Cert(CPD) Continuing Professional Development Certificate in First Contact Practice in Primary Care
Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-09-25 | - |
Program Overview
Course Details
First contact practitioners (FCPs) work as diagnostic clinicians at the first point of contact in primary care. This stand-alone professional development certificate is ideal if you're an experienced allied health professional seeking to become an FCP. To complete this course, you must undertake a minimum of 75 hours of clinical practice learning in primary care under the supervision of a suitably qualified clinical mentor.
The University of Bolton's expert team will support you in developing the complex clinical reasoning skills demanded for the FCP role. We'll help you build the knowledge and understanding needed to assess and diagnose issues, advise patients on managing their conditions, and refer them to specialist services when necessary. You'll learn about patient presentation at the first point of contact, including emergency presentations and the presentation of chronic conditions. You'll explore the clinical management of patients in primary care, helping you determine whether to refer, test or treat them. We'll consider red flag symptoms in cancer diagnosis, disease progression, acute oncology and oncological emergencies and discuss their clinical management. We'll also emphasise communication and consultation skills and explore alternative consultation styles and the use of digital assessment tools.
Our experienced and knowledgeable team will promote your understanding of the primary care landscape, referral pathways and processes, national policies and guidelines, clinical targets, quality frameworks, and the role of FCPs in primary care. We'll encourage you to consider the implications for patients and staff based in secondary and tertiary care. You'll explore the clinical and safeguarding issues for vulnerable groups, including paediatrics, older people, people with dementia and those with learning disabilities. By encouraging you to consider patient safety, service development, and innovation to improve patients' experiences, we hope to prepare you to facilitate quality improvements in primary care.
Throughout the course, we promote your capacity for advanced clinical thinking, clinical reasoning and higher-level clinical practice skills. We aim to support you in developing a critical awareness and comprehensive understanding of the presentation, assessment and clinical management of patients at the first point of contact, including evaluating the need for investigations and referrals for patients with complex and undifferentiated diagnoses.
Please note that if you do not already have suitable employment in primary care, you'll need to secure an appropriate placement before enrolling on this course.
Highlights
Key Features
Program Outline
This professional development course offers academic and professional progression in the specialist field of first contact practice in primary care. Completing this short course will support you to become an FCP if you're an allied health professional.
You can take this course as a stand-alone module or as part of our PgCert First Contact Practice in Primary Care. After completing this course, you may wish to pursue one of the University of Bolton's postgraduate degrees in MSc Advanced Clinical Practice.
University of Bolton: A Summary
Overview:
The University of Bolton is a public university located in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various subject areas. The university prides itself on providing a supportive learning environment for its students.
Services Offered:
The university offers a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Student Support:
Provides assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.Accommodation:
Offers on-campus and off-campus housing options.Sport & Wellness:
Provides access to sports facilities and wellness programs.Careers & Employability:
Offers guidance and support for career development and job searching.Fees & Funding:
Provides information on tuition fees and financial aid options.International Student Support:
Offers specific services and resources for international students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university emphasizes a supportive and inclusive campus environment. Students can expect:
Supportive Tutors:
Faculty members are known for their dedication to student success and individual attention.Active Student Union:
The Bolton Students' Union provides a platform for student activities, social events, and representation.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a range of clubs, societies, and events to enhance the student experience.Access to Facilities:
Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, and sports centers.Key Reasons to Study There:
Supportive Learning Environment:
The university fosters a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for students.Focus on Employability:
The university emphasizes career development and prepares students for the workforce.Diverse Range of Programs:
Offers a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.Affordable Tuition:
Provides competitive tuition fees and financial aid options.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Accountancy & Business
Apprenticeships
Biomedical Sciences & Medical Biology
Creative & Digital Arts, English & Creative Writing
Computer Science
Dance, Musical Theatre & Performance
Dental Sciences
Education, Early Years and Teacher Training
Engineering, Motorsport and Construction
Film FX, Film & TV Production
Games
Health and Social Work & Community and Youth
Law & Crime and Criminal Justice
Medical & Paramedic Sciences
Nursing & Midwifery
Psychology
Physiotherapy & Sport Rehabilitation
Pre-University Study
Other:
The university also offers:
Research Programs:
Opportunities for students to engage in research activities.Summer School:
A program for students to gain academic credit during the summer.Open Days:
Events for prospective students to visit the campus and learn more about the university.International Student Support:
Dedicated resources and services for international students.Alumni Network:
A network of former students who can provide support and guidance.Business Gateway:
A service that provides support to businesses in the local area.Sustainability Initiatives:
The university is committed to environmental sustainability.
Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.