Student's learning and development of skills, knowledge and practice will be assessed using a combination of summative and formative approaches.

Summative assessment:

1. The 2,500 word critical analysis assignment will be weighted at 70% of the total module mark (addressing LO's 1, 2 and 3)

2. The presentation based on the assignment will be weighted at 30% of the total module mark (addressing LO's 3 and 4)

Both elements of assessment must be successfully completed in order to pass this module

Formative Assessment:
Examples of formative assessment methods to be used include an assessment and analysis of safety measures during `walk arounds' in a number of clinical and non-clinical areas, quizzes, and simulated safety scenarios, group discussions, self-directed tasks and reflective activities.

The indicative content of this module will include:

Introduction to Safe Practice in the National Health Service (NHS):
- Definitions of safe practice and governance,
- The integration of safe practice into personal and professional activities,
- Ethical issues associated with safe practice,
- Continuous quality improvement,
- Financial constraints and limitations of resource allocation and its impact upon safe practice.
Approaches to Improving Safety:
- Theoretical underpinnings of safe practice, e.g. SSAFER and Error models,
- The identification and reporting of concerns,
- Risk assessment and risk management,
- Implementing safety solutions and identification of potential barriers to the introduction of safe practice solutions,
- Human factors training,
- Analysis of personal and professional attitudes, behaviours and working habits with regard to safe practice in the NHS.
Analysis and Measurement of Safety:
- Safety and quality methodology,
- Quality improvement frameworks,
- Serious Untoward Incidents (SUI), never events and near misses,
- Audit tools, e.g. patient satisfaction surveys, triangulation indicators, capacity and mortality rates,
- Assessing safety solutions,
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
Future Policy and Practice Regarding Safety:
- Local and national health and social care safe practice policies,
- Identification of future health and social care trends and their potential impact upon safe practice.
The Legal Dimensions of Safety:
- Learning lessons from incidents and incorporating recommendations into practice,
- Whistle blowing and the potential implications,
- Legislation relating to safe practice.
Organisational Safety:
- Building a culture of safe practice (in your work area), including promoting effective communication and developing inter-professional working practices,
- Analysis of the students' own organisation's safe practice policies and procedures.

The Safe Practice in the National Health Service module in total culminates in 150 hour of learning for a 15 credit, level 6 award. The prescribed number of hours are achieved by means of:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (24 hours):
15 hours Direct teaching hours
4 hours Group tutorials
5 hours Personal tutorials

Guided Independent Study: (126 hours) to include:
reading, research, on-line learning, assignment writing, and presentation preparation.

Computer and display screen, with internet access.
Moodle site (to be established and populated).
Library resources.
Module handbooks and other associated paperwork.
Any other equipment and resources to facilitate safe practice learning.

Currently employed by the Heart of England Foundation Trust.

Evidence of previous study at level 4, 5 and 6.

Fisher, M. Scott, M. (2013) Patient Safety and Managing Risk in Nursing. Sage Publishing Ltd; London.
Goetsch, D. Davis, S. (2014) Quality Management for Organizational Excellence: Introduction To Quality. Pearson Education Limited; Harlow.
Grabon, M. (2012) Lean Hospitals: improving quality, patient safety, and employee engagement. 2nd Edition. CRC Press; Boca Raton, USA.
Worth, J. et al. (2012) Perfecting Patient Journeys: improving patient safety, quality and satisfaction while building problems-solving skills. Lean Enterprise; Cambridge, USA.

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of safe practice and governance, within the National Health Service (NHS) and own workplace.
(Analysis, Knowledge and Understanding)

2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of safe practice frameworks and assessment tools when evaluating working practises and identify potential barriers to safe practice solutions.
(Knowledge and Understanding, Problem Solving)

3. Critically evaluate how individuals can promote a positive culture of safe practice within their area of work. (Application, Enquiry)

4. Critically reflect on your own, and others contributions and responsibilities to provide safe and effective care and service provision within the NHS. (Analysis, Reflection)