Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

Department of Health Professions

FdSc Paramedic Science

Programme Specification

(parts 1 & 2)

August 2013

Document: FdSc Paramedic Science Programme Specification / Version: FINAL
Author: Mark Garratt / Date of document update:29.08.13

1

Contents

Introduction
Part 1: Programme Specification / Page
Introduction
Course outline
Educational Aims of the Programme
Intended Learning Outcomes
Programme Structure and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards
Rules for Progression, Award and fall-back awards
Support for students and their learning
Criteria for admission
Method for evaluating and enhancing the quality and standards
Regulation of assessment
Indicators of quality and standards
Additional information
Mandatory modules
Curriculum map
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Part 2: Supporting Information for Foundation Degree in Paramedic Science / 28
Introduction
The FdSc Paramedic Science is intended to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become a professional, registered paramedic. It comprises of a 2 year 240 credit programme which is funded via student fees. Practice components are hosted by the West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust (WMAS), and follow the College of Paramedics (CoP 2008) recommendation of having a minimum of 1500hrs on placement.
Whilst in placement students are closely supported by a paramedic mentor and are supernumerary (i.e. third person on an ambulance vehicle and second person on a first response vehicle). This means that students are able to participate in patient care for even the sickest of patients whilst enjoying the benefit of support and supervision by a qualified practitioner. Opportunities may also exist for students to follow the patient journey beyond pre-hospital care, and to observe other allied health care professionals in practice.
Numerous high-tech and realistic simulation aids are utilised, and all modules are supported by online virtual learning environments. Several specialised manikins are available that can be programmed to simulate numerous conditions and provide real-time clinical findings such as pulses, blood pressure and respiratory sounds. A complete ambulance saloon (which has been brought into a classroom) also offers the opportunity to create realistic scenarios in a controlled environment, and prepare students for clinical practice.
In terms of expertise, the programme is run by nationally renowned paramedic staff with both clinical and research expertise. Subject specialists such as cardiac specialist nurses, critical care nurses, mental health nurses, midwives, paediatric nurses, fire service personnel and police experts also contribute to the programme, and help ensure that students are provided with the foundations of knowledge and skills that they will need for a career as a paramedic.
Extensive periods of placement in practice with WMAS facilitate the students’ acquisition of vital practical experience, and provide a context for the skills and knowledge gained within the classroom. The balance and integration of theoretical knowledge and practical experience thus offers students’ an excellent opportunity to become practitioners who are eligible for registration, and either ready for employment as a paramedic, and/or ready to progress on to further study.

Part 1: Programme Specification for

FdSc Paramedic Science (HLSFD035)

1 Available Award(s) and Modes of Study
Title of Award * / Mode of attendance* / UCAS Code / FHEQ Level*
FdSc Paramedic Science / F/T
Min: 2 years
Max: 5 years / B780 / Level 5
2 Awarding Institution/Body * / Coventry University
3 Collaboration
4 Teaching Institution and Location of delivery*
/ Coventry University
5 Internal Approval/Review Dates / Date of approval: May 2013
Date for next review: May 2018
6 Programme Accredited by*
/ Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
7 Accreditation Date and Duration / Approval by HPC from 2008 ongoing – subject to annual quality monitoring
8 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement(s) and/or other external factors * / Quality Assessment Agency Subject benchmark statements: Paramedic Science (2004)
HCPC (2009) Standards of Education and Training
HCPC (2007) Standards of Proficiency - Paramedics
HCPC (2008) Standards of conduct, performance and ethics
College of Paramedics (2008) (2nd edition)Paramedic Curriculum Guidance and competence Framewok
9 Date of Programme Specification * / May 2013
10 Course Director * / Pete Gregory

11 Educational Aims of the Programme *

The overall aim of this programme is to develop a Paramedic who is fit for purpose, role and employment. The programme thus seeks to produce a professionally competent paramedic who is able to assess, evaluate, and manage a patient’s health needs in both scheduled care settings, and unplanned emergency care situations. A problem-solving ability will be engendered and reinforced with the capacity to evaluate the best possible outcomes for the patient and those involved with patient care.
Students who complete and pass the FdSc Paramedic Science programme will be eligible to apply for registration as a paramedic with the Health & Care Professions Council Register. The HCPC Standards of Proficiency (Paramedics) will have been achieved upon completion of the programme.
In accordance with the QAA Paramedic Science benchmark statement (2004), this programme encompasses the following principles:
-  A commitment to provide high quality patient-centred care;
-  A commitment to team working through the application of non-technical skills;
-  A commitment to the development of new roles in different environments that support the interface between health and social care practice in a range;
-  The application of current knowledge and research to paramedic practice across the health and illness continuum, while also working to develop and refine knowledge in this area;
-  A commitment to working in partnership with other professionals;
-  An evolution towards role transferability in support of patient-centred care;
-  The development of educational programmes that enable paramedics to demonstrate fitness for practice and a commitment to continuing professional development;
-  Integration of theory and practice and development of creative problem-solving processes;
-  Critical reflection, self evaluation and commitment to the use of evidence/research in the evaluation and improvement of the best practice of paramedics.
In addition, multi-professional learning will be enhanced by the inclusion of the Collaborative Curriculum. This element of the programme will be undertaken with other health and social students, and is intended to enhance communication and cooperation skills between individuals and professional groups.

12 Intended Learning Outcomes*

The learning outcomes are grouped under the following headings;

·  Subject Knowledge and Understanding (KU)

·  Cognitive (thinking) skills (CS)

·  Practical /professional sills (PS)

·  Key (transferable) skills (KS)

This programme satisfies the QAA Subject benchmark statements: Paramedic Science (2004) and Coventry University’s Code of Practice for Academic and Professional Skills Development.
12.1 Knowledge and Understanding*
On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
KU1 The legal and ethical boundaries of the paramedic profession
KU2 The concepts of anatomy and physiology which are relevant to paramedic practice
KU3 The concepts of pathophysiology which are relevant to paramedic practice and their related clinical features
KU4 The importance of research and the application of evidence-based practice
KU5 The sociological and psychological determinants of health and illness
KU6 Practicing in a non-discriminatory manner
KU7 The importance of effective communication and interpersonal skills which are tailored to suit the needs of the situation/service user
KU8 The importance of informed consent, and how it is obtained
KU9 The importance of confidentiality, and how it is maintained
KU10 The establishment and maintenance of a safe practice environment
The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods used on the programme to achieve these learning outcomes are identified below:
Teaching and Learning / Assessment
KU1 / Lectures, discussion, case-study, clinical skills, clinical practice, reflection, self-directed learning / Practice grid, OSCE, written coursework, written examination
KU2 / Lectures, discussion, clinical practice, clinical skills, self-directed learning / Practice grid, written coursework, written examination
KU3 / Lectures, discussion, clinical practice, clinical skills, self-directed learning, reflection, scenarios / Practice grid, written coursework, written examination
KU4 / Lectures, discussion, clinical practice, clinical skills, self-directed learning, reflection / Practice grid, written coursework
KU5 / Lectures, discussion, clinical practice, clinical skills, self-directed learning, reflection / Practice Grid, written coursework, written examination
KU6 / Lectures, case-study, discussion, clinical skills, clinical practice / Practice Grid, Written coursework, written examination, online inter-professional contribution
KU7 / Discussion, case-study, clinical skills, clinical practice, scenarios, self-directed learning / Written coursework, practice grid, OSCE, online inter-professional contribution
KU8 / Lectures, discussion, clinical practice, clinical skills, scenarios / Written coursework, OSCE, practice grid, written examination
KU9 / Lectures, discussion, clinical practice, clinical skills, scenarios / Written coursework, OSCE, practice grid, written examination
KU10 / Clinical skills, clinical practice, scenarios / Practice grid, OSCE
12.2 Cognitive (thinking) Skills*
On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to:
CS1 Exercise a professional duty of care
CS2 Practice as an autonomous professional, exercising professional judgement
CS3 Determine appropriate action through logical reasoning and effective approaches to problem-solving
CS4 Formulate and deliver appropriate management plans and strategies for meeting health and social care needs
CS5 Recognise the need for effective self-management of workload and resources and be able to practice accordingly
CS6 Understand the obligation to maintain fitness to practice, and adopt strategies for physical and psychological self-care
CS7 Effectively evaluate research and other forms of appropriate evidence to inform their own practice
CS8 Review practice, and adopt appropriate strategies to facilitate reflection on practice
CS9 Understand the scope of practice of other professionals, support staff, service users and their relatives and carers, and consider their contribution to holistic care
CS10 Recognise the value of research and other scholarly activity in relation to the development of the profession
The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods used on the programme to achieve these learning outcomes are identified below:
Teaching and Learning / Assessment
CS1 / Case-study, clinical skills, clinical practice, self-directed study, scenarios / Practice grid, OSCE, written coursework, written examination
CS2 / Clinical skills, clinical practice, self-directed study / Practice grid, OSCE, written coursework, written examination
CS3 / Clinical skills, discussion, case-study, clinical practice, scenarios / Practice grid, OSCE, written coursework
CS4 / Clinical skills, discussion, clinical practice, case-study, scanarios / Practice grid, OSCE, written coursework
CS5 / Clinical practice, clinical skills, self-directed study / Practice grid, OSCE
CS6 / Clinical skills, discussion, clinical practice, self-directed study / Practice grid, OSCE, written coursework
CS7 / Lead lecture, discussion, clinical practice, clinical skills, self-directed study / Written coursework, Practice grid
CS8 / Lead lecture, clinical practice, self-directed study / Written coursework, practice grid
CS9 / Lead lecture, clinical skills, clinical practice, specific placements, inter-professional scenarios, service-user involvement / Practice grid, written coursework
CS10 / Lead lectures, discussion, self-directed study / Written coursework
12.3 Practical Skills*
On successful completion of the programme a student should be able to:
PS1 Draw on appropriate knowledge and skills in order to make professional judgements
PS2 Gather appropriate information from sources of information technology, visual appraisal and effective questioning techniques
PS3 Select and apply appropriate diagnostic and monitoring procedures
PS4 Analyse and critically evaluate the information collected from visual appraisal, effective questioning and clinical findings
PS5 Deliver appropriate treatment, therapy or other actions safely, skilfully and in accordance with current UK legislation, national guidelines, local policy and evidence based practice
PS6 Monitor and review the on-going effectiveness of planned interventions/activity and modify accordingly
PS7 Demonstrate effective and appropriate skills in communicating information, advice, instruction and professional opinion to colleagues, service users, their relatives and carers
PS8 Comply with auditing procedures and maintain records appropriately
PS9 Analyse and interpret relevant health education/promotion information and use this knowledge to promote the health and well-being of patients, clients and groups.
PS10 Demonstrate the ability to recognise the limits of their own practice, referring or discharging the patient in accordance with local policies and procedures
PS11 Participate effectively in multiprofessional approaches to health care, act independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and multi-agency context, generate and maintain effective interactions with relevant external agencies including other healthcare professionals, and utilise appropriate referral procedures.
The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods used on the programme to achieve these learning outcomes are identified below;
Teaching and learning / Assessment
PS1 / Lead lecture, discussion, clinical skills, scenarios, clinical practice / Practice grid, OSCE, written coursework
PS2 / Clinical skills, clinical practice, scenarios, case-study / Practice grid, OSCE
PS3 / Clinical skills, clinical practice, scenarios, case-study / Practice grid, OSCE
PS4 / Clinical skills, clinical practice, scenarios, case-study / Practice grid, OSCE
PS5 / Lead lecture, clinical skills, clinical practice, scenarios, case-study / Practice grid, OSCE, written coursework
PS6 / Clinical skills, clinical practice, scenarios, case-study / Practice grid, OSCE
PS7 / Clinical skills, clinical practice, scenarios, inter-professional scenarios, service user involvement / Practice grid, OSCE
PS8 / Lead lecture, clinical practice / Practice grid, written examination
PS9 / Lead lecture, discussion, incorporation of health-promotion philosophy, scenarios, self-directed study / Practice grid, written coursework
PS10 / Lead lecture, case-study, clinical skills, clinical practice, scenarios, inter-professional scenarios / Practice grid, OSCE
PS11 / Case-study, clinical skills, clinical practice, scenarios, inter-professional scenarios / Practice grid, OSCE, written coursework, online inter-professional contribution
12.4 Transferable Skills *
On successful completion of the programme the student should be able to:
TS1 Demonstrate the ability to learn, direct one’s own learning and accept responsibility for learning
TS2 Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others
TS3 Demonstrate the ability to problem solve in a variety of practical situations
TS4 Demonstrate the ability to interpret, analyse and present numerical data
TS5 Demonstrate the ability to utilise common software programmes and other computer based IT and the ability for online learning
TS6 Communicate effectively in the appropriate manner, in a wide variety of situations
TS7 Appreciate the contribution of research findings to clinical practice
TS8 Demonstrate self-awareness, goal setting, and recording achievements
The principal teaching, learning and assessment methods used on the programme are identified below:
Teaching and learning / Assessment
TS1 / Reflection, self-directed study, clinical practice / Written coursework, practice grid
TS2 / Reflection, self-directed study, clinical practice / Online inter-professional contribution, practice grid
TS3 / Lead lecture, scenarios, clinical skills, clinical placement / OSCE, practice grid
TS4 / Clinical skills, data analysis, scenarios, clinical placement / OSCE, practice grid
TS5 / Data analysis, database searches, library work, CU Online, online inter-professional learning / Written coursework, online inter-professional contribution
TS6 / Lead lecture, service–user involvement, clinical skills, clinical scenarios, inter-professional scenarios, clinical practice, online inter-professional learning / Written coursework, practice grid, OSCE, Online inter-professional contribution
TS7 / Lead lecture, clinical skills, clinical practice / Written coursework, practice grid
TS8 / Self-directed study, clinical practice, clinical skills, inter-professional learning, reflection, the development of a professional portfolio / Written coursework, practice grid

13 Programme Structure and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards