This module further develops the themes of autonomous practice previously introduced during your first year, by providing further learning opportunities to reflect upon your work-based experiences. It will enable you to acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance your career prospects, horizons and personal success, in addition to contributing to the development of clinical services and improved patient outcomes.

This module will discuss the role of healthcare science and biomedical scientists as partners in the investigation and management of disease through the development and continual improvement of patient-centred, high quality analytical services.

The module will focus upon core analytical methods including appropriate sample collection and prioritisation, effect of pre-analytical variables, analysis in conformance with standard operating procedures and result validation (with referral to a senior member of staff as required). From this you will then discuss the role of quality management and quality improvement, focussing specifically on the importance of these in reducing error and maintaining patient safety. You will develop your understanding of clinical incident investigation, including evaluating investigative and quality improvement tools used, and use this to consider the factors leading to error.

This module is mapped against the Quality Assurance Agency Benchmark for Biomedical Science and the National School of Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Programme curriculum and contributes to the Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship Standard by developing your knowledge and skills is person-centred and professional practice, personal and professional development, quality, and audit and service improvement.

This module is delivered as a blend of asynchronous online learning sessions, on campus study days and work-based study. Within each learning unit you will be given a range of learning outcomes and directed through a variety of learning material (for example recorded lectures, online exercises or collaborative activities) to work though asynchronously together with an opportunity to check and develop your learning (for example through online quizzes, challenge questions or discussion fora). You are encouraged to reflect upon the academic content of the module and consider how this is applicable within your workplace.

A key strategy within this module is your engagement in developing your workplace network to support the integration of academic and professional theory with your practice.

Your learning is supported by a group discussion board and weekly online sessions where you can discuss your learning with the academic teaching team.

1. Reflect upon the principles and practice of quality assurance and application in both the hospital and in community-based point of care testing. Reflection

2. Explain the organisation of a named pathology discipline and demonstrate a critical understanding of processes for managing quality and improvement. Learning, Problem Solving

3. Understand the role of the interdependent learner, being able to negotiate meaning, and understand the limits of your knowledge and how this influences analyses and interpretation based on that knowledge. Learning

4. Identify and evaluate common causes of error and critically evaluate methods to reduce and eliminate risk, improve patient outcomes and develop services within a patient-centred, evidence-based pathology service. Analysis

You will require access to a computer with internet access.

Nessar, A., Glencross, H., and Wang, Q. (2016). Biomedical Science Practice. OUP

IBMS Code of Conduct

HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics

HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Biomedical Scientists

AHCS Good Scientific Practice

Donaldson, L; et al (2021) “Textbook of Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Management” [online]

This module further develops the themes of autonomous practice previously introduced during your first year, by providing further learning opportunities to reflect upon your work-based experiences. It will enable you to acquire the skills and qualities that will enhance your career prospects, horizons and personal success, in addition to contributing to the development of clinical services and improved patient outcomes. This module will discuss the role of healthcare science and biomedical scientists as partners in the investigation and management of disease through the development and continual improvement of patient-centred, high quality analytical services.

Portfolio LOs 1, 2
A series of 4 prescribed portfolio tasks linking academic content to work-based practice:
1) Point of Care Testing
2) Internal Quality Assurance report
3) Annotated External Quality Assurance Report
4) Annotated Laboratory Quality

Clinical Incident Report (2000 words) LOs 3,4
A report critically evaluating the investigation, preventative and corrective actions and outcomes of a laboratory-based clinical incident.