Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care - Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Of:

• the key concepts of biological, physical, social, psychological and clinical sciences that are relevant to your profession-specific practice
• the expression and translation into action of professional principles
• the selection and/or modification of a number of different approaches to meet the needs of an individual
• the need to establish and maintain a safe practice environment
• the development of health and social care in the UK and the contemporary context in which care takes place
• theories and concepts that underpin and challenge practice and professionalism in health and social care
• the legal and ethical framework within which care takes place
• a range of basic research methods in health and social care and their application to practice
• the diversity of values in the context of health and social care including the experience of care from a service users perspective
• the social processes associated with the promotion of health and well being and the creation of inequalities.

Cognitive skills

Be able to:

• analyse situations from a range of perspectives and evaluate the appropriateness of different interventions or approaches
• apply concepts and theories to inform and critique practice situations
• critically evaluate evidence from research and its application to practice
• make use of a range of sources of information and use them to sustain an argument or develop new insights into practice.

Practical and/or professional skills

Expectations of a health professional

a)       Professional working and accountability

• Act in accordance with the legal, ethical, political and procedural boundaries of your profession
• Work in a non-discriminatory manner
• Maintain confidentiality and obtain informed consent
• Exercise a duty of care
• Understand the limits of your practice and when to seek advice
• Manage your time and workload effectively
• Have an awareness of the importance of keeping knowledge and skills up to date and how to identify your personal development needs
• Present and behave in an appropriate manner
• Contribute to the wellbeing and safety of all people in the workplace.

b)       Working relationships

• Recognise the personal boundaries of your practice and be able to make appropriate referrals
• Work effectively and maintain appropriate relationships with others
• Contribute successfully to the work of the multi-disciplinary team
• Successfully communicate information, advice, instruction and profession specific knowledge to others
• Understand the need for effective communication in your work.

Skills required for the application of practice

c)       identification and assessment of health and social care needs

• Gather and select appropriate information from a range of sources, including electronic sources
• Effectively undertake and/or contribute effectively to assessments as required
• Feedback on and assist in the interpretation of information collected.

d)      Meeting health and social care needs

• Understand and contribute to the application of research, concepts, reasoning and problem solving skills
• Use appropriate knowledge and a range of established techniques to assist in making professional judgements
• Contribute effectively to the formulation of specific and appropriate management plans including the setting of timescales
• Contribute effectively to the conduction of appropriate profession specific diagnostic and monitoring procedures, treatment, therapy or other actions safely and skilfully
• Maintain records appropriately.

e)       Reflecting on personal practice

• Reflect on, monitor and contribute effectively to the review and modification of the ongoing effectiveness of planned activity
• Reflect on and contribute effectively to the audit, and review of his/her personal practice.

Key skills

Information skills

• Gather and assist in the evaluation of evidence and information from a range of sources, including electronic sources;
• Contribute effectively to the use of methods of enquiry in order to collect and interpret data to provide information that would inform or benefit practice;
• Have the opportunity to participate effectively in communities of practice through computer mediated communication;
• Use ICT to enhance their own learning;
• Develop and use ICT skills within the work based learning modules.

Problem solving

• Demonstrate logical and systematic thinking
• Contribute effectively to the drawing of reasoned conclusions and sustainable argument.

Communication

• Organise and articulate opinions and arguments
• Write accurately and clearly in styles adapted to purpose and context
• Draw on appropriate conventions of academic writing
• Take account of and respond sensitively to diverse viewpoints
• Read purposefully, identifying and recording what is relevant from a range of resource material
• Participate effectively in communities of practice in face to face communication
• Demonstrate effective skills in communicating advice, instruction and profession specific knowledge to others
• Observe, describe and record accurately.

Application of number

• Understand and assist in the manipulation, interpretation and the presentation of numerical data.

Information technology

• Engage with technology, particularly the effective use of information and communication technology through the demonstration of basic skills in using computers and the internet, both within care settings and for study
• Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the role of ICT within the provision of health and social care
• Have the opportunity to participate effectively in communities of practice through computer mediated communication
• Use ICT to enhance your own learning
• Develop and use ICT skills within the work-based learning modules.

Learning how to learn

• Plan and manage time
• Analyse tasks and make plans to tackle them
• Seek and learn from feedback to improve performance
• Learn from a variety of media
• Learn from personal experience and apply to practical issues
• Reflect on learning process and personal progress, identifying strengths and weaknesses.