Programme Specification
Awarding institution:
Teaching institution:
Final award:
University of Bradford
Bradford and Airedale teaching Primary Care Trust
Postgraduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
Programme title:
Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology for Practitioners with a
Special Interest
Postgraduate Certificate in [specified module(s)] for Practitioners with a
Special Interest
Duration:
Normally 18 months part-time, but up to five years
Programme accredited by:
Royal College of General Practitioners;
Programme to be endorsed by: British Society of Gastroenterology (pending)
Date reviewed:
April 2007
This part-time diploma course comprises a large element of work-based and shared learning.
You therefore need not be Bradford-based to undertake the course. This course enables
General Practitioners (GPs) and other registered health professionals, in particular, primary
care practitioners, to gain a formally recognised award in the area of gastroenterology as a
special interest. It is the first postgraduate competence-based course to offer national
accreditation in gastroenterology, run from within the NHS, in collaboration with the University
of Bradford’s School of Health Studies. The programme is in the process of gaining the
approval in its structure and clinical components by the British Society of Gastroenterologists
and has gained approval from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in line with
national guidance for GPs and other registered health professionals in higher professional
education.
The course structure is specifically designed to encourage the development of a specialist
practitioner role, by encouraging collaborative clinical work-based training between the
GP/Practitioner and the consultant. Additionally, the course links the GP/Practitioner's training
with their host Primary Care Trust (PCT) service, in order to attempt to ensure that newly
acquired skills are put to appropriate use within the PCT post-qualification.
Learning will be channeled through the Bradford Primary Care Trusts, which have seen
sustained national achievements for innovation in practice and excellence in training.
Bradford Primary Care Trusts have been instrumental in moving the General Practitioner with
a Special Interest (GPwSI) agenda (as it was known then) forward nationally. In 1999,
Bradford South and West Primary Care Group was awarded the Service Development Award
of the National Association of Primary Care for its work on the role of the GPwSI and in 2001
achieved "Beacon" status for this aspect of its work. Equally the Commission for Health
Improvement Reports on Clinical Governance gave the Bradford PCTs involved in the
development of this course a commendation for their work with GPwSIs.
A
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
A.1 Enable GPs and other Practitioners to work independently at a ‘special interest’ level in
Gastroenterology.
A.2 Contribute to the extension of the role of the PwSI in Gastroenterology.
A.3 Establish a nationally recognised award in the training of PwSIs in Gastroenterology.
A.4 Establish and/or extend professional collaboration within the area of gastroenterology, in
order to develop the most appropriate care pathways for the patient.
B
Programme Learning Outcomes
These learning outcomes are compatible with the Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications. On successful completion of this award, you will be able to:
B1 Subject knowledge and understanding
B1.1 Use current and emerging knowledge to apply an advanced critical appreciation of the
pathophysiology and epidemiology of gastroenterological disorders and their
complications.
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B2 Discipline skills
B2.1 Triage and refer appropriately, patients whose symptoms may be due to
gastroenterological disorders and their complications.
B2.2 Undertake appropriate investigations for patients presenting with symptoms of
gastroenterological disorders and their complications and interpret the results accurately.
B2.3 Diagnose and manage appropriately patients who present with gastroenterological
disorders and their complications, by means of clinical interventions.
B2.4 Undertake appropriate evaluation and preventative management of patients with
gastroenterological disorders, addressing lifestyle and other related issues.
B2.5 Evaluate the PwSI role and its implications for the whole patient pathway and current
techniques for improving the delivery of patient care.
B3
B3.1
B3.2
B3.3
Personal Transferable Skills
Work autonomously and collaboratively, in a multidisciplinary context.
Critically appraise and update clinical knowledge.
Apply information technology as a medium for communication and presentation of data.
C
The Curriculum
The Postgraduate Diploma in Gastroenterology for Practitioners with a Special Interest is a
modular programme which can be completed in 18 months if modules are taken sequentially,
or may be staggered over a period not exceeding three years, other than in exceptional
circumstances, where study is proved viable over five years. Exceptional circumstances may
encompass illness, pregnancy or long-term family crises, although each application will be
taken on its merit. Each of the three clinical modules lasts six months. The fourth module is the
Applied Methodologies (AM) module which can be taken alongside one or more of the other
modules, over a maximum period of 18 months.
Each module is worth 30 credits, amounting to a total of 120 credits. For the
Postgraduate Diploma, all 30-credit modules are core modules. The Postgraduate Certificate
will be awarded to those who have not completed the entire programme, but who have
successfully completed at least the Applied Methodologies module and one other module.
Unit code
HH-8000T
HH-8010T
Unit title
Applied Methodologies
Assessment, Diagnosis and Management of Upper
Gastrointestinal Disorders
HH-8011T Assessment, Diagnosis and Management of Lower
Gastrointestinal Disorders
HH-8012T Assessment, Diagnosis and Management of Hepatobiliary
Disorders
C = Core; (o) = Optional for a certificate
C (o)
C
C (o)
Credits
30
30
Level
M
M
C (o)
30
M
C (o)
30
M
D
Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies
This postgraduate diploma is run by Bradford and Airedale teaching Primary Care Trust
(BAtPCT). The award is made through the University of Bradford and articulates with the
Postgraduate requirements.
A variety of learning methods is employed in the programme, to enable you to fulfil the
varied modular learning outcomes. The programme of study starts with two teaching days in
Bradford (one for the course introduction and the AM module, one for the first clinical module),
followed by a clinical placement and directed study for a minimum of 14 weeks and a maximum
of 6 months (clinical modules). Alongside this, directed study for the AM module will begin, for
up to 18 months. For clinical modules only, you will return to Bradford after placement for an
assessment day.
A large portion of study will be work-based learning, i.e. those elements of the programme,
which take place in your locality:
1
The clinical components of the programme centre around work-based learning, i.e.
practical learning in a work environment. This learning is undertaken on placement in the
locality, under the supervision of a clinical mentor. You will approach the mentor in the first
instance: he/she must be a GMC registered consultant gastroenterologist whose name appears
on a national register of practitioners, and who has teaching experience. The clinical mentor
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will receive a specific Mentor Guide including advice and support from the course management
team in fulfilling the role of mentor.
2
The tasks for directed study on placement are as follows: the development and
fulfilment of a programme of activities with the mentor, to meet clinical competence-based
learning outcomes; recording 12 interesting placement cases using a learning diary, to reveal
learning progress and learning needs; through guided reading, which underpins the knowledge
base for the course, (in the form of lists and website references) obtaining essential
background information to the module studied to inform your practice and the preparation of
assessed work; through scheduled meetings with your mentor, discussions concerning learning
needs and possible solutions e.g. advice, further reading, alteration of elements of your
programme.
3
The AM module involves working within the healthcare community to apply 3 different
methodologies. Directed study comprises researching and reading information, planning,
preparation and application of these.
4
It is anticipated that you will continue to work in your normal practitioner setting during
the period of study, and it is expected that ongoing learning will be applied in this context.
5
Peer learning is encouraged through peer contact in Bradford during
teaching/assessment days, and through participation in the online group learning environment.
Students will receive tuition in the use of this medium as part of their introduction to the course.
Outcome B1.1 will be developed through: lectures, seminars and workshops on the
teaching/assessment days; a course manual; guided study via websites, journals and books;
and mentor-led discussion of cases. Outcome B1.1 will be assessed through clinical case
studies. Outcomes B2.1 - B2.4: will be developed through practical engagement with patients,
mainly in the hospital setting, under the supervision and mentorship of your consultant and
his/her team (supervision in community clinics may be included here); reflective discussion with
your mentor; reflective learning through case study preparation and clinical logbook recording;
the application of learning with patients in general practice; and will be supported by guided
reading. These outcomes will be assessed principally by the mentor and other clinicians, who
will observe and sign off the participant as competent. Additionally, the logbook provides a
record of the 12 most interesting cases experienced, and the case studies indicate your ability
to demonstrate skills coherently. Outcome B2.5: will be developed through lectures, seminar
and workshop-style sessions, interviews with professionals in the service and with patients, and
through guided study, especially of current NHS websites. Outcome B3.1: is intrinsic to the
nature of the placement, and will be tested through continual mentor observation. Outcome
B3.2: will be developed through lectures, guided study and the preparation of a selected case
study for presentation. Assessment for outcomes B2.5-B3.2 will be made through submission
of a critical appraisal paper, a patient pathway paper and a portfolio of evidence showing
patient involvement methodologies. Outcome B3.3: will be developed and assessed through
the submission of documentation for the course, especially within the AM module, and
participation in the online group learning environment.
All written clinical assessments will be submitted by hand in Bradford on the
assessment day following each modular placement. Submissions of assessed work are made
electronically in the AM module. Assessments will be marked in accordance with the University
of Bradford, School of Health Studies, Master's level marking criteria.
E
Admission Requirements
The application process is divided into three parts: 1. Submission of an application form
indicating that you meet the professional/educational criteria. 2. Identification of a suitable
mentor. 3. Submission of letters of support showing suitability for you to undertake this course
of study. To be accepted onto the Diploma, and to benefit from this course of study, potential
students must meet the admission requirements for Masters level, as outlined by the University
of Bradford, in addition to those required by BAtPCT. You should be a registered practitioner
(GMC, NMC or HPC as appropriate) falling within the following groups: General practitioner;
gastroenterology specialist nurse; nurse practitioner; nurse consultant or other suitably qualified
registered primary or secondary care practitioner. GPs are additionally required to provide their
GP Qualification details and GMC registration number, and to show an interest or a
background in gastroenterology. It is desirable, but not essential, for GPs to be Members of the
Royal College of General Practitioners. If you are not a GP, you must provide evidence of a
Gastroenterology-related diploma or equivalent; one year experience in gastroenterology and
2-3 years post-qualifying practitioner experience. It is desirable for candidates to have
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experience in post-graduate education. All applications will be judged on their own merit and
prior learning experience. Once you have made an application for the programme, you must
obtain support from the local NHS hospital trust gastroenterological consultant (GMC
Registered) for mentorship and the provision of a placement. Support must also be obtained
from the local Primary Care Trust, for approval and direct or indirect support for training, as it
relates to the local setting. Without this evidence of support, you cannot be admitted on to the
programme. Applications are welcomed from candidates with disabilities, who will be
considered on the same academic grounds as all other applicants.
F
Admissions Policy
There will be a maximum of 12 participants per clinical module, all of whom can access the
Applied Methodologies module. The diploma has entry points in April and October. Groups
must normally have a minimum of 6 participants to run.
As the assessment elements of the postgraduate diploma require a substantial amount of
written work at masters level, in accordance with regulations from the University of Bradford
we ask that non-native speakers complete an IELTS English Language Exam at the required
level before they begin their studies.
G
Progression
Verification of clinical competence must be indicated by the consultant-mentor's signature on
assessment day. Failure to present the signed documents which evidence this signify failure of
the module, irrespective of other work presented. All written work and the case study
presentation must also be presented on assessment day, in order for students to progress to
the next module. The provisional results of assessments will normally be made known in the
six weeks following assessment day. You must pass all assessment tasks in the clinical and
academic modules by attaining 40% of the full marks. Masters level marking criteria which are
used for marking will be made available to help you check your work. Clinical competence is a
pass/fail element, with no assessment percentage attached to it. Should you be unsuccessful in
this element, you will be allowed to complete another 8 clinical sessions with the agreement of
your consultant. A new study plan covering the areas of concern will be devised and signed off
by the mentor. This should be returned within three weeks of dispatch of the letter detailing the
requirement to resit. You will have one opportunity to resit this element. Should you fail any
other element of assessments, one opportunity to resubmit work along the same lines as the
sessional assessment will be allowed.
In accordance with the Ordinances and Regulations of the University of Bradford, the
following applies: to be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma, all four 30-credit modules must
be successfully completed, amounting to a total of 120 credits. The standard thresholds of
distinction (70% or more) and merit (60-69%) will apply for marked work of an exceptional
nature for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma. For those who are not eligible for the
Diploma, having successfully completed the Applied Methodologies and one or two further
modules a Postgraduate Certificate in Gastroenterology may be awarded; the thresholds
described above will also apply. Participants who succeed in one module only, and who do
not qualify for one of the above awards, shall be eligible for the award of a Certificate of
Continuing Education.
H
Student support and guidance
The course manual will support you in all aspects of work-based learning and assessment. It is
also of great importance that regular contact between you, the tutors and the course team is
maintained. Tutor support, during the placement period, will be provided by a system of email
queries. Peer support is available to assist you with clinical questions through participation in
the online group learning environment. The course team can be contacted through the course
co-ordinator at all times during working hours. It is anticipated that a significant amount of
discussion relating to cases, working arrangements, progress, and approaches to study will
result from this group. As a University student, you have access to University resources such
as the computer centre, library, disability services, counseling service, etc. Support you can
expect from the mentor is outlined in the mentor guide (see rear of course manual). Mentors
have the responsibility to ensure appropriate induction of the mentee, in order to identify any
learning needs and direct the programme accordingly. Feedback and time for case discussion
should be provided, allowing for confidential and focused discussion of pertinent professional
experiences, as well as to encourage self-appraisal and assessment of clinical competence.
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The guide also enables mentors to understand the support they will receive automatically, and
can gain if required, from the course tutors. You are represented on a Course Management
Committee, and may give feedback about the course through this, in addition to the paperbased evaluation processes for end of unit (module) and stage (course) evaluation from the
University of Bradford.
Whilst you are made aware of support offered, you are also made aware of your
responsibilities in the participant course manual: i.e. taking responsibility for organising your
own learning, ensuring placement arrangements are acceptable; returning course
forms/assessment submissions on time; attendance at the first teaching day and the
concluding assessment day for each clinical module and at the initial teaching day for the
applied methodologies module; patient confidentiality; working to a professional code of
conduct and alerting the course tutors to problems which will affect your training.
Any complaints/appeals against marks should be made to the course team. The
team will review the case, involving the appropriate tutor and/or mentor at its discretion if
necessary. Should the complaint/appeal not be solved satisfactorily at this stage, the
University’s appeals procedure will be invoked. Any appeals following an
Assessment/Examination Board should be made to the Education Lead, who will then
forward this via the appropriate channels to the University.
I
Further Information/Disclaimers.
For further details about the course including course dates, costs, and more detailed learning
outcomes you should email: psi@bradford.nhs.uk. Changes in the above specification may be
made at any time by BAtPCT, but notification will be made as appropriate. Elements of the
programme are subject to University conditions including its status as an approved course. The
University reserves the right to alter or withdraw these elements at any time, and you will be
notified by the BAtPCT should this occur.
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