Certificate of Higher Education in Paramedic Practice Programme Specification Primary Purpose Course management, monitoring and quality assurance. Secondary Purpose Detailed information for students, staff and employers. Current students should refer to the related Course Handbook for further detail. Disclaimer The University of Portsmouth has checked the information given in this Programme Specification and believes it to be correct. We will endeavour to deliver the course in keeping with this Programme Specification but reserve the right to change the content, timetabling and administration of the course whilst maintaining equivalent academic standards and quality. Copyright The contents of this document are the copyright of the University of Portsmouth and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the University of Portsmouth.
Contents Programme Specification 1. Named Awards... 1 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable)... 1 3. Awarding Body... 1. Teaching Institution... 1 5. Accrediting Body... 1 6. QAA Benchmark Groups... 1 7. Document Control Information... 1 8. Effective Session... 1 9. Author... 1 10. Faculty... 1 11. Department... 1 12. Educational Aims... 2 13. Reference Points... 2 1. Learning Outcomes... 2 A. Knowledge and Understanding of:... 2 B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to:... 3 C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to:... D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to:... 5 15. Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements... 5 16. Employability Statement... 6 17. Support for Student Learning... 6 18. Admissions Criteria... 6 A. Academic Admissions Criteria... 6 B. Disability... 7 19. Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching... 7 A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation... 7 B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation... 8 C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback... 8 D. Staff Development Priorities... 9 20. Assessment Strategy... 9 21. Assessment Regulations... 9 22. Role of Externals... 10 23. Indicators of Standards and Quality... 10 A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition... 10 B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent)... 10 C. Quality Assurance Agency... 10 D. Others... 10 2. Other Sources of Information... 10
Programme Specification 1. Named Awards Cert HE Paramedic Practice 2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) C2606F 3. Awarding Body University of Portsmouth. Teaching Institution University of Portsmouth 5. Accrediting Body Health and Care Professions Council 6. QAA Benchmark Groups Paramedic Science 7. Document Control Information Version 1 April 2015 8. Effective Session March/June 2016 9. Author Mr Phil Ashwell 10. Faculty Science 11. Department School of Health sciences and Social work Programme Specification for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page 1
12. Educational Aims Provide students with the opportunity to build upon their previous professional and educational experience enabling them to apply to register as a paramedic. Provide a learning environment that allows all students to reach their potential Provide an environment that encourages students to make the link between theory and practice via supervised work-based clinical practice Encourage independent thought and study The application of a scientific and evidence-based approach to patient care through the development of research skills. The acquisition of a sound theoretical base and improved patient assessment skills leading to enhanced diagnostic and clinical decision making abilities Provide an understanding of the complexities of patient care within the pre-hospital environment To develop a reflective practitioner To develop the notion of the team and encourage inter-professional education Promote the need for continuous professional development as a registered clinician 13. Reference Points University of Portsmouth Curriculum Framework Document 2012 The scholarship and research expertise of academic members of staff QAA Code of Practice for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Higher Education Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) National Qualifications Framework Subject Benchmark Statements for Paramedics (200) Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee Clinical Practice Guidelines (2013) Health and Care Professions Council Standards (HCPC) of Education and Training (201) HCPC Standards of Proficiency Paramedics (201) HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics (2012) HCPC Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students (2012) College of Paramedics Paramedic Curriculum Guidance (201) University of Portsmouth Policy for the Assessment of Students (2012) University of Portsmouth s Education Strategy (2012-17) 1. Learning Outcomes A. Knowledge and Understanding of: A1. The key theoretical and practical concepts of paramedic practice A2. The integration of these concepts into clinical practice via high quality patient centred care A3. Evidence based practice and research that contribute to the development of pre-hospital care. A. The role of lifelong learning, reflection, continued professional development, peer support and multi professional working. Programme Specification for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page 2
A5. The application of best practice and current knowledge and research to paramedic practice across the health and social care spectrum whilst recognising the contributions made by other health care professionals through partnership working. A6. A variety of approaches to patient assessment and therapeutic interventions. Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Whole group/small group, individual tutorials, discussions, lectures, simulation and practical placement learning will be employed to support learning outcomes (A1-A6). Clinical specialists and peers working in practice provide additional support. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject (A1). Moodle, the university s virtual learning platform, will be utilised to support student development and also to provide direct links to learning and development resources including online study skills and the library catalogue. Assessment Evaluation of knowledge and understanding is through coursework assignments such as an essay, examinations and reflective accounts (A1, A3, and A). Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is used to evaluate (A1, A2, A5 and A6). Formative assessment and feedback will be provided through a variety of methods including practical assessments, work-based clinical placements, tutorials and self-directed study to, in particular, facilitate learning outcomes A1-A6. Moodle will be utilised to support student development and also to provide generic student feedback for formative and summative assessments. B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to: B1. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between practice and theory B2. Solve problems in the practice setting. B3. Assess, prioritise and plan care required by patients in the pre-hospital care environment B. Apply evidence based approaches to decision making B5. Analyse, evaluate, interpret and integrate data from a variety of sources in pre-hospital care. Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Students will be encouraged to think logically and evaluate evidence and ideas from a variety of sources. This will be achieved through the use of lectures, seminars, tutorials, directed study, reflective journals/logs and clinical placements and by providing relevant feedback on assessed work (B1-B5). Moodle will be utilised to support student development and also to provide direct links to learning and development resources including online study skills and the library catalogue Programme Specification for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page 3
Assessment Evaluation of intellectual and thinking skills is through written coursework essays, reflective reports and exams (B1, B and B5). OSCE and a practice portfolio will evaluate (B2 and B3). Students will meet regularly with their personal tutor and practice based clinical supervisor to review their progress. Moodle will be utilised to support student development and also to provide generic student feedback for formative and summative assessments. Formative oral presentations, essays and practice portfolios will encourage team working and provide the opportunity for formative feedback. C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to: C1. Communicate effectively in a range of settings. C2. Demonstrate best practice, professional and subject specific skills at threshold level for registration as a Paramedic. C3. Provide appropriate safe and effective care for patients in the pre-hospital care environment. C. Undertake appropriate clinical decision making and respond effectively to patients changing needs within their scope of practice. C5. Support families and significant others in the pre-hospital setting and reflect on practice. C6. Support colleagues and other health care professionals in their clinical practice. C7. Demonstrate clinical leadership qualities in the pre hospital care setting. Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Students develop their practical skills throughout the programme by applying their academic learning through part-task training and simulation and consolidated during clinical placement. These placements will be with the local Ambulance Service where suitably experienced practitioners undertake supervision of student paramedics during placements. Students are able to demonstrate profession-specific and subject-related skills (C1-C7) and obtain both formal and informal feedback from academic and clinical supervisors. Moodle will be utilised to support student development and also to provide direct links to learning and development resources including online study skills and the library catalogue. Assessment Most practical skills are developed in workshops and in clinical simulation, before being observed then practiced in clinical placements. Specific core skills are assessed at University in clinical suites / simulation labs. Other profession-specific skills are assessed primarily through the development of practice portfolios incorporating evidence of clinical competencies, reflective accounts, and OSCEs (C1-C7). Moodle will be utilised to support student development and also to provide generic student feedback for formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments will include practice portfolios, oral presentations and OSCEs, allowing for formative feedback. Programme Specification for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page
D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to: D1. Communicate ideas by written, oral and visual means. D2. Be competent in the use of Information Technology (word processing, databases, spreadsheets, electronic mail & Internet). D3. Approach problem solving in a systematic way and demonstrate the values required for health and social care D. Show an awareness of contextual and interpersonal factors in groups and teams and be able to work independently and as part of a team. D5. Undertake self-directed study in a supportive environment. D6. Recognise the need to assess one s own skills and to harness them for future learning. Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods Seminars and tutorials are used to develop personal awareness and communication skills, whilst working in a collegiate environment (D1, D, D5 and D6). Independent working and practical information technology skills will be developed via tutorials and seminars (D2). Multi professional working within clinical practice will develop (D1, D3, D and D6). Moodle will be utilised to support student development and also to provide direct links to learning and development resources including online study skills and the library catalogue. Assessment Learning outcomes D1-D6 are assessed through coursework, reports, OSCEs, in-class tests and clinical competences within practice portfolios. Moodle will be utilised to support student development and also to provide generic student feedback for formative and summative assessments. Formative oral presentations, essays and practice portfolios will encourage team working and provide the opportunity for formative feedback as well as developing transferable skills. 15. Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements This is a full time work based learning course delivered over one non-standard academic year leading to the award of Cert HE Paramedic Practice. To complete the award 120 credits at level will be required. One credit is equivalent to 10 hours study and units are offered as 20 credits (200 hours of study) and 0 credit units (00 hours of study) over the year. Students are expected to complete all core units in order to meet the regulatory and professional bodies accreditation and registration requirements. Placement learning is compulsory and the College of Paramedics Curriculum document (2013) state a minimum of 750 practice hours per year is required for successful completion of the course. An aegrotat award is not available (HCPC SET 6.9). Programme Specification for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page 5
Standard University rules apply. The regulations must be consulted for a full description of exit awards. 16. Employability Statement The Cert HE Paramedic Practice programme meets the educational requirements to enable students to apply for registration with the UK regulatory body (HCPC) as a paramedic. During the programme, students will be given the opportunity to; manage a range of tasks manage others manage information manage themselves and their learning. An integral part of the vocational programme is clinical placements which occur throughout the programme. This allows the students the opportunity to use their taught skills and techniques within the clinical environment. On completion of a clinical placement students draw conclusions about their abilities and the areas for improvement using self reflection as part of the students clinical portfolio. The self reflection forms the basis of discussion on their progress with their academic tutor. 17. Support for Student Learning The Course is managed by a Course Leader Extensive induction programme introduces the student to the University and their course Each student has a personal tutor, responsible for pastoral support and guidance University support services include careers, financial advice, housing, counselling etc The Academic Skills Unit (ASK) The Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre (ASDAC) Excellent library facilities Student course and unit handbooks provide information about the course structure and University regulations etc Feedback is provided for all assessments Personal Development Planning (PDP) for all awards Laboratory and Simulation of Practice Teaching and assessment facilities Faculty Placement Office Dedicated learning environment lead for South Central Ambulance Service to manage student placements and mentor allocation Clinical link tutors from the course team Mentor hotline (dedicated phone line for mentors available 365 days with voicemail between midnight 0600 hrs direct to one of the course team 18. Admissions Criteria A. Academic Admissions Criteria Admission to this course is strictly limited to existing clinical staff from South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust. As well as being clinical staff all entrants on to this course have to demonstrate the following: Programme Specification for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page 6
Current IHCD qualified Ambulance Technician or experienced ECA with 1 year minimum post course experience Currently holds 3x GCSE Grades A*-C and/or O-levels Grades A-C Previous and recent academic study undertaken and qualified within the last 5 years which must be a science based subject at NVQ, BTEC or Level 3 equivalency ie. Access to HE Diploma (Science, Health & Social Care or Nursing), to include a minimum of 21 level 3 credits in Science subjects at merit or above Produce a portfolio of evidence based on a detailed list of criterion Successfully complete an online level Anatomy & Physiology examination All applicants whose first language is not English must have a proficiency in the English language at a minimum of IELTS band 7 with no component score below 6.5 International applicants are not accepted due to current funding arrangements and placement capacity Values based recruitment The NHS Constitution and the values it represents are embedded throughout our relevant health and social care programmes and recruitment processes. For courses related to health and social care recruiting students with the appropriate values base is an essential part of the admission process. The NHS values as laid out in the NHS constitution are used as the template against which the values of applicants are assessed. This will be evidenced within marketing materials (e.g. course web pages), admissions tools (UCAS form assessments, interview record sheets) and the general admissions process. http://www.nhs.uk/choiceinthenhs/rightsandpledges/nhsconstitution/pages/overview.aspx. All offers subject to successful Interview and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance and Occupational Health clearance. All applicants must be aged 18 or over at the start of the course and will be interviewed jointly with an academic member of staff and representatives from one of the local Ambulance Services. B. Disability The University makes no distinction in its admissions policy with regard to disability and will endeavour to make all reasonable adjustments in order to make it possible for students to study at Portsmouth on a course of their choice. However, students must be able to: Undertake the physical role of working in the pre-hospital environment which includes moving and handling of patients and responding to emergency situations. Undertake activities in a timely manner when it is a situation that is time critical. Meet the occupational health requirements for working in pre-hospital environment and will be subject to physical examination in accordance with the University s occupational health recommendations. 19. Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation Course Leader s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review Programme Specification for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page 7
Head of Department s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review Unit and Course Level student feedback considered at Board of Studies Unit Assessment Board consideration of student performance for each programme Annual Standards and Quality Reports to Board of Studies, including consideration of Subject and Award External Examiner Reports Periodic Programme Review Student Representatives and Student/Staff Consultative Committees National Student Survey National Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey Staff Performance and Development Review Peer Review and Development Framework Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee SHSSW Education Committee School Education Committee Clinical Liaison Group Education Partnership Forum Clinical Placement evaluations Commissioners Annual Review HCPC approval with annual monitoring process B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation Unit Co-ordinators for unit content and delivery Course Leader for day-to-day running of course Deputy Course Leader for day-to-day running of Combined Honours route University Academic Contact for day-to-day running of course Partner Institution Academic Contact Board of Studies with overall responsibilities for operation and content of course Combined Honours Management Board Head of Department Associate Dean (Academic) Associate Dean (Students) Quality Assurance Committee Unit, Award and Progression Board of Examiners SHSSW Placement committee Faculty Placement Office Practice Learning Group Paramedic Science Clinical Liaison Group Clinical Mentor assigned to each student whilst in practice C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback Student Representation on Board of Studies Student Staff Consultative Committees Unit and Course level student feedback questionnaires University participates in external student surveys, eg National Student Survey (NSS), Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and International Student Barometer (ISB) Programme Specification for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page 8
Individual student feedback via tutorial system Reflective accounts of placement Placement evaluation questionnaires Paramedic Science Clinical Liaison Group D. Staff Development Priorities Academic staff undertake activities related to research, scholarship, teaching and learning and student support and guidance Annual staff performance and development reviews match development to needs Managers undertake a variety of management development programmes New academic staff required to undertake appropriate University of Portsmouth learning and teaching programmes All academic staff encouraged to seek Higher Education Academy membership Academic staff new to teaching required to undertake Initial Professional Development Programme (iprof) Support staff are encouraged to attend short courses in areas such as minute taking, and specific IT packages Supporting Learners in Practice 2 day course offered to placement provider for staff development Specific development in relation to Professional and Regulatory requirements 20. Assessment Strategy Assessment Level All units are assessed at level. The assessment methods for level are designed to introduce and test understanding of key underpinning concepts through use of essays, written examinations, OSCE, portfolios of evidence and practice outcomes. These methods of assessment facilitate a multi-faceted approach that covers level four curriculum requirements. Essays and written examinations will allow the student to demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the curriculum; OSCE and clinical competencies within practice outcomes will allow knowledge and demonstration of psychomotor skills to be developed and assessed in order to identify fit for purpose and practice at this level. Opportunities for feedback on progress will be provided by formative activities. 21. Assessment Regulations Standard university rules apply (see Assessment and Regulations). For HCPC approved programmes the following exemptions apply: Students are limited to a maximum of one second attempt assessment at each unit, if they are eligible following the first sitting and one subsequent repeat attempt in the following academic year. Compensation is not allowed. Where a course has an exemption that limits or prohibits compensation and an exemption that limits the number of attempts to pass a unit, then on the final attempt allowed in that unit, the student will be allowed to submit an extenuating circumstances form. If the extenuating circumstances are found to be valid, then the Unit Assessment Board may allow a further attempt in this unit in accordance with the regulations. Students will be forewarned by their department or school when they reach a final attempt in a unit. No modern foreign languages at Level 5 Second attempt practice assessment to be undertaken at earliest opportunity, which may be before UAB has confirmed the failed attempt. Programme Specification for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page 9
A non-standard year will apply. 22. Role of Externals Subject External Examiners who will: oversee unit assessment and usually attend Unit Assessment Boards; review unit assessment strategy; sample assessment artefacts; present report to Unit Assessment Boards. Award External Examiners (usually also a Subject External Examiner) who will: oversee and attend Award/Progression Boards; scrutinise and endorse the outcomes of assessment; ensure that the standard of the award is maintained at a level comparable with that of similar awards elsewhere in the United Kingdom. 23. Indicators of Standards and Quality A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition Health and Care Professions Council approval is being sought November 3 rd & th 2015 B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent) The course will be subject to normal monitoring and review policy and procedures. C. Quality Assurance Agency QAA Institutional Audit March 2015, ( meets expectation in all four areas, report pending). D. Others None. 2. Other Sources of Information Other sources of information may be found in: Course Approval Document Student Handbook University of Portsmouth Curriculum Framework Document University of Portsmouth Undergraduate Prospectus Assessment Regulations University of Portsmouth and School/Department websites Practice assessment handbook Mentors handbook Programme Specification for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page 10
25. Unit Assessment Map UNITS COURSEWORK EXAMINATION Level Name Code Credits Delivery 1 Type 2 Introduction to Research Paramedic Practice Complex Patients Clinical Assessment and Decision Making Clinical Practice U2612 U2613 U261 U2615 U2616 Total % Type of Artefact 20 Year Core 100% Oral Presentation Written assignment Duration/ Length 20 mins 1500 words Weighting % 25% 75% Total % Open/ Closed 20 Year Core 100% OSCE Closed Exam 20 Year Core 100% Case report Presentation 1500 words 20 minutes 70% 30% Duration (hrs) 60 mins 60 mins 20 Year Core 50% Reflective report 1500 words 100% 50% OSCE 60 mins P/F 0 Year Core 100% Practice Assessment Document Portfolio Attendance 2000 words 1500 words P/F 100% P/F Weighting % P/F 100% 1 1=Teaching Block 1 (Sep-Dec); 2=Teaching Block 2 (Jan-Mar); Year=Both (Sep-Mar); 3=Teaching Block 3 (May-Sep or Apr-Sep if you include the CAP); All=TB1, 2 and 3 (Sep-Sep) 2 C=Core; O=Option; S=Subject Core Option Unit Assessment Map for CertHE Paramedic Practice Page 1
26. Unit Learning Outcomes Map 3 UNITS Level Description Unit Credits Delivery Type A1 A2 A3 A A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 B B5 C1 C2 C3 C C5 C6 C7 D1 D2 D3 D D5 D6 Introduction to Research Paramedic Practice Complex Patients Clinical Assessment and Decision Making Clinical Practice U2612 U2613 U261 U2615 U2616 20 Year Core 20 Year Core 20 Year Core 20 Year Core 0 Year Core 3 A = Knowledge and Understanding; B = Cognitive (Intellectual) Skills; C = Practical (Subject Specific) Skills; D = Transferable Skills Unit Learning Outcomes Map for Course Title Page 1