Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish the information need, gather information and critically analyse the information for relevance to own work.
This unit applies to health and community service workers who need to research existing
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element |
1. Plan information gathering activities | 1.1 Identify situations where research may be required to support and improve own work practice 1.2 Evaluate current trends in own area of practice 1.3 Establish and define research objectives 1.4 Identify and access credible sources of data and evidence |
2. Gather information | 2.1 Evaluate and select methods of gathering information 2.2 Gather information using a systematic approach 2.3 Establish relevance of information according to objectives and work requirements 2.4 Facilitate analysis by organising information in a way that supports its analysis and future use |
3. Analyse information | 3.1 Prioritise information based on the information need 3.2 Compare and contrast different sources of information 3.3 Assess the strength, relevance, reliability and currency of the information in the context of own work 3.4 Assess the feasibility, benefits and risks associated with the information 3.5 Make and document conclusions based on findings |
4. Use information in practice | 4.1 Assess ways in which different aspects of information may be used 4.2 Use information and learning from research to identify potential areas for change in current practice 4.3 Identify issues that require further research and evaluation 4.4 Develop actions to address outcomes of research |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
completed research activities and developed actions based on research outcomes for at least 2 different issues within own field of practice
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
different reasons for undertaking research:
comparison
hypothesis testing
trend identification
own knowledge extension
strengthen quality of own practice
sources of information, including established information sources and current research within own area of practice
principles and models of evidence-based practice, including:
rules of evidence
duty of care requirements associated with evidence-based practice
differences between evidence-based practice, continuous quality improvement and research
ways to evaluate the validity of information sources
research processes and how to use them
cultural and ethical considerations for research
processes that support analysis of information and how to use them, including:
comparing
contrasting
challenging
reflecting
distinguishing relevant from irrelevant
drawing interdisciplinary connections
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including current research, evidence-based studies and industry intelligence
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |