1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of professionalism and the principles of autonomy and accountability in relation to paramedic practice
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of appropriate, reliable and effective communication within the context of the health and social care environment
Knowledge and Understanding

3. Identify potential barriers and propose solutions to promote effective communication within the health and social care environment
Application
Learning
Problem Solving

4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of reflection and reflexivity
Reflection
Knowledge and Understanding

5. Discuss and articulate an understanding of moral, ethical and professional issues relevant to the role of the paramedic and the experiences of the service user within the health and social care environment
Communication
Knowledge and Understanding

In this module, you will start your journey to becoming a professional Paramedic. This module will introduce the required skills of communication and professionalism that will form the foundation for your development as an autonomous practitioner.

Throughout the module, we will examine theories and processes of communication, self-awareness and discuss law and ethics. You will be introduced to the realm of being a registered practitioner and understanding the requirements of the regulating body, the professional body and society.

Some areas you will study in lectures and/or in independent study:

• Study skills for registration, including reflective practice.
• The context of current healthcare systems that inform and shape paramedic practice, including primary, acute and community care
• Frameworks for professional paramedic practice and the role of Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies. Theories and concepts concerning the process of effective (and maladaptive) communication
• The importance of verbal and non-verbal communication skills and active listening
• The impact of the moral, professional and ethical issues encountered within organisations, crucially employing aspects of respect, valuing, confidentiality, data protection and types of consent
• Theories and concepts concerning the demonstration of professionalism, inter-professional teamwork, interpersonal skills and self- awareness conducive and requisite for effective communication pathways within organisations
• Knowing when and how to raise and escalate concerns
• Communication skills via different forms of media
• Key legal, ethical and moral frameworks/boundaries
• Dealing with death and bereavement
• Health informatics
• Self-awareness, personal resilience and maintaining fitness to practice
• An introduction to Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

The assessment for this module will be a 20-minute individual presentation reflecting on a case study you have attended in clinical practice. Your presentation can be a poster or using software such as PowerPoint or equivalent.

You will use a model of reflection and will draw on your experience and focus on communication skills, barriers and solutions to issues in practice by reflecting and considering legal, moral and professional issues that you encountered.

You will present your reflection in front of a small group of your peers.

This assessment meets all the learning outcomes and is weighted at 100% of the module grade.

Due to the professional nature of this programme no compensation within or between modules is permitted. All elements of assessment in all modules must be passed.

The learning content for this module is delivered using a variety of methods including lead lectures (approx. 60 hours) and online learning, through a virtual learning environment.

You will be given opportunity to complete individual and group work (approx. 6 hours) around key issues in practice and you will be encouraged to participate in class-based debates (approx. 6 hours) for you to start to develop your skills of weighing evidence and decision-making within a legal framework.

Throughout the year you will be expected to supplement your contact teaching time with your own study. You are expected to undertake approximately 228 hours of independent study for this module. This is to help you expand your knowledge base, consolidate your learning, and prepare for assessments.

Beauchamp and Childress (2009) Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 7th Edn, Oxford, Oxford University Press

Blaber, A. Y. (ed.) (2012) Foundations for Paramedic Practice. A Theoretical Perspective. 2nd Ed. Berkshire. Open University Press

Carthey, J., Clarke, J.(2009) Patient Safety First: The "How to Guide" for implementing Human Factors in Healthcare. London: Department of Health, The Stationary Office. [ONLINE]
Available from: (Accessed 21st December 2017)

Fortune, P., Davis, M., Hanson, J., Phillips, B. (2013) Human Factors in the Healthcare Setting. Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell

Gallagher, A. Hodge, S (2012) Ethics, Law and Professional Issues, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan

Herring, J. (2017) Medical Ethics and Law 7th Edn, Oxford, Oxford University Press

Jasper, M. (2006) Professional Development, Reflection and Decision-making. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing

Laurie, Harmon, Porter (2015) Mason and McCall Smith’s Law and medical ethics 10th Edn, Oxford, Oxford University Press

Nixon, V. (2013) Professional Practice for Paramedic, Emergency & Urgent Care. Oxford. Blackwell Publishing

VLE
IT resources
Library resources

Enrolled onto the following award;
BSc(Hons) of Science in Paramedic Science

In this module, we will examine theories and processes of communication, self-awareness and discuss law and ethics as required for you to start your journey to become a Paramedic and introduce you to the realm of being a registered practitioner and understanding the requirements of the regulating body, the professional body and society.