MSc Advanced Clinical Practice

This module will examine the epistemology of research, the principles of ethical research and a critical analysis of how it is used in practice. Key aspects of content will address data collection and analysis methods and concepts of validity, reliability, rigour and trustworthiness. It will also incorporate other forms of evidence including audit and service evaluation. The emphasis throughout this module will be on the use and relevance of research skills to practitioners seeking to assess, improve or evaluate services. The module will harness students existing personal and life skills and knowledge of care as a basis for developing learning that is relevant and focussed on their practice needs and stage of professional development.

The aim of this module is to enable students to continue to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills of leadership, education and professional development. The module enables students to critically review leadership within the context of the advanced practice role, to understand the learning and teaching approaches that support clinical development and to evaluate strategies to support and develop themselves and others.

The module consist of:

• Leadership theories and application to practice and understanding self as a leader.
• Conceptual frameworks relating to leading and following, power and control, compliance and subversion.
• Strategies for developing a learning culture within organisations.
• Examination and application of skills to support leadership at an advance practice level.
• Evaluation of the role of the advanced clinical practitioner as a leader.

This module is designed for already experienced health professionals to prepare them for autonomous/advanced practice. It will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to treat, advise and discharge/refer patients presenting with a minor injury based on a systematic assessment and diagnosis. Trainees/learners are encouraged to undertake a minimum of 50 hours of clinical practice dedicated to taking of patient histories and appropriate physical examination. 

This module requires the student/learner to successfully complete identified practice-based competencies. It will be the learner’s responsibility to ensure that they are working in an appropriate role or have access to an appropriate area of clinical practice to enable completion of the competencies.

The module will focus on a specific assessment with attendant, interventions, patient management, health advice and health promotion for patients presenting with minor illness. You will consider your approaches in caring for adults and/or children drawing on advanced communication skills and techniques. The course requires you to develop both knowledge and skills, with practical clinical skills being developed in a minor illness field.  

Learners are required to secure an appropriate clinical field of practice and have access to a supervisor or practice assessor. 

The module will comprise of theoretical lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminar sessions to facilitate the development of the fundamental knowledge, understanding and skills underpinning the roles and responsibilities of coaching and its application within leadership.  

A key learning activity for this module is practical trio work in which students practise their coaching skills and through peer group learning develop a functional, supportive community of coaching practice.

This activity requires the whole student group to participate in a collaborative, facilitative and supportive manner at each study day

If you are undertaking the GPN Foundation course - please Apply Here

Induction Days for new starters is 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th September 2023 - attendance is required.

The aim of the module is to develop a critical understanding and perspective in relation to the management of complex health needs both at the individual and population levels across a range of community care settings.

This module will enable practitioners to consider their role in relation to the assessment and promotion of health and well-being of patients and families with complex and challenging needs. Data relating to complex care at individual, local and population level will be evaluated.

This module introduces the student to the complex aetiology and epidemiology of leg ulceration. It focuses on the holistic assessment and management of people with lower limb ulcers and discusses the controversies and evidence base surrounding effective leg ulcer management services. In addition, the student will have the opportunity to demonstrate competence in skills to effectively clinically assess and manage a person who has a leg ulcer, or is at risk of developing one. 

The aims of the module are to gain understanding and skills in the legal, professional and ethical issues that inform advanced clinical practice.

You will review and consider:

• national and international drivers informing advanced practice;
• examine risk and governance systems in advanced practice;
• evaluate decision making and communication strategies that inform your practice.

The module requires you to develop both knowledge and skills, with a focus on interpersonal skills, multi-professional relationships and critical awareness of learning for self and others being demonstrated through module activities. 

Students must be able to access supervision in practice over the duration of the module, in order to develop and apply their knowledge, understanding, and skills.

This module is a core element of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice programme.

The module will normally address:

• Policy related to advanced clinical practice.
• Legal, professional & ethical issues that inform advanced clinical practice.
• Governance processes and risk management strategies.
• Decision making strategies for advanced clinical practice.
• Concepts of learning.
• Advanced communication skills.

The content included in this module will provide students with the tools to develop their skills in advanced health assessment and clinical examination and also help to recognise a range of diagnostic indicators. This content will be delivered using a variety of teaching materials and practical sessions.

You will gain understanding and skills pertaining to the scope of advanced clinical practice that you are aspiring to. You will review and consider your scope of advanced practice, developing advanced clinical skills, evaluating diagnostic tools and strategies in relation to pathophysiology and the evidence base and developing learning strategies that inform practice. The module requires you to develop both knowledge and skills, with a focus on critical thinking, clinical judgement and reflection on personal development being demonstrated through course activities.

Students must be able to access a minimum of 100 hours of supervision in practice over the duration of the course, in order to develop and apply their knowledge, understanding, and skills.

This module aims to develop and consolidate understanding of the skills, knowledge and attributes required for safe, and effective treatment of people dermatological conditions. Successful completion will provide a deeper knowledge and understanding of the pharmacokinetics of topical and systemic treatments used to treat skin disease.

The module will develop and enhance patient consultation skills to formulate effective patient centred treatment options for a range of dermatology conditions whilst focusing on specialist knowledge of systemic and topical drug therapies used to treat skin disease.

This course may be studied on an assessed or non-assessed basis. You may also choose to study it as part of a longer academic award such as; MSc Clinical Dermatology, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.

This course will be of interest to GPs, GPwSI’s, FY1-2, GP ST 1- 3’s, Dermatology, Tissue Viability Specialist Nurses, and Hospital and Retail Pharmacists.

This module will enable practitioners working in community settings to develop the skills and knowledge required to work with individuals and families in complex and challenging situations. Policies and procedures related to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults will be evaluated, and practitioners will consider their role in relation to effective safeguarding practice. Approaches to multiagency and multi-professional collaboration in a community environment will be critically examined.

The aims of the module are to:

• Develop a deep and critical understanding of the impact of complex and challenging situations on children and families.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of current national and local policies and procedures relating to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
• Demonstrate a critical and systematic understanding of the legal, ethical and professional challenges of delivering a service for vulnerable children and families.

Please ensure that you also complete the pre-requisite checklist and submit with your application. 

All templates are to be found under "downloads" to the right of this page.

This module is suitable for all heath care professionals involved in the care of patients with a cancer diagnosis. Using an inquiry−based approach, students will gather a wide range of evidence and information in order to thoroughly explore the module topics. Through critical evaluation and analysis of the evidence base, they will consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the psychological conditions, methods of assessment and interventions of patients with cancer. 

This 5-day course has been developed to enable practitioners to consolidate and enhance professional competence and skill in managing patients with chronic oedema and associated skin conditions.

The course been developed in response to best practice requirements that include supervised practice and formal assessment of bandaging competency. Students will be supported by a practice supervisor who has relevant experience and skills.

You may also choose to study it as part of a longer academic award; MSc Clinical Skin Integrity & Wound Management or Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate.

This course is suitable for practitioners with a special interest in chronic oedema management who want to develop & consolidate practical skills. The course will be of interest to Community Nurses, Tissue Viability and Dermatology Nurses who are managing people with chronic oedema and associated skin conditions on a regular basis.

This course will explore the relationship between skin problems and their impact on mental health and well being and analyse a range of therapeutic approaches currently used to support individuals affected by a broad range of skin diseases.

The course will critically analyse the association between biological, psychological and social factors affecting people with a broad range of skin diseases to develop an understanding of the relationship between mental health and well-being and a range of skin conditions. It is taught by clinicians with experience of managing patients with psychocutaneous disorders and focuses on managing the delivery of appropriate care in primary and secondary settings.

This module will be of interest to a wide range of health professionals involved with psychological support of people with skin conditions and health professionals interested in psycho-dermatology.

The content will include:

• An introduction to neuroscience

• Relationship of skin disease to mental health & wellbeing

• Psychological factors: body image, self esteem

• Social factors: psychological well- being and quality of life

• Patient assessment & advanced communication skills

• Therapeutics & management approaches: pharmacological, psychotherapeutic complementary interventions

• Impact of interpersonal skills/engagement on therapeutic interventions

• Research & practice development related to skin disease & mental health

• Service user needs & carers role, health promotion and self help

• Multidisciplinary team working & specialist referral criteria.

Applications are now open for 2023/24.  The next cohorts will commence in September 2023, January 2024 and March 2024.

• For all enquiries relating to the application process and finance, please email the CPD Health Team at  cpdhealth@herts.ac.uk    
• For all enquiries relating to the delivery and assessment of the Programme, please email the teaching team at nmp@herts.ac.uk

We are not currently accepting self funded applications for 2023/24.

HEE FUNDED PHARMACY APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Group 1 (Pharmacy Integration Programme – PhIP)

• Community pharmacists (including locum pharmacists) – To Prove Eligibility for funding you will need an email from your employer confirming you are working as a Community Pharmacist
• Pharmacists employed in General Practice who are not eligible for, or enrolled on, the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Programme (PCPEP) To Prove Eligibility for funding you will need an email from your employer confirming you are working as a Pharmacist in General Practice
• Pharmacists working to provide primary care services (e.g., working in primary care) who are not employed in ARRS roles  - To Prove Eligibility for funding you will need an email from your employer confirming you are working as a Pharmacist in Primary Care and not employed in an ARRS Role
• Health and Justice pharmacists   - To Prove Eligibility for funding you will need an email from your employer confirming you are working as a Pharmacist in Health an Justice related role

If you are unsure if you are employed via the ARRS please contact your employer. Further information on ARRS roles can be found here.

Group 2 - PCPEP

• You need to be enrolled on CPPE’s Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP) and meet the PCPEP criteria to enrol on an Independent Prescribing Course.  – to prove eligibility you will need to apply for a funding certificate through CPPE site and upload this with your application. www.cppe.ac.uk/career/pcpep/independent-prescribing

Our Interprofessional Programme for qualified Nurses, Midwives, Pharmacists, and Allied Health Professionals is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and attributes required for safe, appropriate, and cost-effective prescribing practice within the context of their specialist professional roles and the legislative and professional frameworks that govern their specific role. Our Programme involves blended learning strategies to facilitate effective inter-professional learning and the sharing of differing professional perspectives and expertise. Reflective discussions and prescribing analyses are held to enable students to integrate their learning within the context of their professional practice and to ensure that the specific requirements of the professional and statutory regulatory body (GPhC, HCPC and NMC) are fully addressed.

The Programme Certificate in Independent or Supplementary Prescribing Programme (Non-medical Prescribing (NMP)) consists of four 30 credit modules (students’ study one of the available four modules dependent upon their discipline) which have been accredited by either the GPhC, HCPC or NMC, they are:

• AHP Independent Prescribing Module (Physiotherapists, Paramedics, Podiatrists & Therapeutic Radiographers)

• AHP Supplementary Prescribing (Dietitians & Diagnostic Radiographers) 

• Nurse and Midwife Independent Prescribng (V300)

• Pharmacist Independent Prescribing

Currently Diagnostic Radiographers and Dieticians can only prescribe as a Supplementary Prescriber.

In accordance with regulatory body requirements students are required to complete 26 mandatory days of blended theoretical learning incorporating a combination of: 

• 5 interprofessional taught days either on-campus or online (Hybrid) at either our College Lane or De Havilland Campuses in Hatfield, Hertfordshire

• 9 live online interprofessional days delivered between 09.30-16.00 on Wednesdays (September 23 and March 24 Cohorts) or Thursdays (January 24 Cohort)

• Monthly online small group tutorials led by an identified Personal Tutor

• 1 live online assessment and diagnostic development day (Pharmacist students only)**

• 1 on-campus physical skills development day in a simulation laboratory on our College Lane Campus (Pharmacist and Supplementary AHP NMP students only)**

• guided study days

*The GPhC, HCPC & NMC require at least 85% monitored attendance at live sessions which amounts to a maximum of 2 permitted absence days. 

**The GPhC requires that Pharmacist students attend the mandatory assessment and diagnostic skills day, and students will not be able to complete the programme unless these days have been attended.

Assessment

In accordance with regulatory body requirements students are required to successfully complete the following five assessments to complete the programme:

• Online Numeracy assessment (pass or fail with a minimum pass mark 100%).

• Observation of student practice (OSCE) assessed in practice by your PA/PE/DPP and write up of this consultation with an example FP10 (pass or fail).

• Prescribing Essay written assignment, (minimum pass mark 50 (level 7) - the mark for this element determines the overall grade for this module.

• Unseen 1 hour Applied Pharmacology Examination (pass or fail with a minimum pass mark 80%).

• Prescribing Practice Portfolio (incorporating demonstration of the student’s achievement of the competences outlined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) A Competency Framework for All Prescribers) (pass or fail)

The length of registration for this module is normally one year and therefore each of the five assessments should be completed by this point other than in exceptional circumstances.

Prescribing Practice, Practice Supervision and Assessment

Alongside theoretical sessions students are also required to complete an additional compulsory additional period of 90 hours of supervised prescribing practice learning supported by a:

 A maximum of 25 hours out of the 90 supervised hours can be virtual consultation (telephone or video) 

To be eligible to undertake these roles supporting professionals must meet the following criteria:

• Hold current registration with their professional regulator (NMC, HCPC, GPhC or GMC)

• Have been qualified as an independent or supplementary prescriber for a minimum period of 3 years within the student’s intended field of prescribing practice and prescribe regularly

• Meet all competencies within the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) A Competency Framework for All Prescribers and Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) A Competency Framework for all Designated Prescribing Practitioners 

• Have experience or training in teaching, assessing and/or supervising in practice.

• Engage in on-going professional development to reflect and develop in my role

• Have the support of their employing organisation to act as the PE, DPP or PA for the student.

In undertaking this role supporting professionals agree to:

• Support the student/apprentice in their development of the competencies outlined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) A Competency Framework for All Prescribers and to collaborate effectively with the Students Practice Supervisor (nursing and midwifery students/apprentices only) and Personal Tutor and/or Academic Assessor to enable a valid assessment of the competencies achieved.

• Supervise, support, and assess the student/apprentice, facilitating them to spend a minimum of 25 of the required 90 hours of period of learning in practice with them during the five-six-month programme.

• Appropriately raise to the Personal Tutor and/or Academic Assessor at the earliest opportunity and respond to any concerns regarding student/apprentice conduct, competence, and achievement, and understand I will be supported by the University of Hertfordshire in doing so.

• Not to support more than 2 non-medical prescribing students consecutively undertaking a prescribing programme at any UK university, except in exceptional circumstances where this has been agreed with the Programme Leader.

Community Pharmacists: Designated prescribing practitioners for community pharmacists must work either in primary or secondary care. This is to enable community pharmacists to gain the breadth and depth of experience to develop assessment and diagnostic skills relevant to their scope of intended prescribing practice.

Prerequisites and Admissions Process

Admission to the NMP Programme is achieved through a comprehensive process, that meets all GPhC, HCPC or NMC standards as applicable.  As part of this process, applicants are required to complete an online application and to submit an additional Supplementary Admission Form (SAF) that provides the team with the evidence that applicants have: 

• met the essential entry criteria for the programme required by their regulatory body (GPhC, HCPC or NMC) outlined below

• identified an intended scope of prescribing practice

• the appropriate and required support available to enable them, to successfully develop as safe and appropriate prescribers within their intended scope of prescribing practice.

The SAF needs to be downloaded and completed, and signed with handwritten signatures. Your application will be rejected without a fully completed SAF.

The following documents are critical to your application:

• Supporting Admissions Form (SAF) signed with handwritten signatures  (please clearly name the uploaded document)

• Copy of your passport (please clearly name the uploaded document)

• Copies of your professional qualification(s)  (please clearly name the uploaded document(s)

Applications will not be progressed until applicants have completed their online application and submitted their fully completed and signed SAF.  

Please ensure that the correct sections have been completed and signed with handwritten signatures.

Criteria for Entry to the NMP Programme for Allied Health Professionals

1. Registration with the HCPC in one of the relevant allied health professions.

2. Professionally practising in an environment where there is an identified need for the individual to regularly use independent /supplementary prescribing (physiotherapists, podiatrists, and therapeutic radiographers only) or supplementary prescribing (diagnostic radiographers and dietitians). 

3. Ability to demonstrate support from their employer/sponsor including confirmation that the entrant will have appropriate supervised practice in the clinical area in which they are expected to prescribe. 

4. Ability to demonstrate medicines and clinical governance arrangements are in place to support safe and effective supplementary and / or independent prescribing. 

5. Practice Educators must be a qualified prescriber, on the register of their statutory regulator with annotation(s) for prescribing where applicable and with the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience to support safe and effective learning. 

Criteria for Entry to the NMP Programme for Nurses & Midwives

1. Current registration as a first level nurse, midwife and/or specialist community public health nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The applicant’s registration status must not be subject to any cautions or interim suspension orders

2. A minimum of one years’ experience (or equivalent in part time employment) as a practising nurse/midwife/specialist community public health nurse 

3. Evidence of the ability to study at the academic level of the module to be studied i.e. level 7, (postgraduate level) 

4. Evidence of current DBS clearance (enhanced disclosure) i.e., obtained within the last three years

5. Applicants must also provide:

• Written confirmation of support to undertake the prescribing programme from their employer, including NHS and non-NHS employers. The support available must include time to attend scheduled study days at the University, access to appropriate learning opportunities in practice and protected time to engage in practice development activities with an identified practice supervisor and practice assessor.

• Written confirmation from their employer that the applicant can demonstrate safe and effective practice within their intended field of prescribing practice in relation to:

• Clinical/health assessment

• Diagnostics/care management

• Planning and evaluation of care

• If the applicant is self-employed a comprehensive professional reference must be provided which details the applicant’s level of proficiency in practice. A separate statement must be provided by the applicant confirming the arrangements made for practice supervision and assessment.

• Written confirmation from the practice supervisor and assessor, providing evidence that they meet the required eligibility criteria and that they agree to collaborate to provide the required term of supervised practice and its assessment.

Criteria for Entry to the NMP Programme for Pharmacists

1. Current registration as a pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or, in Northern Ireland, with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI). 

2. Demonstration of good standing with the GPhC and/or PSNI and any other healthcare regulator with which they are registered. 

3. Applicants must have relevant experience in a UK pharmacy setting and be able to recognise, understand and articulate the skills and attributes required by a prescriber. This experience and awareness will act as the basis of their prescribing pratcice whilst training. 

4. For the purposes of developing their independent prescribing practice, applicants must identify an area of clinical or therapeutic practice on which to base their learning. 

5. A Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) who has agreed to supervise their learning in practice. The DPP must:

• be a registered healthcare professional in Great Britain or Northern Ireland with legal independent prescribing rights who has been prescribing regularly for a minimum period of three years.

• be suitably experienced and qualified to carry out this supervisory role as defined in Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2021) A Competency Framework for Designated Prescribing Practitioners and have demonstrated CPD or revalidation relevant to this role.

6. Evidence of current DBS clearance (enhanced disclosure) i.e., obtained within the last three years.

Additional Entry Criteria Information Required for Nurses and Pharmacists working exclusively in Aesthetic Practice

We accept applicants onto the Programme who are Registered Nurses or Pharmacists working exclusively within the field of aesthetics providing that they meet the appropriate criteria above and can also demonstrate:

1. active and compliant membership of a Professional Standards Register (related to cosmetic/aesthetic medicine) or practice from a private healthcare environment that is regulated by the CQC

2. applicants are working full time within the field of aesthetic medicine for least 2 years (or part time equivalent)

3. applicants have completed an accredited level 7 Post Graduate Certificate in cosmetic and/or aesthetic medicine

Venue

Blended with the opportunity for online, hybrid and or/on campus learning and assessment at one of our Hatfield campuses as detailed above.

Learning Outcomes

• To prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively and to prescribe medications within your field of competence.

• On successful completion you will be awarded a Practice Certificate and be recommended to the relevant Professional Board as an independent or supplementary prescriber.

 Additional expenses 

This module provides practitioners with the skills required to effectively diagnose and manage skin conditions affecting the lower limb including management of patients with diabetic foot disease. It will develop knowledge of assessment and management of a range of skin conditions by promoting critical awareness, understanding and application of the current evidence base. It examines current national and international guidelines, and best practice in the assessment, treatment and management of patients with skin conditions affecting the lower limb. This course aims to consolidate and enhance professional competence and skill in managing patients with dermatological skin and nail conditions that affect the lower limb and any associated complications including those related to systemic diseases such as diabetes.

Content

Students will study a selection of topics such as:

• Assessment of the lower limb.

• Leg ulceration and associated dermatological conditions including eczema and allergic contact dermatitis

• Skin infections include bacterial, viral and fungal infections

• Cellulitis including management of underlying causes

• Nail conditions

• Skin lesions, benign and malignant, commonly presenting on the lower limb

• Plantar pustulosis and plantar psoriasis

• Diabetic Foot Disease

• Systemic diseases presenting as skin conditions on the lower limb such as pyoderma gangrenosum

• Models of service delivery, referral criteria.