HP-610 W01 Research Methods (3 credits)
Course Description: This course will introduce the Health Professions student to the research process as an informed consumer and potential future investigator. Topics covered include the characteristics of a research study, methods of control in experimental research, internal and external validity, experimental research designs, evaluation of research, statistics, and test construction. Also addressed are scientific writing, strategies for conducting literature searches, research ethics, and elements of a research proposal. Students will be required to complete IRB training, HIPPA training, and write a research proposal for their Masters project by the end of this course.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Apply basic research methodology to critical examination of clinical research and evidence-based practice
2. Describe the fundamental assumptions, goals, and practices of research
3. Discover the information sources available for the explanation and solution of research-based questions
4. Apply principles of quantitative research to the PA practice
5. Describe and use the basic concepts of descriptive statistical analysis
6. Describe and use the basic concepts of Analysis of Variance/Analysis of Covariance
7. Describe and use the basic concepts of Regression Analysis
8. Design an investigation that will utilize research methodology to attempt to answer a clinical question through empirical research-based analysis
9. Critically read and analyze published research within the discipline of the PA
10. Develop skills in scientific writing

PA-639 W01 Evidence Based Medicine (3 credits)  

Couse Description: Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is the use of the medical literature to answer clinical questions that arise during the practice of medicine. The tools of EBM include electronic media and the searching of medical reference/studies/research to answer issues that relate to the patient in the clinical setting. Students will be taught to apply methods of searching the medical literature to answer clinical questions, analyze the findings, and formulate a concise review reporting these findings. Students will specifically address the validity of the results and the relevance of findings.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Develop appropriate clinical questions that can be answered using EBM
2. Apply the methods of searching the medical literature for appropriate studies to answer clinical questions of diagnosis, treatment, therapy, or prognosis
3. Analyze the findings of various published meta-analyses, systematic reviews, practice guidelines, case reviews, and expert opinions
4. Write a paper on a subject related to his/her practice that is suitable for publication

PA-647 W01 Advanced Clinical Problem Solving (3 credits)

Course Description: Advanced Clinical Problem Solving will use problem-based learning methodology. Students will be presented geriatric cases, as well as surgical cases in a sequential manner and be expected to review, discuss, and research the treatment options for each case. Students will be taught to differentiate normal aging from pathological processes, analyze inappropriate polypharmacy, develop differential diagnoses for various surgical disease processes, and analyze the risks and benefits of common surgical interventions.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Differentiate normal aging from pathological processes
2. Analyze the problems of polypharmacy within specific geriatric cases and develop a methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the medications and recommend different therapies as indicated
3. Develop a differential diagnosis for various surgical disease processes and explain the risks and benefits of the surgical management options that are available
4. Analyze the risks, benefits, and options of surgical interventions of common surgical pathologies

PA-688 W01 Research Project (3 credits)

Course Description: This course will build on research methodology skills acquired during HP-610. Specifically, the Physician Assistant student will complete a Masters thesis on a research topic selected with the assistance of a faculty mentor. As part of the completion of this course, the student will be required to write a review article on a prominent medical topic of his/her choice. This review article will be selected and written with the assistance of the student's faculty research mentor. Students will be expected to comply with the IRB and HIPPA research regulations, independently synthesize the information obtained, write a manuscript, and present their unique findings in either a poster session or oral presentation at a professional conference. Additionally, as a final product, students will be required to have their work "publication ready" for review for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Prerequisite: HP 610 W01