Program Overview

Program Overview

The role of the First Contact Practitioner within primary care is a 20-credit masters-level module designed for registered physiotherapists and other health care professionals currently working in or towards this role in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care.

Key Features

• The module aims to prepare students to deliver high-quality care within the role of First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice in primary care.
• It equips students to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, skills, competencies, and attributes for this role using critical thinking, complex clinical reasoning, and critical reflection skills.
• The module enables students to evaluate the effectiveness of their role and identify their own learning development needs.
• Delivered in intensive blocks over four days, with involvement from external lecturers who are specialists in the field.
• Applicants must have identified an appropriate supervisor and the support of their workplace to complete this module.
• Developed in close collaboration with external stakeholders and national frameworks.

Module Details

Module Code

ADV773

Credits

20

FHEQ Level

Level 7 (masters)

Location

Blended learning approach with face-to-face delivery at Plymouth

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a depth of understanding and the ability to critically evaluate the knowledge, skills, and behavior required for the role of First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care.
• Demonstrate advanced critical thinking, complex clinical reasoning skills, and the ability to analyze complex situations with regard to the assessment and management of patients.
• Demonstrate advanced critical thinking regarding evaluation of the role and service provided by the First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect upon their professional practice and identify learning and development needs within the context of the role of First Contact Practitioner in primary care.

Employment-Related Skills

• On completion, graduates should have developed critical skills related to the First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care.

Module Dates

• 29 January and 5, 19, 26 February 2024.
• Note: Delivery dates might be subject to change.

Module Lead

Sue May

Fees

Please see the Professional Development module fees.

Entry Requirements

• This module is aimed at physiotherapists and other health care professionals currently working in or towards the role of First Contact Practitioner in musculoskeletal clinical practice within primary care.
• Applicants require an appropriate level of experience, which would normally be at least three years of musculoskeletal clinical practice and completion of the ADV767 Advanced Clinical Reasoning in Musculoskeletal Conditions module.
• To be eligible, students need to:
  • Demonstrate a suitable level of expertise.
  • Have the support of their employer.
  • Identify a suitably qualified supervisor within primary care practice.
  • Be registered with a suitable health professions council or nursing and midwifery council.

Applying

Applicants need to complete a Module application form as well as a First Contact Practitioner Supervisors Form. Both forms should be returned to the specified address.

Admissions Information

Additional information and documentation required for the application process include application forms, change of name forms, pre-course information, and downloadable guides.