Edinburgh Napier University

  Introduction:
Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) offers an MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice delivered part time with a blended approach. Most students on the pathway are employed within NHS Borders and working in substantive posts for which completion of the programme is a requirement.
Feedback from students and stakeholders (focus groups and ESurvey) identified that lack of communication between ENU and NHS Borders resulted in misunderstanding of assessment and course requirements, administrative confusion impacting on access to learning material, and a lack of continuity between education delivered in ENU and NHS Borders.

Aims/objectives:
To increase and improve both communication and collaborative working between ENU and NHS Borders to support the education and development of advanced clinical practitioner trainees.

Details of project:
Initially regular online meeting were set up between the ENU programme lead and the advanced clinical practice leads in NHS Borders to develop relationships and share knowledge and information. A short-term strategic plan was then developed to allow visibility of ENU within NHS borders and vice versa. This was achieved by ENU programme lead delivering educational sessions in person at NHS Borders events and the ACP leads assisting with assessment and delivery of the programme at ENU. Shared information (online and written) and documentation was developed in partnership between ENU and NHS Borders to ensure clarity for trainee ACPs and their clinical assessors.

Results/outcomes:
A long term plan has been implemented in which NHS Borders offer in-house training sessions to complement those delivered at ENU.
Regular meetings are scheduled and ongoing, enabling quick resolution of any students’ issues or concerns.

Conclusions/impact:
Student and clinical assessor satisfaction levels have improved markedly (anonymous feedback and informal verbal/written feedback) and there has been a reduction in students unable to access educational materials. Attrition has reduced across all stages of the programme.