A realistic and practical introduction to all the skills of critical appraisal and writing designed to meet the needs of the health and social care student.

A Beginner's Guide to Critical Thinking and Writing in Health and Social Care, 3e

Ever struggled to write a critical essay? Ever wondered what critical thinking actually is and how you can apply it in your academic work and practice? This bestselling guide takes you through every stage of becoming a critical thinker, from approaching your subject to writing your essays or dissertation in health and social care. Each chapter tackles a different aspect of critical thinking and shows you how it's done using examples and simple language. Beginning with an overview of the importance of critical thinking, the book goes on to cover: How to think critically about different types of information as potential evidence, including books, journals, articles, websites, and, new to this edition, social media How to demonstrate critical thinking in written work and presentations How to adopt critical thinking in practice Updated with more references to online resources and critical appraisal tools, this fully revised second edition includes: The key tool 'Six questions for critical thinking' which will assist you in developing your skills for academic work and practice - updated for this edition in response to student evaluation An expanded worked example of critical analysis New exploration of the connection between theory and practice This book is an essential purchase for students and qualified healthcare staff alike and was highly commended in the BMA Medical Book Awards 2012. "This is an amazing book that I recommend to all levels of students as there is something in it for all. It is written in an easy to understand and friendly style that is accessible to anyone has an interest in critical thinking whether they are studying or not. It puts a different perspective on one’s thinking and has even turned it on its head for some students. I love this book and the sound of the penny dropping for my learners!" Liz Rockingham, Adult Field Lead / Teaching Fellow, University of Surrey, UK "In my estimation this is the definitive beginner‘s guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care. After reading this book any student should understand why and how critical thinking underpins professional practice and the highest endeavours in academic work and research. Within the book are three invaluable checklists: 1) 'Six questions for critical thinking',2) 'Critical thinking skills in your written work' and 3) 'Critical thinking, or relying on routine'. A wonderful book for both Undergraduate and Masters’ students and a must for hard-pressed academics who wish to encourage and endorse the need for critical thinking at all levels in all of their students". Dr Ruth Davies, Associate Professor Child and Family Health, Swansea University, UK "I did not intend to read this book cover to cover but it was such a pleasure I did. The book by Aveyard, Sharp and Woolliams achieves exactly what it sets out to do and is a comprehensive and highly readable guide. In this little gem the mysteries of critical thinking and writing are unpacked. Useful tools, resources, activities and worked examples are included and the reader is guided to develop their own skills. From the initial challenge to explore their personal values, beliefs and assumptions, through to how to adopt critical thinking in practice, the reader is left in no doubt as to the valuable contribution this book will make to developing their skills of critical thinking and writing for professional practice." Ailsa Espie, Senior Lecturer, Division of Nursing, Queen Margaret University, UK "Health and social care professionals navigate through extensive quantities of information in the course of their work. The ability to think clearly and critically is fundamental for appraising and implementing evidence and knowledge in practice. This book is an excellent place to start learning these vital skills and I recommend it to my students and to you." Dr Martin Webber, Anniversary Reader in Social Work, University of York, UK "I would recommend this book to any health care student, not just nurses, that require help in starting out how to write critically in essays, presentations, literature reviews and dissertations." Jade Day, Student Nurse at Anglia Ruskin University, UK

Have you heard of 'evidence based practice' but don't know what it means? Are you having trouble relating evidence to your practice? This is the book for anyone who has ever wondered what evidence based practice is or how to relate it to practice. Fully updated in this brand new edition, this book is simple and easy to understand - and designed to help those new to the topic to apply the concept to their practice and learning with ease. The book provides a step by step guide to what we mean by evidence based practice and how to apply it. This new edition features: Additional material on literature reviews and searching for literature Even more examples for health and social care practice Extra material on qualitative research and evidence based practice Expanded section on hierarchies of evidence and how to use them A Beginner's Guide to Evidence Based Practice in Health and Social Care is key reading for everyone involved in looking at and applying evidence in healthcare.

Good writing skills are essential for all students, but many students struggle to master good writing skills until later in their course. This book will help students doing health and social care subjects to better understand what good writing looks like, and how to do it themselves. The book shows students how to: *Plan pieces of writing *Execute good writing basics *Edit and refine their work *Write to a brief This essential guide includes multiple examples of good and bad writing to help students unpick the nuts and bolts of writing and writing skills. Taking an accessible approach, the authors include quotes and stories from real life students to help embolden students to tackle their writing fears - and become confident writers.

The ability to reflect critically is a vital nursing skill. It will help your students to make better decisions, avoid errors, identify good and bad forms of practice and become better at learning from their experiences. The challenges they will face as a mental health nurse are complex so this book breaks things down to the foundations helping them to build critical thinking and reflection skills from the ground up. Key features: · Covers the theory and principles behind critical thinking and reflection · Explores the specific mental health context and unique challenges students are likely to face as a mental health nurse · Applies critical thinking to practice but also to academic study, showing how to demonstrate these skills in assignments

This book answers all your students′ questions on the nursing research process. Restructured to follow their progress from being a novice nurse researcher to an experienced one, it gives them the knowledge to understand evidence-based practice and critical appraisal and to succeed in their own projects. Key features of the book are: Updated practical coverage of key methods such as conducting a survey and a section on the Research Excellence Framework International research examples in action Reflective exercises A companion website including access to journal articles and flashcards. It is essential reading for nursing undergraduates, postgraduates and all new researchers.

Welcome to nursing! Successful Studying for Nursing Students is part of the New Notes on Nursing series, a series created especially for you, the nursing student at the start of your nursing journey. This book is an in-depth look at all the study skills you will need in your first year of being a student and beyond. From getting started at university to critical thinking, Successful Studying for Nursing Students is your essential guide.The New Notes on Nursing series presents key topics in a highly accessible way, without making assumptions about your existing knowledge. Concise volumes cover critical and emerging areas, including cultural competence, digital professionalism, politics and activism, clinical placements and more. The aim is to make content engaging and easy to absorb, focussing just on what is essential for success on your course. Using a relaxed writing style and an all-new design, these unique books provide personal guidance from experts and students alike. So when you are in a hurry and need a study companion you can trust, reach for New Notes on Nursing! - Case studies and storytelling approaches help link theory to practice - Graphics, icons and mind maps enhance the text and aid visual learners - Written to show how specific knowledge relates to wider concepts - Learning is presented in small, self-contained sections for quick location and digestion - Terms and concepts are explained using simple language - Content is clearly mapped to latest NMC standards - Accompanying videos provide additional insights and bring study to life

This groundbreaking textbook provides Mental Health nursing students with the essential knowledge needed to deliver truly person-centred and compassionate care. It also adopts the latest approaches to mental health care by focusing on positive recovery and exploring both the bio-medical and psycho-social approaches.

- NEW! Part 2: Indigenous Peoples: Research, Knowledges, and Ways of Knowing introduces students to the history and significance of colonization as it relates to how Indigenous peoples have been affected by, and are affecting, nursing and health research. - NEW! Inclusion of Indigenous Research Methods and application to the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. - NEW! All-new research examples and vignettes demonstrate the most current, high-quality published studies to exemplify the work of prominent nurse-researchers and to encourage the development of clinical reasoning and judgement. - NEW! Critical judgement-focused practice questions in the printed text, accompanying study guide, and companion Evolve website promote critical thinking and prepare students for exam licensure. - NEW! Glossary of key terms at the end of the book gives students quick access to all new key terms.