Master Advanced Practice (Gastrointestinal Nursing)
ObjectivesThis pathway aims to provide sound theoretical underpinnings and extend the depth of clinical knowledge on which to base advanced practice in gastrointestinal nursing. Students undertake core modules focusing on foundations of gastrointestinal nursing practice, evidence-based practice and healthcare research. In addition students select clinically focused modules in gastrointestinal nursing for example: - Advanced Practice in Stoma Care Nursing - Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Advanced Practice - Advanced Endoscopy Nurse Practitioner (Upper GI) - Advanced Endoscopy Nurse Practitioner (Flexible Sigmoidoscopy) - Management of Intestinal Failure - Advancing Colorectal Cancer Nursing Practice - Advanced Practice in Behavioural Methods for Continence Care (Biofeedback). Other options from our BSc programme may also be available. Students who have already studied clinically focused modules at undergraduate or graduate level at King’s may be able to incorporate this study into the programme, subject to certain limits, provided that the credits have not already contributed to an award. Modules studied elsewhere may be incorporated through accreditation of prior certificated learning (subject to a successful accreditation claim). Students progressing to the MSc undertake a substantial research or service development project relevant to their own area of practice.
Entry requirementsThis pathway is designed for clinically based experienced healthcare professionals specialising in gastrointestinal disorders who are seeking to extend and expand their clinical practice and develop their professional role. Extensive previous clinical experience is assumed.
Academic titleMSc, PG Dip, PG Cert Advanced Practice (Gastrointestinal Nursing)
Course descriptionProgramme description
- Tuition from leading experts.
- Seminars and lectures given by leaders in healthcare from around the world.
- A multi-faculty environment providing interprofessional learning.
Programme format and assessment
The majority of assessment is by coursework; some modules are also assessed by one examination.
Programme modules for MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert Advanced Practice (Gastrointestinal Nursing)
Advanced Practice in Stoma Care Nursing
The aim of this course is to further enhance the theoretical and practical knowledge and clinical skills of the stoma care nurse in preparation for advanced practice. The course will build on previous knowledge and skills gained from Stoma Care Nursing - Principles and Practice. Content to be explored will include physiological issues, complex fistula and intestinal failure management, ileo-anal pouches and professional issues related to stoma care nursing. You will be expected to complete three days in a clinical setting. Assessment will be an OSCE, written examination and a practice portfolio. You must be working as a stoma care nurse. Successfully passed Stoma Care Nursing - Principles and Practice or equivalent.
Advancing Colorectal Cancer Nursing Practice
The aim of this course is to develop and further your critical application of the specialist knowledge and skills required to support and care for people with colorectal cancer and their family. The course provides you with the opportunity to develop an analytical understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of specialist service development, advances in clinical practice, political influences and policy development. The emphasis of the course will be on the facilitation of critical thinking and its application enabling critical review and advancement of specialist practice in colorectal cancer. This course is assessed by one written assignment.
Analysis & Proposal in Policy or Research
This is a self directed project that offers offers students the opportunity to demonstrate and develop their critical understanding and integration of the subject matter of the taught elements of their respective programmes in order to develop deeper expertise in a topic of their choice. Students undertake self-directed project work with up to three hours one to one supervision. The project will consist of either a proposal for a research, practice development or service development project based on an analysis of the evidence base and priority for research/development for an aspect of health care organisation or practice OR an evidence-based critique of a current health policy either in the UK or another country, incorporating recommendations for development, implementation, change and response.
Biofeedback for continence care
The aim of this course is to critically analyse the knowledge and advanced practice competencies to enable independent practice in the conservative management of patients with urinary and faecal incontinence and related symptoms. You will be required to demonstrate competency in using biofeedback and related behavioural techniques, including development of clear and evidence-based protocols for dealing with adverse reactions and problems associated with incontinence. You will also be able to identify key concepts of the advanced practitioner in continence care and evaluate their integration into advanced practice. Assessment will be by a practice portfolio. You will need to be working in a clinical area with patients who have incontinence.
Dissertation (Healthcare)
Project work continues for 12 months, with 30 days assigned for contact with academic staff. Additional time is needed for data collection during the course of the students work. The relevant interests and expertise of both students and supervisors determine the nature of projects. Careful design and measurement is emphasised. In addition to individual supervision, regular seminars and tutorials are offered to encourage and support students and these sessions are used by the students to present ideas for their projects and to facilitate discussion of problems encountered. A report of no more than 20,000 words must be submitted. It should include critical evaluation of the existing literature in the area and an appropriate presentation of the students work. Sucessful completion of taught MSc elements (postgraduate diploma) is a pre-requisite for this module.
Empirical Study
Project work continues for 12 months, with 30 days assigned for contact with academic staff. Additional time is needed for data collection during the course of your work. Your interests and expertise and that of your supervisors determine the nature of projects. Careful design and measurement is emphasised. In addition to individual supervision, regular seminars and tutorials are offered to encourage and support you and these sessions are used for you to present ideas for your projects and to facilitate discussion of research problems encountered. A research report of no more than 20,000 words must be submitted. It should include critical evaluation of the existing literature in the area and an appropriate presentation of your research. Dissertations are assessed and you may be required to attend a viva voce examination. Successful completion of taught MSc elements (postgraduate diploma) is a pre-requisite for this module. Runs over the course of 1 academic year starting in September. Regular supervisor meetings arranged by you.
Endoscopy Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Flexible Signoidoscopy)
The aim of this course is to consolidate and further develop your theoretical knowledge, understanding and psychomotor skills required to provide flexible sigmoidoscopy as part of the endoscopy nurse practitioner role. The theoretical content of the course will provide you with knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and disease management processes for the GI tract thus advancing your specialist role. The practical component of the course will assist you in developing the clinical psychomotor skills endoscopy to the required standard, enabling them to practice as an independent nurse endoscopy practitioner. The course is assessed by an OSCE and a written examination. You will be required to complete a log book detailing supervised practice (in line with the JAG requirements*). You can only undertake this course if you will be performing endoscopic procedures as part of your clinical role. You will be able to identify a JAG* approved practice supervisor and this commitment must be guranteed prior to your undertaking the course. *JAG (2004) Guidelines for the training, appraisal and assessment of trainees in GI endoscopy Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Endoscopy Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Upper GI)
The aim of this course is to cosolidate and further develop your theoretical knowledge, understanding and psychomotor skills required to provide gastroscopy as part of the endoscopy nurse practitioner role. The theoretical content of the course will provide you with knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and disease management processes for the GI tract thus advancing your specialist role. The practical component of course will assist you in developing the clinical psychomotor skills of endoscopy to the required standard, enabling you to practice as an independent nurse endoscopy practitioner. The course is assessed by an OSCE and a written examination. You will be required to complete a log book detailing supervised practice (in line with the JAG requirements*). This course can only be undertaken by practitioners who will be performing endoscopic procedures as part of their clinical role. They will be able to identify a JAG* approved practice supervisor, and this commitment must be guaranteed prior to the student undertaking the course. * JAG (2004) Guidelines for the training, appraisal and assessment of trainees in GI endoscopy Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Evidence-based Decision Making in Healthcare
This course aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to identify best evidence for your practice. It focuses on searching for, appraising and synthesising evidence from health care research. You are introduced to a range of electronic databases for accessing evidence and the principles of systematic review. Learning is facilitated through lectures, workshops and a student-directed search for evidence to address a question emerging from your own practice. Issues surrounding research implementation and evidence at the level of the individual practitioner and the health care organisation are addressed. Assessment is by means of a review of literature which answers a focussed question utilising explicit methods.
Foundations of gastrointestinal nursing
The aim of this course is to equip senior nurses specialising in gastrointestinal nursing with the advanced theoretical knowledge to underpin further study in your chosen sub-speciality, which will prepare you for an Advanced Practice role. After taking this course you will be able to critically review and synthesize leading-edge research. The course content will include the effect of pharmacology, psychology, nutrition and ageing on gut function and the investigation, treatment and management of gastrointestinal disorders. The course is assessed by written examination. You must be working in the gastroinstetal clinical area.
Inflammatory bowel disease - advanced practice
The aim of the course is to develop your knowledge and systematic understanding of empirical issues surrounding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) nursing. You will have the opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills to make clinical decisions in complex situations relating to IBD. The course aims to explore theoretical underpinnings of service development, advances in clinical pratice and policy development. The course aims to facilitate and enhance student's critical thinking on developing their special role in evidence based practice. This course will be assessed with one written assignment.
Issues in the Conduct of Healthcare Research
This course aims to raise awareness of issues that arise inthe conduct of research, from writing research proposals to the publication of findings. It will be useful for students embarking on a research or service development project, for new researchers wishing to develop their skills, and for healthcare professionals seeking to evaluate healthcare services. Issues covered in the course include gaining funding, managing research schedules, involving users in the research process, working with external agencies, addressing ethical and political issues in research, and managing aspects of the data collection process - for example overcoming poor response rates and managing group dynamics in focus group research. Learning is facilitated through lectures, recommended reading and seminars. The seminars provide a series of How to... sessions that facilitate application of concepts learnt during the Principal Methods for Healthcare Research course. For example: How to develop an interview schedule, or How to run a focus group. These seminars enable students to gain a practical understanding of the research process.
Management of intestinal failure
The aim of the course is to develop your evidence based knowledge and skills enabling you to advance your clinical practice and professional role in managing and supporting patients with intestinal failure. On completion of the course you will be able to apply a critical understanding of the altered gastrointestinal function in the treatment of patients with Instestinal Failure and critically evaluate your advanced professional role in implementing appropriate and effective care, as well as review and synthesise the physical, psychological and social implications for living with a chronic condition on the patient and their family/society. Assessment will be by written assignment.
Principal Methods for Healthcare Research
This introductory course aims to provide students a broad knowledge of research approaches and techniques used in healthcare research. It intends to promote students understanding of, and enhance skills for critiquing research articles. Further it aims to promote the development of skills required to undertake a research-based project in the future. The course is essential for students who have not previously studied research methods or who would benefit from revision of this knowledge. It will consider philosophical bases for research, traditions and features of qualitative and quantitative research designs, data collection tools used in qualitative and qauntitative research and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. This course is a precursor for the second research methods course, Issues in the Conduct of Healthcare Research.
Duration
PT up to a maximum of six years. Typically students take one year to complete a certificate, two years for a diploma and three years for an MSc.