Evidence-Based Future Healthcare

The MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare is an exciting new fully online interprofessional postgraduate course designed for busy healthcare workers seeking to transform their current practice, optimise healthcare outcomes and advance their careers in a rapidly evolving field. Our future-facing programme aims to equip healthcare workers from all backgrounds with the skills and knowledge to tackle current and emerging healthcare challenges by utilising cutting-edge approaches to evidence identification, appraisal, and implementation.



The programme will be delivered by experts in evidence-based healthcare from the University of Galway, with guest contributions from international experts. This programme is also closely linked with the internationally-recognised centres of excellence of Evidence Synthesis Ireland, Cochrane Ireland and the HRB Trials Methodology Research Network.

Students will learn about the key concepts, principles and application of evidence-based healthcare, health research methods, searching and appraising evidence, using statistics to inform healthcare decisions, person-centred care and shared decision-making in the age of mis/disinformation, the role of digital health and technology in clinical decision-making and advancing health equity through evidence-based practice. An applied final capstone project will ensure the applicability of learning to the student’s own workplace.



Our flexible online learning approach means learning at a time and place that suits you. We will use cutting-edge technology to deliver diverse online teaching and learning methods, including recorded lectures, live online tutorials, groupwork and interactive discussion boards, to maximise an engaging learning experience. Students will be assessed through a variety of methods including written assignments, online assessments, individual and group presentations. Each module and assessment is highly applied to real-world settings and targets the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills and interprofessional evidence-based practice.



Module Name Module Aim ECTS



1. Foundations of Evidence-Based Healthcare: Principles and Practice

This module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of evidence-based healthcare and its relevance for contemporary healthcare

10



2. Foundations of Research in Healthcare: Methods and Design

This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various research methods and study designs tailored explicitly for healthcare research.

10



3. Art and Science of Evidence-Based Healthcare: Searching, Synthesizing, and Appraising Evidence

This module aims to empower students with the advanced skills needed to search, synthesise, and appraise research evidence effectively and efficiently.

10



4. Interpreting Statistical Tests in Healthcare: A Practical Approach

This module aims to equip students with the practical skills needed to effectively interpret statistical tests and apply these skills to real-world healthcare scenarios.

10



5. Person-Centered Care and Shared Decision-Making

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to empower, encourage and incorporate the voice of the person receiving care and to engage in shared decision-making as a collaborative process.

10



6. Innovations in Healthcare: Exploring the Role of Digital Health and Technology

This module will introduce digital health and explore the ways in which artificial intelligence is being used and will be used in the future to improve healthcare outcomes. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the latest technological innovations in healthcare and their potential impacts on healthcare delivery and outcomes for those receiving care.

10



7. Advancing Health Equity through Evidence-Based Practice

This module will equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address health disparities and promote health equity in various healthcare settings, including clinical and public health settings, thus helping shape healthcare's future towards better and greater equity and social justice.

10



8. APPLIED PROJECT: Interdisciplinary Healthcare Innovation: A Capstone Project

This module aims to facilitate students to showcase their learning in evidence-based healthcare and apply their knowledge, skills and training to solve real-world implementation challenges.

20

A 1.1 (or equivalent) or 2.1 (or equivalent) Bachelor’s honours degree in a healthcare-related field*



Applicants should have relevant work experience in healthcare, including direct care for individuals or communities in clinical settings, non-clinical roles in healthcare administration, policy, or research and community service focused on healthcare.



Applicants from diverse backgrounds with a variety of healthcare experiences, including those such as health policy, public health etc, healthcare management etc., are welcomed



A minimum overall score of 7.0 IELTS, with no less than 6.5 in any one band for international applicants



*Applicants from non-healthcare-related degrees will be considered (minimum requirement of 2nd Class Honours, Grade 1) on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the coordinators.

Closing Date 5 May 2024



Applications will be via the university's online Postgraduate Applications System.



Supporting documents required for this programme will be listed at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/media/nuigalwayie/content/files/courses/uploads/REQUIRED_DOCUMENTATION_FOR_APPLICATION_TO_MScEBFHC_2425.pdf. A downloadable PDF is available here also to outline these requirements in detail.



Relevant Experience: The selection committee will give preference to candidates with one to two or more years of experience in their relevant field, as this demonstrates a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry and the potential for greater contributions to the field. By healthcare-related field, we mean that this can include a wide range of roles, such as direct care in clinical settings, non-clinical roles in healthcare administration, policy or research, community service focused on healthcare, public health, health promotion, or other related areas. We welcome applicants with diverse experiences that contribute to a broader understanding of health and its various aspects. If over-subscribed, we will also review applicants to ensure a balance of disciplines to ensure our interprofessional multidisciplinary focus.

1 year Full-Time OR 2 years Part-Time, online.

Next start date September 2024

Career Opportunities

The MSc in Evidence-Based Future Healthcare opens a broad spectrum of employment and career advancement opportunities for graduates. Here's why this program holds the potential to significantly benefit your professional trajectory:



Up-to-date skillset: This programme equips you with cutting-edge skills and knowledge to tackle present and emerging healthcare challenges, making you a crucial asset in any healthcare environment.



Promotion opportunities: Holding a specialised Master's degree makes you an ideal candidate for senior roles and leadership positions in your current organisation or other healthcare organisations.



Research proficiency: You’ll gain a solid foundation in in various health research methodologies, an attribute highly valued in the healthcare sector, improving your prospects for conducting further research such as a PhD, or applying for advanced training programs.



Dual Clinical-Academic positions: This programme will benefit those currently in or aiming to apply for dual clinical-academic roles thanks to its focus on both practical and academic aspects of healthcare.



Interprofessional learning experience: Our programme places a strong emphasis on interprofessional learning and groupwork to reflect the realities of modern healthcare. You will benefit from a wealth of perspectives in the classroom, strengthening your learning experience and, ultimately, improving the healthcare system and outcomes for people receiving care.



Versatile career paths: If you have a broader interest in research implementation within healthcare decision-making, this program also prepares you for careers in health policy agencies, funding bodies, research commissioning bodies, and healthcare administration.



Competitive edge: With its interprofessional and future-facing focus, this degree will provide you with a competitive edge, improving your prospects in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.



Transferable Skills Employers Value



Upon successful completion of this programme, students will be able to:



Demonstrate a thorough understanding of evidence-based healthcare, including its key concepts, principles and application to emerging healthcare trends and challenges.



Identify and use appropriate research methods and designs for healthcare research, and formulate clear and answerable research questions.



Master the advanced skills necessary to effectively search, synthesise, appraise, and apply research evidence in healthcare decision-making.



Demonstrate competence in interpreting and critically evaluating common statistical tests used in healthcare research



Apply evidence-based healthcare principles to clinical decision-making, taking into account patient preferences, values, and unique circumstances, and foster a culture of shared decision-making.



Develop a deep understanding of the latest technological innovations in healthcare and their potential impacts on healthcare delivery and outcomes.



Promote health equity and address health disparities in various healthcare settings by applying the concepts and principles of evidence-based practice.



Apply knowledge and skills gained in the programme to real-world healthcare scenarios, demonstrating effective team-working, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.



Contribute to developing evidence-based healthcare policy and practice, and make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery by fostering a culture of knowledge translation and evidence-based practice