Course description
Introduction
The European Working Time Directives (EWTD) begin their final implementation phase from August 2007. These directives set strict limits on the maximum number of hours that junior doctors are able to safely work; as such, they have important staffing and resource implications within the NHS. In addition, the introduction of Advanced Practitioners is a concept driven by the NHS modernisation agenda as it represents a convergence of three national policy streams (i.e. modernisation, advanced nursing and care for neonates, infants, children and young people). It also signifies a shift from the traditional ‘physician only’ model of paediatric service delivery and establishes Advanced Practitioners as important players in the delivery of new ways of working to provide consistent and quality critical care services for infants, children and young people.
Modules in the last year of the programme focus on advanced skills in evidenced-based practice, case management of infants, children and adolescents with complex health needs and issues in advanced practice (with a special emphasis on the development and implementation of new roles).
The programme places tremendous emphasis on clinical acumen and requires over 500 hours of precepted practice in a variety of critical care settings. In addition, the programme is unique in its integration of research and evidence-based practice in each module (rather than consolidating the research into a large dissertation project).This shift from a traditional MSc educationalstructure operationalises the concepts of modernisation and evidenced-based practice as you will research, evaluate and apply the evidence base to advanced clinical paediatrics from the very first module.
Options within the programme include qualifying as an Extended Independent and Supplementary Prescriber (NMC V300 award) or completing a module in advanced paediatric and neonatal ventilatory support. The prescribing module is the only one in the country that applies the NMC V300 content to neonatal and paediatric prescribing practice.
Course Programme
Please note: use of the term ‘Paediatric’ implies content across the full developmental spectrum. In addition, most modules are available for stand alone access; please contact the Programme Director to discuss.
YEAR 1 (Part-time delivery)
- Advanced Paediatric Pathophysiology (20 credits Level M)
- Advanced Paediatric Health Assessment (20 credits Level M + 75 clinical hours)
- Option module (20 credits Level M + 90 clinical hours)
Potential choices include:
Advanced Paediatric Pharmacology and Prescribing
Extended Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (Advanced Paediatric Prescribing and Pharmacology)
Advanced Paediatric Ventilation
YEAR 2 (Part-time delivery)
- Paediatric Critical Care 1 (20 credits Level M + 120 clinical hours)
- Paediatric Critical Care 2 (20 credits Level M + 120 clinical hours)
- Paediatric Critical Care 3 (20 credits Level M + 120 clinical hours)
YEAR 3 (Part-time delivery)*
- Management of Complex and Chronic Health Needs in Paediatrics (20 credits Level M)
- Evidence-based Practice for the Advanced Practitioner (20 credits Level M)
- Advanced Professional Role Development (20 credits Level M)
Delivery
Delivery of the programme will be conducted through a modified distance learning (or blended learning) approach. The current part-time option and blended learning strategy was developed in order to improve access to this innovative and highly regarded programme so that the early success of the full time APNP pilot (2005-2007) could be built upon. Teaching will be provided by an established multi-disciplinary team and will utilise a variety of learning technologies including: pod casting, on-line discussion group and video streaming alongside more traditional formats such as clinical conferences, tutorials, case presentations and problem-based learning activities. There will be shared learning across the three routes of the Advanced Paediatric and Neonatal Practice Programme with the route specific specialty modules delivered in the second year of each respective programme.
Assessment
Each module has its own assessment strategy. Examples include: Written assignments, examination, OSCE evaluations, student presentations and portfolio development.
