EBM report using the appropriate template; 3 group report and 1 individual report

Goal(s): G-02, G-03
Outcome Code 4141: O-06
Learning Outcome: Interpret basic biostatistics as they relate to clinical research
RU PA program Competency/ies: 2MK.a,b,f, 3PBL.c
ARC-PA B standards: B2.05, B2.13b
Assessment: online module, quiz

Key: PC=patient care; MK=medical knowledge; PBL=problem-based learning and improvement; ICS=interpersonal and communication skills; PF=professionalism; SBP=systems-based practice
*RUPA competencies and ARC B standards can be found on Canvas PA Student Resources: https://rutgers.instructure.com/courses/26737/modules