Kilmarnock College
Excellence in the teaching of healthcare – gender based violence
In August 2009 the Health and Social Care curriculum team met with the Scottish
Government Equality Unit, Scottish Government Healthcare Policy and Strategy
Directorate and Women’s Aid to scope out the feasibility of incorporating a
programme focused on gender-based violence, for the first time into a health care
unit. This would support the Scottish Government commitment to creating a fairer
and safer Scotland.
The Higher National Certificate (HNC) Health Care framework incorporates a unit
focused on ‘Positive Health Care for Individuals’. This unit contained the appropriate
learning outcomes to support a programme focused on Gender Based Violence
(GBV).
The partners mentioned supported the development of this project, contributing their
time and knowledge. The project was delivered on two phases where the first
session provided an opportunity for the students to develop an understanding of
GBV, the roles and responsibilities of health care staff and the services available to
individuals. During the second session the students considered a variety of case
studies in order to promote a values and patient centred approach to care delivery.
The Nursing and Midwifery Code of Practice was incorporated into the session to
enable students to establish clear professional boundaries and maintain a safe
environment in the management of patients who experience GBV.
Learner feedback confirmed the value of this specific aspect of study, and the
effectiveness of the work in improving their professional skills and confidence.