UNIVERSITY QUALITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE ACADEMIC APPROVAL RECORD 2007/2008. CONFIRMED REF. 1211 Recommendation to University Quality Enhancement Committee (UQEC): The University Quality Panel (UQP) was asked to conduct a validation of PgD/MSc Physician Assistant Studies, to be owned and delivered in full-time mode of study by the School of Health from January 2008 onwards, and recommends approval to UQEC as follows:- Reviews: None. Re-validations: None. Validations: Pathway Pathway Title Final Intermediate Modes of Joint/ Codes Award Awards delivery Specialist PS/PAS Physician Assistant Studies MSc PgD * Full-time Specialist * An interim qualification of PgC Medical Studies will be available for students completing 60 credits. Deletions: Pathway Codes Pathway Title Final Award Intermediate Awards Modes of delivery PS/SHCP Specialist Health Care Practice MSc PgC/PgD Full-time/ Part-time PS/HCS Health Care Sciences MSc PgC/PgD Full-time/ Part-time Joint/ Specialist Specialist Specialist New modules contributing to PgD/MSc Physician Assistant Studies: Module Code NH4080 NH4081 NH4082 Module Title Semester Deliverer Level Credit s Core or Elective Clinical Practice in the Year Long University Four 45 Core Physician Assistant Role The Basics of Clinical Practice in the Year Long University Four 15 Core Physician Assistant Role Theoretical Concepts of 1 University Four 15 Core Health and Disease Existing modules contributing to PgD/MSc Physician Assistant Studies: Module Code BM3018 NH4043 NH4060 Module Title Semester Deliverer Level Credit s Core or Elective Advanced Pharmacology for 1 University Three 15 Core Non-Medical Prescribers (SAS) Assessment Skills for 2 University Four 15 Core Advancing Clinical Practice Developing the Physician s Assistant 2 University Four 15 Core Role in Primary Care 1
NH4023 Evidence Based Practice Proposal 1 University NH4056 Evidence Based Practice Dissertation 2 University Four 15 Core Four 45 Core Deleted modules: Module Code Module Title Deliverer Level Credit s Date of deletion NH4058 Dissertation (MSc Specialist Health Care Practice) University Four 60 September 2009 NH4059 Contemporary Issues in Clinical Practice University Four 15 September 2009 Date of next review: The next periodic review of PgD/MSc Physician Assistant Studies is scheduled to take place before the end of the 2009/2010 academic year having initially been given a limited period of approval of three years allowing for an early review of very new and ground breaking provision. The University Quality Panel (UQP) provides supporting evidence within appendices and is aware that University Quality Enhancement Committee (UQEC) reserves the right to ratify approval, decisions or any findings reported in the AAR. Summary of process: Date Activity See appendices Monday 16 th July 2007 Proposal Plan approved by the University s No appendix Planning Approvals Sub-Committee (PASC). Wednesday 3 rd October 2007 Friday 7 th December 2007 Initial planning meeting held between the Chair, Officer and Key Proposer in order to agree the content of submission documentation. Discussions held between members of the University Quality Panel, the Proposing Team and two External Advisors. No appendix Appendix 1 Requested exemptions from the University s Academic Regulations: A request for exemption from the University s Academic Regulations was approved by the University s Academic Regulations Sub-Committee (ARSC) at the meeting held on Thursday 13 th December 2007 in order to deliver an entirely prescribed pathway (120 credits for the PgD qualification with no core options or electives), assessment of clinical practice as Pass/Fail (on NH4080 and NH4081 with no right for retrieval of failure at second attempt) and calculation of final classifications based upon theoretical modules only for those students progressing onto an MSc qualification. 2
Academic Approval Record Summary of findings The University Quality Panel (UQP) noted that an MSc Specialist Health Care Practice had previously been validated during the 2003/2004 academic year in response to the emerging role of the Physician s Assistant (otherwise known as the Physician s Associate in the USA where this supervisory remit is now well established for professionals currently working alongside doctors in hospitals and surgeries). However, it was acknowledged that very few Health Care practitioners based in the U.K. had been encouraged to pursue any further training in this advanced role. With additional funding now available from the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority Workforce Deanery (a shared bid for a total of 60 places was initially accepted by the Workforce Deanery from Coventry University, University of Birmingham, University of Warwick and University of Wolverhampton), the School of Health designed and developed a more vocationally orientated pathway in accordance with new standards published by the Department of Health (DoH) entitled; The Competence and Curriculum Framework for the Physician Assistant (September 2007). This professional recognition, but not formal accreditation (many students will already be registered with the NMC as Health Care practitioners), will allow graduates to practice having completed full-time training over two years including a national examination at the end of their studies. Professional, Statutory, Regulatory Body (PSRB) Involvement It was noted that PgD Physician Assistant Studies had been closely aligned with standards published by the Department of Health (DoH), and would also be recognised by the Health Professions Council (HPC), but would not be accredited by any professional bodies at this stage. It was noted that students would have the opportunity to progress onto an MSc qualification after completing the PgD Physician Assistant Studies. Collaborative Arrangements It was confirmed that new provision did not involve any formal collaborative links but, for the purposes of joint funding and resources, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MofU) had been agreed between each provider (initially between the University of Wolverhampton and University of Birmingham and as the first academic institutions to deliver the new provision in January 2008 and September 2008 respectively). It was confirmed that, although each institution was able to offer the new PgD Physician Assistant Studies entirely independently, the nature of the collaboration was a partnership which encouraged reciprocal arrangements for teaching and shared access to learning resources for students which it was felt would enrich the overall learning experience. Best Practice & Enhancement The Proposing Team was commended for the following areas of best practice:- 1) Pro-active response to a new market with a high regional, national and international profile. 2) Good inter-professional approach taken in the design and development of the new curriculum. 3) Good working relationship established with collaborative partners and local NHS Trusts hosting clinical placements and work experience. 4) Very comprehensive Clinical Practice Development Document and excellent guidance for completion. Issues that have institutional implications for consideration by the University None identified. 3
Action checklist for ongoing monitoring Action Responsibility Deadline Consideration by To reconsider the award title for MSc Physician Assistant Studies, more appropriately reflecting the academic nature of this qualification, compared with the vocational PgD qualification. Pathway Team Ongoing (to be closed by September 2009) SoH SQEC To modify any existing modules which refer to nursing as the scope of professional experience in order to reflect a wider multi-professional audience including the Physician Assistant role. Pathway Team Ongoing (to be closed by September 2009) SAS SQEC or SoH SQEC To confirm that regular engagement with employers and medical practitioners is being maintaining in order to ensure that provision is current, relevant and fit for purpose over the next three years. Pathway Team Ongoing (to be closed by September 2009) SoH SQEC (via Annual Monitoring) To nominate a new or existing External Examiner to cover PgD/MSc Physician Assistant Studies. Pathway Team Ongoing (to be closed by September 2009) SoH SQEC Date approved and forwarded to the AAR Sub-Group for ratification: Wednesday 16 th January 2008 4
University Quality Panel Record Details of Panel and Participants Designated UQP Chair: Mr Alan Weale (Chair, QASD). Designated QASD Officer: Mr Toby Roy (Officer, University Quality Panel). Designated UQP Members: Ms Pam Collins (Learning Centre) Dr Ruth Shiner (SAS) Ms Linda Tonkin (Observer, QASD) Proposing Team: Dr Ingrid Callwood (Key Proposer, SoH) Dr Steve Anderson (SAS) Mr Phil Begg (Associate Dean, SoH) Dr Petula Nurse (SAS) Ms Hilary Paniagua Mr Nick Ross (University of Birmingham). Independent Internal Advisor: Dr Jonathan Phillips (Graduate School). Independent External Advisors: Ms Dianne Jackson Mr Robert Standfield (St. George s Medical School) (West Midlands Strategic Health Authority). Professional Body Visitor(s): Not applicable. 5
APPENDIX 1 University Quality Panel - 2007/2008. Record of discussions with staff. Proposal: Validation of PgD/MSc Physician Assistant Studies to be owned and delivered by the School of Health in full-time mode of study from January 2008 onwards. Date / Time: 10.00am on Friday 7 th December 2007. Venue: Council Room, Wolverhampton City Campus. Present: University Quality Panel: Mr Alan Weale (Chair, QASD), Ms Dianne Jackson (External Advisor from St. George s Medical School), Dr Jonathan Phillips (Graduate School Representative), Dr Ruth Shiner (SAS), Mr Robert Standfield (External Advisor from West Midlands Strategic Health Authority), Ms Linda Tonkin (Observer, QASD) and Mr Toby Roy (Officer, QASD). Proposing Team: Dr Ingrid Callwood (Key Proposer, SoH), Mr Phil Begg (Associate Dean, SoH), Dr Petula Nurse (SAS), Ms Hilary Paniagua & Mr Nick Ross (University of Birmingham). Apologies: Dr Steve Anderson (SAS). QUESTIONS RESPONSES Professional, Statutory, Regulatory Body Involvement Could the Proposing Team clarify any PSRB involvement? The Proposing Team confirmed that new provision would not be accredited by any professional, statutory or regulatory bodies but that PgD Physician Assistant Studies had been mapped against new standards published on Friday 28 th September 2007 by the Department of Health (DoH) entitled; The Competence and Curriculum Framework for the Physician Assistant. This recognition would allow successful students to practice having completed full-time training over two years including a national examination at the end of their studies (new pathway replaces the former MSc Specialist Health Care Practice). However, it was also noted that Physician Assistant roles were likely to be regulated by the Health Professions Council (HPC) in future and this new supervisory remit was already well established in the United States where professionals already worked alongside doctors in hospitals and surgeries. Do PSRB requirements result in any deviation from the University s normal Academic Regulations and what exemptions have been sought? It was noted that a request had been submitted to the Academic Regulations Sub-Committee (ARSC), for consideration on Thursday 13 th December 2007, requesting exemption from the University s Academic Regulations in order to deliver an entirely prescribed pathway (120 credits for the PgD qualification with no core options or electives), assessment of clinical practice as Pass/Fail (on NH4080 and NH4081 with no right for retrieval of failure at second attempt) and calculation of final classifications based upon theoretical modules only for those students progressing onto an MSc qualification. Therefore, validation remained subject to successfully gaining 6
exemption. Collaborative Arrangements What is the extent of collaboration between participating organisations involved in delivery of new provision? The Proposing Team reported that new provision had been designed and developed in response to a growing market identified by the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority Workforce Deanery and that a bid had been accepted from the University of Wolverhampton (to fund 22 places from a total of 60) in collaboration with Coventry University, the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick. It was noted that a Memorandum of Understanding (MofU) would be drafted between each partner (initially between University of Birmingham and University of Wolverhampton as the first institutions to deliver the new provision). It was confirmed that, although each partner was able to offer the new PgD Physician Assistant Studies entirely independently, the nature of the collaboration was a partnership which encouraged reciprocal arrangements for teaching and shared access to learning resources for students which it was felt would enrich the overall learning experience. Entry Requirements Could the Proposing Team clarify entry requirements and APL processes? It was noted that students would be admitted with a first degree in a health related subject area (at least a 2:1 classification). Applicants will be interviewed before enrolment and Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) would be considered for entry onto the PgD qualification based upon recent professional experience (120 credits at Level 3). However, although it was confirmed that students could not be admitted directly onto the MSc qualification with APL, it was unclear what kind of experience would be accepted entry onto the PgD qualification and the Proposing Team agreed to provide clarification within Section 12 of the Pathway Specification Template (PST). It was also noted that overseas students could not apply (whilst the Physician Assistant qualification was only recognised in the United Kingdom and the United States) and that admission was also dependant upon CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checking. Curricula, Teaching, Learning and Assessment How has the new curriculum been developed? Dr Jonathan Phillips (Graduate School) questioned the appropriateness of the award title for MSc Physician Assistant Studies which it was felt should reflect a more academic content and wider multi-professional market compared with the vocational emphasis of the PgD qualification. However, the Proposing Team reported that Physician Assistant Studies was the new title being adopted by other collaborating institutions a new brand or identity which needed to be protected for patients, employers and stakeholders. The Proposing Team agreed to review the continuing suitability of the proposed award title via SoH School Quality Enhancement Committee. Is the curriculum content biased towards Primary Care? Mr Robert Standfield (External Advisor) sought confirmation about the possible bias toward Primary Care in the new curriculum but was assured the module portfolio offered a good balance of both Primary Care and Secondary Care. However, it was acknowledged that priority needed to be given to ensuring that students to develop the necessary medical skills through 7
practical and theoretical modules and this would be highlighted in relevant course materials and the new Pathway Guide. How are opportunities for practice and reflection upon practice embedded within the curriculum? Assessment What is the strategy for assessment of practice and theory? Mr Robert Standfield (External Advisor) asked where students would be completing their clinical practice and in response it was noted that most placement opportunities would be provided within the West Midlands including Shropshire and Staffordshire. It was also reported that students could specialise in any of the areas listed in The Competence and Curriculum Framework for the Physician Assistant (DoH) given the range of venues available to host placements. The Proposing Team agreed to forward details about those NHS Trusts supporting clinical practice. It was noted that students would be assessed during their clinical practice conducted as part of 45 and 15 credit modules entitled; Clinical Practice in the Physician Assistant Role (NH4080) and The Basics of Clinical Practice in the Physician Assistant Role (NH4081). Practice based modules will be completed at the end of their studies (second year of the PgD qualification), allowing for theory based modules to be completed at the beginning of their studies, and offering an interim qualification of PgC Medical Studies for any students unable to progress. A national examination, endorsed by Department of Health (DoH) and included as the only piece of summative assessment within NH4080, would give students the recognised status of Physician Assistant having successfully achieved these professional standards. However, clarification was sought regarding the evidence required in order to demonstrate competency. It was noted that, whilst progress was monitored at various stages during the completion of clinical practice (by mentors and clinical supervisors based in the work place) there did not appear to be any summative assessment of the final Clinical Practice Development Document. The Proposing Team reported that submission of final documentary evidence had been mistakenly omitted from Section 7 of the Module Specification Template for NH4080 and would be included in a revised copy. It was noted that a Pass/Fail grade, based upon fail criteria recognised by medical practitioners, would be used when assessing the Clinical Practice Development Document and approval was being sought to use this method of assessment. It was also noted that exemption from the University s Academic Regulations was being sought prohibiting re-takes or re-sits if students failed their clinical practice. The importance of practical aspects was highlighted by the Proposing Team but it was felt that a more concise definition of marking criteria (making reference to the University s six point grade scale for postgraduate assessment) was needed for theoretical aspects within Section 17 of the Pathway Specification Template (PST). Members of the University Quality Panel (UQP) were satisfied that assessment strategies were sufficiently robust but requested that deadlines for assignments be mapped against the weekly schedule for delivery of each module (on page 19 of the Validation Document) in order to check the sequencing of tasks. 8
The Proposing Team agreed to ensure that all new and existing Level 4 modules fully reflected the expectations of postgraduate study, and met the requirements of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), with particular attention to articulating learning outcomes for clinical practice as part of both NH4080 and NH4081. It was recommended that modifications to existing modules which refer to nursing as the scope of professional experience, rather than a wider multi-professional audience including the Physician Assistant, should be considered via SoH School Quality Enhancement Committee. Learning and Teaching What is the strategy for learning and teaching? External Advisors commended the good inter-professional approach shown by academic staff to designing and developing the new curriculum leading to some innovative approaches to learning and teaching. It was noted that all new and existing modules would be supported by PebblePad and the Wolverhampton On-Line Learning Framework (WOLF) with PebblePad facilitating the sharing of cross-university and e:learning initiatives because it was the most familiar to students in all institutions. Resources What learning resources are provided to support delivery of the module portfolio? Mr Nick Ross (University of Birmingham) explained that anyone enrolling on the new provision would also access to learning resources available in other collaborating institutions as Associate Students and this was a policy which extended to other facilities where appropriate. It was noted that new texts were being purchased by each institution, including research journals, but that sharing resources was essential to providing the best possible learning experience for students. Is teaching accommodation suitable? The Proposing Team confirmed that most theoretical modules would be delivered in purpose built teaching accommodation (new Mary Seacole Building on Wolverhampton City Campus) which included a clinical skills laboratory. Research and Staff Development How do staff draw upon research interests to inform curriculum development and teaching? It was confirmed (current versions of curriculum vitae received) that most academic staff were involved in ongoing research and scholarly activity in relevant fields. It was noted that Special Visiting Lecturers (SVLs) were invited to deliver lectures on some modules and that a trained Physician Assistant would also be jointly appointed between the University of Birmingham and the University of Wolverhampton to support clinical practice. The University Quality Panel (UQP) requested a statement about how the expertise of teaching staff would support delivery of the module portfolio (on page 13 of the Validation Document) and recommended that SoH School Quality Enhancement Committee monitors engagement with employers and medical practitioners in order to ensure that provision is current, relevant and fit for purpose over the next three years. Student Support and Guidance What is the strategy for student support? It was noted that all students would be allocated with a mentor during placements plus a Personal Tutor for their academic and 9
pastoral guidance. However, students would also be encouraged to contact their Pathway Leader and Module Leaders about issues relating to academic study and their Clinical Supervisor about issues in the work place. Quality Management and Enhancement How will the academic health of new provision be monitored? Assessment Boards and External Examiners Will new provision require appointment of a new External Examiner? Members of the University Quality Panel (UQP) were assured that appropriate mechanisms were in place for gathering feedback from students and External Examiners (reported as part of the SoH Annual Monitoring process). It was noted that students would be able to comment on their learning experiences as part of the School s Module Evaluation process or through representation at the Staff:Student Liaison Committee, School Quality Enhancement Committee and Student Council. It was noted that approval would be sought from the School and University Ethics Committee if sensitive views regarding patient confidentiality were likely to be requested. The Proposing Team reported that all SoH modules would be considered by the Primary Care Subject Board and with the current External Examiner for MSc Advancing Clinical Practice (Professor Olwyn Westwood) to be nominated via SoH School Quality Enhancement Committee for an extension to her duties. Action agreed with the Proposing Team for completion by Friday 21 st December 2007: 1) To reconsider the proposed title for the MSc Physician Assistant Studies in order to reflect the academic nature of this award compared with the vocational emphasis of the new PgD qualification. SoH SQEC to review the continuing suitability of the award title for MSc Physician Assistant Studies as recommended in the Academic Approval Record (AAR). 2) To revise the postgraduate Pathway Specification Template (PST) clarifying entry criteria and circumstances for granting Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) within Section 12 plus a more concise definition of marking criteria with reference to the University s six point grade scale for postgraduate assessment within Section 17. Proposing Team subsequently revised the postgraduate Pathway Specification Template (PST) making reference to agreed procedures for APL, CRB checks and interviews (Section 12). Marking criteria also updated to reflect full use of the six point grading scheme (Section 17). 3) To include summative assessment of the final Clinical Practice Development Document within the Module Specification Template (Section 7) for the new module entitled; Clinical Practice in the Physician Assistant Role (NH4080). Proposing Team subsequently revised the Module Specification Template (MST) for NH4080 indicating that both tasks (National Examination and Clinical Practice Development Document) will be summatively assessed as Pass/Fail (Section 7). 4) To modify any existing modules which refer to nursing as the scope of professional experience in order to reflect a wider multi-professional audience including the Physician Assistant role. 10
Proposing Team subsequently revised the Module Specification Template (MST) for NH4080, NH4081 and NH4082. Any other modifications are to be referred to SoH SQEC or SAS SQEC for consideration where necessary as recommended in the Academic Approval Record (AAR). 5) To ensure that all new and existing Level 4 modules fully reflect the expectations of postgraduate study, and meet the requirements of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), with particular attention to articulating learning outcomes for clinical practice (on NH4080 and NH4081). Proposing Team subsequently revised the Validation Document (Page 19) confirming that all modules will adhere to the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) and making reference to other guidelines when articulating learning outcomes for practice and theory. 6) To revise the Validation Document (Page 13) providing a statement about staff expertise underpinning delivery of the revised module portfolio. Proposing Team subsequently revised the Validation Document (Page 13) explaining how staff research and scholarly activities have informed curriculum design and, development. 7) To revise the Validation Document (Page 18) mapping deadlines for assessment tasks against the weekly schedule for delivery for each module. Proposing Team subsequently revised the Validation Document (Page 18) including a matrix showing the timing of assessed work on all modules. 8) To confirm that regular engagement with employers and medical practitioners is being maintained in order to ensure that provision is current, relevant and fit for purpose over the next three years. SoH SQEC to monitor ongoing engagement with employers and stakeholders as part of the School s Annual Monitoring exercise as recommended in the Academic Approval Record (AAR). 9) To forward a list of NHS Trusts hosting clinical placements and work experience. Proposing Team subsequently forwarded contact details for host organisations; Acute Care:- Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust Royal Shrewsbury Hospitals NHS Trust Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust. Primary Care:- Dr Matthew Nye (Birmingham) Dr Ian Greaves (Gnosall, Staffordshire) Dr Ian Walton (Sandwell) St. Peter s Medical Centre (Walsall) Sycamore House Medical Centre (Walsall). 10) To forward a copy of the new Pathway Guide (for January 2008 entrants) and especially highlighting the emphasis upon strengthening medical skills and innovative approaches to learning and teaching. Proposing Team subsequently forwarded a new Pathway Guide (2007/2008) clarifying teaching and learning methods, skills acquisition, professional guidelines and expectations of study at Level 4. 11
11) To nominate the current External Examiner for MSc Advancing Clinical Practice (Professor Olwyn Westwood) in order to cover new provision. SoH SQEC to ensure that a new or existing Award External Examiner is considered and appointed for PgD/MSc Physician Assistant Studies as recommended in the Academic Approval Record (AAR). 12) To prepare a request for exemption from the University s Academic Regulations (to be presented to the University s Academic Regulations Sub-Committee) in order to deliver an entirely prescribed pathway (120 credits for the PgD qualification with no core options or electives), assessment of clinical practice as Pass/Fail (on NH4080 and NH4081 with no right for retrieval of failure at second attempt) and calculation of final classifications based upon theoretical modules only for those students progressing onto an MSc qualification. Proposing Team subsequently forwarded a request for all exemptions to the University s Academic Regulations Sub-Committee (ARSC) with approval being granted at the meeting held on Thursday 13 th December 2007. Instances of best practice: 1) Pro-active response to a new market with a high regional, national and international profile. 2) Good inter-professional approach taken in the design and development of the new curriculum. 3) Good working relationship established with collaborative partners and local NHS Trusts hosting clinical placements and work experience. 4) Very comprehensive Clinical Practice Development Document and excellent guidance for completion. 12