Colbert, B., Ankney, J. & Lee, K. (2009) Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing and Health Professionals. Harlow, Pearson Education Ltd.
Fook J and Gardner F (2007) Practising Critical Reflection: A Handbook Maidenhead: Open University Press
Hull C, Redfern L & Shuttleworth A (2005) Profiles and Portfolios: a guide for health and social care. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan

Students must be at least 2 years post qualified registered health professionals and employed as Independent Assessors tasked with assessing individuals who are currently receiving Disability Living Allowance and be able to make recommendations to facilitate independent living, which may include a Personal Independent Payment (PIP)

Blackboard
Drama Group
On-line resources
Off-site venue
IT
Library

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (35 hours)
35 hours contact time
Semester One

3 study days at the start of semester one:
Induction Day - Launch the award, library, study skills, IT, introduction to Blackboard and Clinical Skills, meet personal tutors and peer groups
Study Day 1 - Introduction to PIP Assessments (drama session by Theatre Group) Workshops around Activities of daily living report writing skills
Study Day 2 - Introducing skills required for in depth interview - Observation and Communicating skills, along with systems approach on e-learning support

Final 2 days of Semester two
Study Day 3 - Peer review
Study Day 4 - Viva's

Guided Independent Study: (265 hours)
Independent learning when student will undergo on-line tasks to support learning of theoretical aspects of risk-decision making, legal and ethical considerations, referral processes, reflexivity, triangulation

Units of learning would be identified for the on-line activities, culminating in formative assessments for each unit. Each unit can be directly associated with aspects of the PIP form and final report. Standard report templates and supporting texts will be provided. However, Masters students will be expected to construct a framework suitable to their individual report in line with both learning outcomes and the requirements of the intended audience. Students will also have the opportunity to seek the support of the Academic Skills Tutors

35 hours face to face attendance for workshops, lectures and role play utilising a theatre group. This will also include formative tasks given via on-line
175 hours in placement - This will be practical training within the students normal work place where they will supported in achieving their competencies by working through a competency document supported by a Preceptor
90 hours Independent Learning researching the evidence base and writing their assignments

Although the details of the content of this module will be dictated by the requirements of the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) it is expected the fundamental aspects of the module will contain the following:

Students will be provided with the theoretical aspects that underpin the knowledge base of the module. Such as; risk, uncertainty and decision making, reflexivity, making judgments, disability analysis, assessing mental, intellectual and cognitive impairments, along with a base line knowledge of the factors that impact on the activities of daily living, such as; health conditions and impairments. This knowledge base and skills will be required to carry-out a non-diagnostic holistic physical\psychological\social examination of the Claimant.

Assessment tools used to analyse and assess individual's ability to live independently will be explored, along with methods used to test such evaluations such as Triangulation. Legal and ethical issues will also be considered as an understanding of auditable measures will ensure efficacy, objectivity and reliable reporting.

Face to face study days will enable students to work collaboratively with other students across a range of disciplines to empower and promote peer support. Students will be supported in the development of their autonomous decision making skills and made aware of the approved referral processes and pathways available to ensure individuals are appropriately assessed. Preceptors will be trained to support students through their award and to assess their competencies and develop their profile of evidence at postgraduate level.

Communication, conflict resolution, personal values and beliefs, compassion and dignity will be incorporated throughout the acquisition of the requisite observation skills and will be integrated into all the above aspects in order to provide the student with the appropriate knowledge and qualities in order to undertake an in-depth interview and physical examination to enable their objective and valid judgement upon an individual's ability to live independently. This will be tested via a Viva in front of a Panel of University staff and Preceptors

Competency document Pass\Fail 0% weighting (meeting LO's 2, 3 and 4)

Viva 100% weighting

Present and defend in a Viva a Profile of Evidence which must contain:
Completed PIP Form
Associated PIP Report
Short Reflective Piece
Completed formative assessments
Evidence of competency from competency Document
(meeting LO's 1, 2, 3 and 4)

Both elements of assessment must be passed

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):

Formatively Assessed by on-line tasks and also on face to face study day