EBP107A Evidence-Based Practice Assessment 3: Journal Article Evaluation

Torrens University Australia’s EBP107A Evidence-Based Practice course emphasizes critical appraisal skills essential for nursing professionals. This assessment task guides students in evaluating research evidence to inform clinical decision-making in healthcare settings. Updated for 2025, it aligns with current standards in evidence-based nursing practice across Australian universities.

Assessment Brief

Subject Code and Title: EBP107A Evidence-Based Practice

Assessment: Assessment 3: Journal Article Evaluation Using Critical Appraisal Tool

Individual/Group: Individual

Length: 1500 words (+/- 10%, excluding reference list and appendix)

Weighting: 40%

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate understanding of the key components of evidence-based practice in nursing.
• Critically appraise research articles using appropriate tools.
• Apply evidence to clinical scenarios and justify implications for practice.

Task Instructions

Select one peer-reviewed journal article from a provided list (or approved by your facilitator) related to a nursing clinical question. Use a designated critical appraisal tool (e.g., CASP for qualitative/quantitative studies or Joanna Briggs Institute checklist) to evaluate the article.

Write an essay that includes:

1. Introduction: Briefly outline the clinical topic, the PICO/PICo question addressed by the article, and the purpose of the appraisal (approximately 200 words).
2. Summary of the article: Describe the study design, methods, key findings, and conclusions (approximately 400 words).
3. Critical appraisal: Systematically evaluate the article using the chosen tool, discussing strengths, limitations, validity, reliability, and applicability to nursing practice (approximately 700 words).
4. Conclusion: Summarize the overall quality of the evidence and implications for evidence-based nursing practice (approximately 200 words).

Include the completed critical appraisal tool as an appendix (not counted in word limit).

Support your evaluation with additional references where relevant (minimum 5-8 sources total).

Submission Requirements

• Use APA 7th edition referencing style.
• Include word count on the title page.
• Submit as a Word document via the Assessment 3 link in the subject portal.
• Adhere to academic integrity standards; use Turnitin for originality check.

Marking Criteria

This assessment builds foundational skills in evidence-based practice, crucial for registered nurses in Australia. Mastering critical appraisal of journal articles enhances patient care outcomes through informed decision-making.

References

• Hoffmann, T., Bennett, S. and Del Mar, C. (2024) Evidence-based practice across the health professions. 4th edn. Elsevier. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7295-4378-6.00001-7.
• Melnyk, B.M. and Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023) Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: a guide to best practice. 5th edn. Wolters Kluwer.
• LoBiondo-Wood, G. and Haber, J. (2021) Nursing research: methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice. 10th edn. Elsevier. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/books/nursing-research/lobiondo-wood/978-0-323-76138-3.
• Straus, S.E., Glasziou, P., Richardson, W.S. and Haynes, R.B. (2019) Evidence-based medicine: how to practice and teach EBM. 5th edn. Elsevier.
• Barker, J. and Linsley, P. (2020) Evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals. 4th edn. SAGE Publications. doi:10.4135/9781526471109.