Programme Specification
1. Awarding Institution / Body
2. Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
3. University School/Centre
4. External Accreditation
5. Title of Final Award
6. Modes of Attendance offered
7. UCAS Code
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
9. Other external influences
University of Central Lancashire
University of Central Lancashire
School of Health Sciences
Not Applicable
Post Graduate Certificate in Enhanced Clinical Practice
Part time
Not Applicable
Department of Health (2010) Advanced Level Nursing: A
Position Statement
RCN Domains and Competencies for Advanced Nurse
Practitioners (2010)
Advanced Level Nursing: A Position Statement (2010)
NW Strategic Health Authority NHS (2006) Concordat
College of Paramedics Curriculum Guidance
General Pharmaceutical Council
10. Date of production/revision of this form 23 January 2014
11. Aims of the Programme
This programme will enable experienced healthcare practitioners to acquire enhanced clinical skills in relation to patient (adult and/or paediatric) assessment, examination, diagnosis and management.
This will enable students to complete a full patient assessment, with either diagnosed or undiagnosed conditions, reach a diagnosis or differential diagnosis and develop an appropriate management strategy.

12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding
A1. Critically appraise the theory that underpins enhanced practice in order to develop professional competence
A2. Critically analyse pathophysiological processes related to health, disease and injury
A3. Critically appraise clinical decision making skills to support problem solving in complex and unpredictable situations
A4. Synthesize knowledge to create new insights and solutions to enhance their clinical practice
Teaching and Learning Methods
Direct University classroom contact includes key lectures, group discussion, practice based scenarios and seminars. There will be the opportunity for reflections, group work and interactive exercises.
Electronic discuss board. Individual tutorials and supervision. Clinical skills laboratories will utilised for role play and simulation.
Assessment methods
Case presentation, critique of consultation & Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Critically analyse their role and performance in relation to the clinical consultation process
B2. Critically reflect on their clinical practice, and their application of specialist knowledge in the implementation of the individual’s management plan.
B3. Evaluate their clinical decisions in relation to patient outcomes and evolving care needs
B4. Evaluate their role within the context of the multidisciplinary healthcare team and the impact of this on patient outcomes
B5. Practice at an enhanced level within the context of professional accountability.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Direct University classroom contact includes key lectures, group discussion, the exploration of clinically based scenarios and seminars. There will be the opportunity for reflections, video analysis, group work and interactive exercises. The use of clinical skills laboratories will facilitate the acquisition of clinical skills through demonstration, role play and simulation exercises. Work based learning with their Clinical Mentor will support the application of theory to practice
Assessment methods
Case presentation, critique of consultation, OSCE & practical skills assessment
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Evaluate their enhanced role and responsibilities as practitioners in relation to academic and professional progression.
C2. Appraise the evidence that underpins enhanced clinical practice
C3. Critically evaluate clinical decision making strategies to promote safety and help deal with uncertainty
C4. Critically reflect on their personal responsibility for continued educational, professional and clinical practice development
Teaching and Learning Methods
Direct University classroom contact includes key lectures, group discussion, the exploration of clinically based scenarios and seminars. Utilising information technology opportunities. Work based learning with their Clinical Mentor will support the application of theory to practice

Assessment methods
Case study, critique of consultation, OSCE & practical skills assessment
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Practice as an enhanced practitioner, extending their scope of practice within their organisational boundaries
D2. Facilitate innovative and creative clinical practice designed to support an enhanced level of care
D3. Critically reflect upon the effectiveness of their interpersonal communication
Teaching and Learning Methods
Direct University classroom contact includes key lectures, clinical sessions, discussions, reflections
(Practice assessment document), group work, interactive exercises, exploration of patient centred case studies, seminars. Work based learning with both their Clinical Mentor and Manager will enable the growth of these transferrable and enhanced skills.
Assessment methods
Case presentation, critique of consultation, OSCE & practical skills assessment
13. Programme Structures*
Level Module
Code
Module Title Credit rating
14. Awards and Credits*
Level 7 NU4141 Deconstructing the
NU4142
Consultation
Advanced patient assessment and diagnostic skills
NU4067 Advanced paediatric assessment and diagnostic skills
20
40
40
Post Graduate Certificate,
Enhanced Clinical Practice
Requires 60 credits at Level 7
15. Personal Development Planning
QAA state that “the ultimate responsibility for deriving benefit from PDP should rest with each student”.
Students will be supported in this process via their Practice Assessment Document, discussions with their Practice Supporter and Module Supervisors. Within these forums help will be given to explore and record their development and to set individual goals and devise action plans to meet their needs and extend their personal and professional opportunities. Students will be encouraged to develop reflective skills on the academic knowledge they acquire and its application to clinical practice.
Students will be encouraged to apply their taught clinical skills sessions into their clinical practice to help consolidate their learning and skill proficiency. This will be supported by guidance and formative feedback from their Practice Supporter. Completion of a Practice Assessment Document will chart this progress and identify areas for on-going support.
Students will further develop their Information Technology skills by utilising e-Learn (virtual learning environment) and facilities within LIS. They will be instructed on how to search the literature effectively and be advised how to access further academic courses.
All students will be encouraged to utilise appropriate support systems such as module supervisor, personal tutor, peer support and University support via the ‘I’ and Student Services.
Students will be encouraged to access PDP documentation via student office, on-line.

Reference
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2004) Personal development planning (PDP). http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/Pages/PDP-publication.aspx
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.

Have a first degree (2:2 class or above) or equivalent, in a relevant health related subject from an approved institution of higher education

Have a current professional registration with a relevant professional / statutory body, such as the
Nursing & Midwifery Council, Health Professions Council, General Pharmaceutical Council

Significant post registration clinical experience in clinical practice

Be currently working a minimum of 18.5 hours a week, in a healthcare environment where there is opportunity for clinical exposure and a wide range of clinical consultations to enable the meeting and achievement of the course learning outcomes supported by an employer statement

Have an identified Practice Supporter, with suitable experience and skills, who will support and guide the student

Be able to satisfy the Course Leader that you are competent to pursue the programme
You may be invited for an informal discussion before being offered a place. The purpose of this discussion is to ensure that you understand the nature of the programme.
17. Key sources of information about the programme

Course Information website
(Provide direct link)

University of Central Lancashire website www.uclan.ac.uk

APPENDIX 21 - CDG
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Level
Module
Code Module Title
Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)
Knowledge and understanding Subject-specific Skills Thinking Skills
Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 A2 A3 A4 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3
NU4141
Deconstructing the
Consultation
NU4142
Advanced Patient
Assessment & Diagnostic
Skills
NU4067
Advanced Paediatric
Assessment & Diagnostic
Skills
Core
Option
Option
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