This module will introduce and develop students’ understanding of professional practice in the context of a practicing biomedical scientist within a healthcare environment.

The module will begin by contextualising biomedical scientist practice by providing an overview of health and social care systems and the integrated role of healthcare science professions in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease. The role and organisation of pathology disciplines and workforce will then be explored.

The module will continue by discussing patient expectations of healthcare professionals and grounding this with the professional development and statutory regulation of biomedical scientists and the monitoring and regulation of clinical pathology services (UKAS, MHRA etc).

Appropriate legal aspects will be covered, both in relation to autonomous professional practice (for example capacity and consent, equality and confidentiality) and also to employers and institutions (for example the Human Tissue Act and Authority).

The application of evidence-based practice will be discussed together an introduction to quality assurance. The use of core biomedical investigation will be introduced through case studies and these will be used to develop an understanding of applied professional skills such as quality control, reference ranges, method validation and communication.

A professional portfolio weighted at 100% (all learning outcomes)

The portfolio will be a reflective assimilation of workshop, on-line and independent tasks in which the student will demonstrate their understanding of a subset of the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Biomedical Scientists.

Hessar, A., Glencross, H., and Wang, Q. (2016). Biomedical Science Practice. OUP
The IBMS and HPC websites are valuable resources for this module.

Teaching rooms for tutorials and workshops
Internet linked PCs .
IT suite access
Library access

1. Explore the structure, scope and provision of healthcare models and understand the contributions made by a range of healthcare science professions.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Explore the values, principles and behaviours necessary to deliver high quality, patient-centred care across a range of healthcare provisions and professions.
Application

3. Understand the regulatory aspects of biomedical scientist practice and the roles of professional and regulatory bodies in setting and maintaining professional standards.
Knowledge and Understanding

4.Understand the importance of professional practice and accountability including legal, ethical and conduct issues.
Learning
Reflection

The module is delivered as a blend of DL and face-to-face.

Face to face contactwill allow you to consolidate the material covered and demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the material covered.

Independent and Distance Learning Study Hours
are required together with practice-based workshops/practical work. Reading PowerPoint presentation, on-line tutor led activty and guided literature search/reading/ preparation for practicals and supplementing lecture material is also recommended. Time will be spent writing practical reports and workshop materia along with assessment preparation.