BSc(Hons) Acute Healthcare Practice

EXAMPLE COMPETENCY PACKAGE DOCUMENTATION

Each competency has a competency statement; the key skills required for that competency and an assessment criteria, which the student will have to fulfil in order to achieve that particular key skill. The record of achievement provides documented evidence to support the student's progress.

Example Competency Statement:

  1. SECTION 1 – Patient Safety

Competency Statement: Students will demonstrate the ability to safely care for patients in their own clinical area

Example Key Skill and Assessment Criteria:

KEY SKILLS

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Systematic patient assessment

  1. Demonstrate a systematic patient assessment using ABCDE, Look, Listen and Feel system
  2. Demonstrate accurate documentation of findings from assessment
  3. Demonstrate awareness of local early warning systems in use e.g.MEWS including appropriate triggers and graded response to clinical deterioration
  4. Discuss care pathways/models that may be available in clinical practice
  5. Demonstrate ability to effectively assess pain levels

Classification of Acute/Critical Care Patients

To support the recommendations made in 'Comprehensive Critical Care' and to assist the training process for staff, each competency can be indexed against the level of care that the patient requires, rather than by the bed in which they are lying. This method of categorising patient care is described below:

 

PATIENT LEVEL

DESCRIPTION OF CARE REQUIRED

Level 0

Patients whose needs can be met through normal ward care in an acute hospital

Level 1

Patients at risk of their condition deteriorating, or those recently relocated from higher levels of care, whose needs can be met on an acute ward with additional advice and support from the critical care team

Level 2

Patients requiring more detailed observation or intervention including support for a single failing organ system or post-operative care and those 'stepping down' from higher levels of care

Level 3

Patients requiring advanced respiratory support alone or basic respiratory support together with support of at least two organ systems. This level includes all complex patients requiring support for multi-organ failure

(Taken from DH (2000) Comprehensive Critical Care: A review of Adult Critical Care Services)

Collection of Evidence

Each record of achievement has an evidence code section. This will include both written and clinical assessments in support of the student's progress towards achieving the competency.

TYPES OF EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE CODE

DESCRIPTION OF EVIDENCE REQUIRED

O / P

Observation of Practical demonstration by appropriately trained member of staff

T

Testimony from others regarding competency statement e.g. Mentor, Clinical Specialist, member of staff from the appropriate clinical area

Q

Question and answer session between student and mentor

D

Discussion between student and mentor

W

Written evidence e.g. Reflective diary, project/assignment, care plans etc.

W / P

A practical demonstration supported by a piece of written work to ensure the knowledge base to support the practical ability

Level of Achievement

Each competency has a level of achievement box attached. This package has been based on Fearons methods of assessment and measurement of competencies in practice. The following table sets out the levels of achievement.

 

Grade

Level of Achievement

0

Requires training to perform this activity satisfactorily to participate in clinical environment

1

Can perform this activity with constant supervision and some assistance

2

Can perform this activity satisfactorily but requires some supervision and assistance

3

Can perform this activity satisfactorily without supervision and assistance

4

Can perform this activity satisfactorily without supervision and assistance. The activity is performed in a timely manner and with acceptable quality of work

5

Can perform this activity satisfactorily without supervision and assistance. The activity is performed in a timely manner and with more than acceptable quality of work. Evidence of the use of initiative and adaptability to special problem situations is also demonstrated

6

Can perform this activity in a timely manner and with more than acceptable quality of work. Demonstrates the use of initiative, adaptability and the ability to lead others in performing this activity

 

NB:

  • Students undertaking the BSc (Hons) Acute Healthcare Practice Pathway must achieve a minimum level of three across all competencies according to the above grading criteria
  • Students wishing to be eligible for registration with the NMC as a Specialist Practitioner will be required to achieve level five as the minimum level of achievement across all competencies

    Example of Record of Achievement Document:

     

    Record of Achievement

    Key Skills

    Patient Level

    Evidence Code (s)

    Self-Assessment Date/Level

    Formative (progress) Assessment Date/Level

    Meetings with Mentor Dates

    Final Assessment Date

    Final (summative) Level of Achievement

    Patient Safety:

    Systematic Patient Assessment

    2

    (Taken from Classification table above)

     

    O / P

    T

    (Taken from Types of Evidence table above)

    Sept 08

    (Beginning of Module)

    Mid-Point Interview – Level 2

    (Taken from Level of Achievement table above)

    (List dates of meetings with student)

     

    Enter final meeting date

    Level 3

    (Taken from Level of Achievement table above)

     

    This record allows the mentor and the student together to document progress towards achievement of the competency package. The formative (progress) assessment could appropriately be undertaken at the Mid-Point interview leading to the summative (final) assessment at the final interview. Support will be available from the Personal Tutor throughout the module for advice and guidance on assessment of the competency package.

     

    Guide to Competency Assessment

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