Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences

Particular Teaching and Assessment Strategies that focus on development of identified skills and knowledge

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(Last updated 30-Mar-2007 )

Reflection

In today’s modern NHS and dietetic profession it is important that practising dietitians have the capacity for self reflection to advance professional practice.

The Dearing Review of post-16 education recommended that each student should keep a Personal Development Plan (PDP) which enables them to record their own educational progress.  This recommendation was entirely in keeping with the practice of personal reflection or reflective practice (Schon 1983).

Undergraduate Programme

In Level 1 (KIS module) students are introduced to reflection and PDP which they are required to utilise and reflect on with their individual Personal Academic Tutor (PAT).

This approach lays the foundation for Level 2 where the PDP is continued in the form of the Placement A portfolio that students are required to complete and reflect on prior to Placement and subsequently maintain whilst on Placement A.

At Levels 3 & 4 portfolios are continued with preparation for subsequent Placement  B & C involving continued maintenance and reflection and whilst on Placements B & C students continue to extend the process of reflective practice which is consolidated on return to QMUC.

Postgraduate Programme

All Masters students follow the Dietitians/HPC Portfolio guidelines and begin using the logbooks from point of entry to the course.

Problem Based Learning

Problem based learning at QMUC aims to develop in students logical, systematic thinking along with the ability to draw reasoned conclusions and sustainable judgements.  PBL opportunities are utilised where possible; however in order to emphasise the importance of this process/skill and to facilitate the promotion of an integrative approach to the application of theory into practice in preparation for Placement B & C, timetabled Integrated PBL classes have been introduced in Level 3. Facilitation and delivery involve both Dietetic and Clinical Sciences lecturers simultaneously

Interprofessional Education

The NHS has recognised that developing multiprofessional team working can improve patient care and that many practitioners will take on extended roles beyond traditional boundaries to improve the quality of care patients receive. For this to succeed there must be a breaking down of professional barriers that will enable AHPs to work more effectively as a group (Building on Success: Future Directions)

As part of a QMUC wide commitment in developing the identified government need for interprofessional education, modules are currently being developed that involve Nurses and other AHPs in the School namely, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Radiography, in addition to Edinburgh University medical school.

Whilst the current integrated module goes some way to developing appropriate transferable skills and is taught in a multiprofessional manner involving Nutrition, Human Biology and Applied Pharmacology students, it is expected at this stage that IPE will replace the current Integrated module for Dietitians from September 2005 with the expectation that through this students will develop an understanding of the roles of other professionals along with building team working skills with other AHPs, nursing and medical students from an early stage

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

It has been recognised that paper-based examinations are relatively poor at assessing skills, attitude and clinical reasoning. Thus, it is pertinent to use a skills-based practical examination. It is particularly appropriate for any medical or healthcare student who does not see a patient prior to their major clinical training to have their skills measured using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). This approach has been used in the previous dietetics programme (a summative assessment in Level Three involving local practitioners), and was evaluated positively by students and Dietetic Practitioners (Pender & de Looy 2003) and will be continued as an assessment, but is also seen as a learning opportunity that facilitates the acquisition of professional skills prior to Placement.

As part of Professional Studies students at Level 3 undertake two OSCE’s, one in each Semester which involve local Practioners in the examination of these students.

We are always looking for willing volunteers, so if you are interested in examining students please contact Jacklyn Jones (Professional Studies Module Co-ordinator)

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