The module will undertake to provide the fundamental knowledge and skills pertinent to their HCA role in primary care or in the community in a safe and patient-focussed manner in the following areas:
- Introduction to studying in higher education
- Legal and professional responsibilities as an HCA e.g. accountability, delegation, code of conduct, patient consent
- Basic medical terminology
- Record keeping - within HCAs area of work to include:
1. recall of patients/population manager searches/read codes/nGMS contract
2. writing up notes of meetings with patients
3. IT Skills
- Infection control
- Health and Safety
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Venepuncture
- Health status check e.g. new patient check
- Chaperoning
- Treatment Room - stocking of/storage of vaccines, cold chain, equipment checks
- Health promotion including awareness of support groups, EPP, PALS, self-care.
- Personal and Professional Development
- Dealing with and how to talk to patients including difficult consultations

Library facilities
Internet access
Access to NHS library
Blackboard
Mentor in clinical practice
Laptop and projector

Cottrell, S. (2003) The Study Skills Handbook (2nd Edition) Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.
ISBN: 978-0443101014

Alexander, M.F., Fawcett, J.N. & Runciman, P.J. Editors (2006) Nursing Practice: Hospital and Home - The Adult. 3rd Edition. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone. ISBN: 978-0443074578

Waugh, A. & Grant, A. (2006) Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness. 10th edition. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone.
ISBN: 978 - 0443101014

Weller, B.F. (2005) Bailliere's Nurses' Dictionary: For Nurses and Health Care Workers. 24Rev Edition. Edinburgh, Bailliere Tindall.
ISBN: 978-0702027062

A variety of teaching strategies will be employed including lectures, discussion, question and answer sessions, small group tutorials and individual tutorials. (30%) Independent study to include the demonstration of practical skills and skill development in clinical practice (70%)

Patient/carers involvement will be included through the course

Summative Assessment:
A portfolio of evidence to reflect achievement of learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4 - 1750 word limit.
The portfolio of evidence will include the following essential elements: - a SWOT analysis, PDP, a short descriptive discussion and a practice resource listing.

A competency booklet and workbook to address learning outcome 1 - Pass/fail

Formative Assessment:
Pre-course self assessment self-marked in the classroom setting to indicate knowledge at the start of the course. Repeated at the end of the course to show progression.
Tutorials
Group work
Total word count: 1750

Both elements of assessment must be passed.

Include any additional admission requirements other than modules that must have been studied.

Students must be working in a primary or community health or social care setting e.g. general practice, out of hours or within a community health team.

Applicants will need the support of their employer and to identify a named mentor/assessor who is a registered health care professional with a recognised governing body e.g. NMC.