Advanced Clinical Practice | MSc | University of Lincoln

Helen Chilvers - Programme Leader

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Welcome to MSc Advanced Clinical Practice

The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice offers registered practitioners a student-centred programme of study that aims to meet their personal and professional development needs as they progress within their role towards advanced expert practice.

Students will explore advanced practice on both a personal, local, and national level. They will be encouraged to develop a substantial portfolio of evidence illustrating a breadth of practice, while exploring relevant research and developing their own skill set.

The programme is designed to fully integrate the Health Education England (2017) Multidisciplinary Capability Framework enabling registered healthcare practitioners to acquire an expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills, and clinical competences for expanded scope of practice, underpinned by the four Advanced Clinical Practice pillars of Clinical Skills, Management and Leadership, Education, and Research.

Within the award the combination of modules aims to continuously promote the core principles of Advanced Clinical Practice; Autonomous practice, critical thinking, high levels of decision making and problem solving, values based care and improving practice.

Teaching and learning contextualises the University's 'Student as Producer', promoting a coherent approach to andragogic practice via discovery, collaboration, engagement, and the production of new knowledge and new ways of working.

You will be able to develop your abilities across all pillars, evidencing competencies relevant to your area of practice using work-based supervision and tripartite assessment.

The course is open to registered healthcare professionals who meet the entry criteria, through self-funding and the Health Education England funded route. There is also an option for students to undertake an apprenticeship. For further information please contact Programme Leader, Helen Chilvers: hchilvers@lincoln.ac.uk

Accreditations and Memberships

This course is accredited by Health Education England's (HEE) Centre for Advanced Practice. All programmes successfully accredited by the Centre for Advanced Practice have been deemed to meet the capabilities and standards set out in Higher Education England's multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England and Higher Education England's Standards for Education and Training (SET).

How You Study

Teaching is delivered over one day a week, with additional student learning activity in the workplace. Student learning is managed via a tripartite agreement between the student, the academic assessor, and the clinical supervisor.

In the context of this course, high-quality learning and teaching is characterised by the clear relationship between the programme learning outcomes, the professional application of the learning outputs and the innovative learning methods employed to achieve them.

Students will benefit from a blended teaching and learning experience in recognition that students on this programme are working professionals and that the nature of their engagement with this programme requires the student to take responsibility for their own learning.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Fundamentals In Advanced Clinical Practice 2023-24NUR9047MLevel 72023-24This module introduces key principles of advanced practice, based on the four pillars of clinical practice, education, leadership, and research. Students can explore and develop their understanding of the professional requirements of working at an Advanced Practice level. The module provides students with opportunities to develop life-long self-directed learning and evidence that development. Students are expected to evaluate their own practice role, their development needs, and apply theories of education, teamwork, and collaboration to build their own linear developmental plan.CorePathophysiology, Assessment & Diagnosis for Advanced Clinical Practice 2023-24NUR9046MLevel 72023-24In this module, students will be given opportunities to further develop their skills in applying a sound understanding of pathophysiology at a cellular level to the competent assessment of people presenting with a range of health needs. The module will provide students with the tools to integrate physical and mental health assessment and planning across the lifespan, incorporating complex case studies involving multiple comorbidities. Developing robust clinical reasoning skills across a wide field of practice will be assessed using OSCE examinations. By the end of the module students are expected to have collaborated with their work-based supervisors to demonstrate clinical competence in managing complete episodes of care in a variety of clinical settings.CoreResearch and Evaluation for Service Transformation 2023-24NUR9055MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to engage the learner in conducting care service evaluation and transformation through researching, understanding and applying theory and evidence-based best practice to a transformation of an aspect of the students clinical service. Values, culture, organisational imperatives and ethical issues affecting service users, their families and/or carers and healthcare staff will be considered during the module. The module will comprise: Identifying a service area in clinical practice where there is a reasonable likelihood of being able to implement a pilot transformation project over the module term (barriers to implementation could be service closure, student moving roles, planned commissioning changes, etc). Undertaking an evaluation of the problem within the context of the service and clinical environment using appropriate tools. This evaluation should result in a decision to proceed to transform a problematic aspect of the service and the scope of the problem statement and aims of the transformation. Following the successful completion of the evaluation, the student will work with a supervisor to formulate a plan to introduce a change in practice (consideration for timescale, ethics, culture, human factors (motivation, support, resistance). Proposing to undertake a transformation of a service using any relevant local clinical governance and approval procedures in the healthcare organisation and the University ethical approval process if required. Undertaking a feasibility project using the approved protocol and project plan, evaluating and reporting on the transformation project. An introduction to evaluation techniques and the contemporary issues and theoretical principles associated with the undertaking of a service transformation project in health and social care will be introduced using a series of lectures and seminars sessions at the beginning of the module. The student will be required to undertake independent study, design and deliver a review of contemporary literature associated with the topic and progress towards completing a service transformation project with support from a member of the module team and their clinical supervisor, line manager and employer.CoreAdvanced Clinical Practitioner End Point Assessment 2023-24NUR9056MLevel 72023-24This module provides an opportunity for those working in an advanced level of practice to integrate, synthesise, and demonstrate the application of knowledge around an area of specialism through clinical case presentation in the workplace. The aim of this module is to provide students with the means to develop a professional recognition portfolio that demonstrates learning through a series of self-assessments, critical reflections and case studies. The portfolio will be personal to each student and should challenge them to engage in a critical review on their own professional practice and demonstrate understanding of the limitations of their own role.OptionalApproved Mental Capacity Professional 2023-24HEA9439MLevel 72023-24The module will meet the training requirements for a new role of Approved Mental Capacity Professional ( AMCP). This role has been created by changes to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 which occurred in 2019. Part of the previous act - The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards- have been replaced by Liberty Protection Safeguards ( LPS) and the role of Best Interests Assessor (BIA) has been replaced by AMCP.OptionalEnhanced practice in acute mental health care 2023-24NUR9023MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to enable the practitioner to develop the requisite capabilities to work autonomously at an advanced level within the current context of acute mental health care services. The module will focus on the knowledge and skills required to promote recovery orientated care, within the established processes and constraints that exist within an acute care context. Practitioners will develop their ability to reflect upon, develop and change their own practices, based on best evidence, as well as influence the practices of others within a multi-professional team.OptionalEvidencing Advanced Clinical Practice through Portfolio Development 2023-24NUR9054MLevel 72023-24This final module of the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) course is designed to enable you to critically reflect on the skills, knowledge and attributes you have developed across all four pillars of advanced practice. The module aligns to the course philosophy and aims by determining that you have achieved the standard required to be awarded the Advanced Clinical Practitioner degree. The standards and the capabilities within Health Education Englands Multiprofessional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice are at the centre of this course. During this module you will reflectively evaluate how you undertake your advanced practice role in relation to your own development and explore your holistic understanding of the complexity, ambiguity and uncertainty that characterises complex advanced professional practice. It will enable you to demonstrate the values and behaviours expected when working at an advanced practice level. It should explore and evaluate your evidence base of advanced practice in relation to the underpinning principles: management and leadership, education, research and relevant clinical practice. You should use learned techniques of critical thinking, high level decision making and problem solving, values-based care and practice improvement to demonstrate these principles. This module provides an opportunity for those working in an advanced level of practice to integrate, synthesise and demonstrate the application of knowledge around an area of specialism through clinical case presentation of your workplace. The aim of this module is to provide you with the means to develop a professional recognition portfolio, a repository of learning that demonstrates your development through a series of self-assessments, critical reflections and case studies. The portfolio will be personal to you and should challenge you to engage in a critical review on your own professional practice.OptionalExploring Leadership and Governance in Advanced Practice 2023-24NUR9049MLevel 72023-24This module has been designed to support students' understanding and application of legal, ethical, and professional perspectives, to inform future advancing practice. Students will be given opportunities to relate the theoretical perspectives and new learning gained throughout the module to their own clinical area. This module will support the development of a practice portfolio of evidence to demonstrate students achievement of ACP competencies. Students are expected to work towards evidencing these competencies in clinical practice, contextualised to their clinical area, supported via a named supervisor and assessor.OptionalIndividualised Consultation 2023-24NUR9045MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to develop sound underpinning knowledge in relation to pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. The emphasis is on applied therapeutic interventions, essential for safe, competent prescribing within a student's scope of practice and professional competence. The module encompasses the main theoretical perspectives associated with consultation skills and styles, considering patient centred approaches to history taking, and building on pre-existing knowledge and expertise as healthcare professionals. The focus is on effective communications, shared decision-making, and enhancing safety by promoting the development of meaningful, concordant relationships with patient and carers.OptionalPaediatric Urgent Care Level 7 2023-24NUR9037MLevel 72023-24This module explores the fundamental and key aspects of assessing, managing and treating children and young people who present to a range of primary and acute healthcare settings. The module aims to further develop healthcare practitioners skills and knowledge relating to the specific issues inherent in clinical decision-making, organisation and escalation when working with children and young people and their families.OptionalPharmacological and Therapeutic Approaches Across the Lifespan 2023-24NUR9050MLevel 72023-24This module enables students to examine a range of interventions and approaches to managing episodes of care across the lifespan. It aims to develop students pharmacological knowledge to support effective medicines management across the lifespan. It will include consideration of motivational and psychological approaches to care delivery and gaining concordance in treatment plans, alongside consideration of the pharmacological and other therapeutic options available. Students can explore how the evidence base for such interventions affects decision-making and consider the importance of empowerment and co-design in meeting health and care needs. The emphasis is on applied therapeutic interventions essential for safe, competent practice.OptionalPrescribing Effectively 2023-24NUR9003MLevel 72023-24OptionalPrescribing Governance 2023-24NUR9051MLevel 72023-24This module has been designed to support students' understanding and application of legal, ethical, and professional perspectives to inform their future prescribing practice. Students can relate the theoretical perspectives and new learning gained throughout the programme to their own specialist field and clinical area. The module supports the development of the practice portfolio of evidence to demonstrate students' achievement of their RPS competencies (See documents section for the current framework). Student can work towards evidencing the requirements of A Competency Framework for all Prescribers (RPS competencies), contextualised to their clinical area, supported via a named Practice Supervisor and Practice Assessor.OptionalPrescribing in Context 2023-24NUR9004MLevel 72023-24OptionalProactive management of long term conditions 2023-24NUR9021MLevel 72023-24This module provides the practitioner with the knowledge and skills required to proactively support the holistic care and treatment of individuals with long term health and social care needs, within their field of professional practice. The module will focus on enabling individuals to take greater control of their care and offering opportunities for better health and wellbeing, through personalised care planning, increased prevention strategies and supported self-care (NHS, 2014). Students will be expected to independently synthesise and apply their clinical skills and knowledge to the context of their own professional practice.OptionalThe Consultation 2023-24NUR9005MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to assist students in developing a solid underpinning knowledge base in relation to pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, essential for safe, competent prescribing within their own field of expertise and clinical practice. The module investigates the main theoretical perspectives associated with effective consultation, exploring the interpersonal skills required, and promoting the concept of concordance, including shared decision-making and establishing a meaningful partnership with the service user.OptionalThe Consultation for Pharmacists 2023-24NUR9036MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to assist pharmacists in developing a sound underpinning knowledge base in relation to pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, essential for safe, competent prescribing within their own field of expertise and clinical practice. The module investigates the main theoretical perspectives associated with effective consultation, exploring the interpersonal skills required, and promoting the concept of concordance, including shared decision-making and establishing a meaningful partnership with the service user. This module is identical to The Consultation module undertaken by nurses and eligible Allied Healthcare Practitioners (AHPs) in all respects except the approach taken to the practical assessment. Pharmacists will complete a Live Clinical Assessment (LCA) rather than the Observed Clinical Assessment (OSCE) completed by nurses and AHPs, as this is a requirement of the General Pharmaceutical Council.Optional

How you are assessed

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods including clinical examinations, written assignments, reflective writing, critical thinking, short format examinations, presentation of work to peers, and the University's 'Student as Producer' initiative.

Features

-We utsilise a multiprofessional approach to teaching and learning, with subject experts delivering content and assessing modular assignments. As a student of the programme, you will work in small groups to benefit from a multi system/clinical field perspective, embedding critical thinking with application of self, and ownership of your own advanced practice learning journey.

-A fully embedded tripartite student support network is established between the programme lead, the student, and the stakeholder NHS Trust. This engagement with all NHS Trusts can benefit the students in terms of support and supervision they receive and optional visits to other clinical fields.

Facilities

At Lincoln, we constantly invest in our campus as we aim to provide the best learning environment for our students. Whatever the area of study, the University strives to ensure students have access to specialist equipment and resources, to develop the skills, which they may need in their future career.

An exciting new development for the School, the Sarah Swift Building, is a £19m investment into a dedicated facility for the Schools of Health and Social Care and Psychology. The building houses high-quality teaching, research, social and learning spaces for both Schools. The building will also include advanced clinical simulation facilities for the School’s nursing courses.

Take our Virtual Campus Tour

Students can study and research in the University's Great Central Warehouse Library, which provides more than 250,000 printed books and approximately 400,000 electronic books and journals, as well as databases and specialist collections. The Library has a range of different spaces for shared and individual learning.

Apply Online

Applications for are now open and you can apply directly online.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

Applicants require current registration with relevant professional/regulatory organisations and a full support from their employing organisation to facilitate the requirements of the clinical supervision.

This means that:

Must be a registered healthcare practitioner with one of the statutory regulators of health and care professions, i.e. NMC, HCPC or GPhC
Normally qualified for a minimum of three years, with a minimum of one years' experience in your current speciality
Must be working for a minimum of 30 hours per week, employed as a Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner / Advanced Clinical Practitioner
Must have full support and engagement of your line manager
Must have an identified senior clinical mentor and supervisor.
Normally hold an honour's degree in a health-related discipline and evidence of continuing professional development that shows an ability to study at master's level.
Applicants must provide, on application, two references, one should be academic and the other from your clinical/employer.

Please note, supervision is an essential element of training to be an advanced practitioner and students will only be able to commence study with a named and allocated co-ordinating education supervisor.
Health Education England and the Centre for Advancing Practice have published Minimum Standards for Advanced Practice Workplace Supervision. These can be found in full on the CFAP website under Reports and Publications. The minimum standards are to ensure high quality supervision for the trainee and for more details, please visit the Health Education England website for minimum standards for ACP supervision.

Please note, supervision for the trainee advanced practitioner is a mandatory element and:
- Trainees must have a named, allocated co-ordinating education supervisor before commencing training in advanced practice,
-Throughout the period of training, there must be a minimum of one hour of scheduled supervision every week, of which one in four (once a month) is a scheduled hour with the co-ordinating education supervisor,
-In certain practice context, where there may be high risk, it will be necessary to debrief/provide daily supervision to ensure patient and practitioner safety (Health Education England, 2022).

Co-ordinating education supervisors must:
-Be an experienced practitioner
-Have completed some formal supervisor development. Examples include clinical educator programmes, PG Cert Clinical Education, practice educator programmes and local supervisor training courses.

Additional Requirements: Integrated Apprenticeship

Evidence for selection is gained from applicant's personal statement, academic qualifications and employer's recommendation.
Applicants must be registered with a statutory health and/or social care regulator with proof of current registration.
Applicants must demonstrate achievement of English and Mathematics qualifications at a minimum of Level 2, as per general apprenticeship requirements.
Students must remain in continuous appropriate employment throughout the life of the course.

In relation to entry requirements, applicants must meet the conditions laid out by their respective professional, statutory and regulatory bodies.

Interviews

Eligible students applying to this course will be interviewed formally, however, there will be a pre-start informal interview with an academic before this takes place.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

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Key Information

MSc Advanced Clinical Practice