When did you first introduce the innovation?
Less than 12 months ago
Please describe the innovation you have developed
The aim of the module developed is two pronged-to enable the student to critically evaluate a pilot or small scale development initiative which will enhance service provision and to critically appraise the impact of CPD on their personal and/or professional development and practice. It is worth 40 credits towards their final award and runs over a six month period.
What prompted you to develop this innovation?
In the light of current service developments it was identified that capturing current / potential project work or pilots being undertaken in the workplace and evaluating these initiatives as part of a students academic study would be hugely beneficial both to service and the student concerned. The requirement to make recommendations for further practice based on current literature has ensured a robust integration of theory and practice. It has also raised student and stakeholder attention to the importance of workplace culture and the practice development methodologies that can enhance how they will integrate projects/audits/trials into the environment to achieve successful outcomes.
In your view, what is it about this innovation that makes it different/important?
It encourages the staff to become cognisant of the wider implications of change within the work environment, the challenges faced when introducing new ways of working and an overarching understanding of project work, how to organise this and how to acknowledge the variety of opinions and views which may impact on the success of the project as a whole.
To what extent does your innovation make use of existing approaches, resources or technologies?
Project management strategies and practice development methodologies are introduced; the use of IT to track project decisions. It also introduces the elements of ethical considerations to be cognisant of when undertaking project work.
To what degree has this innovation led to changes in education or clinical practice?
The empowerment seen within the students as individuals completing the module has been phenomenal. Students from all grades/bands from non trained through to senior staff have been supported and developed by managers to lead on small project work currently being undertaken/ consider possible service improvements and identify the theoretical underpinning research which is required prior to implementation of the process. Some students captured existing pilots being carried out and were able to evaluate from a workplace culture perspective.
What evidence do you have of the impact of the innovation?
Change in clinical practice as individual staff members, personal growth and development of the students who have come to the completion of this stage of their education journey has demonstrated the impact of this module. Service improvement, changes in health care delivery, financial implications of changes in service has been recognised and empowerment of the non trained workforce is particularly evident.Students are required to present their project proposal contextualising their experience and development throughout their programme of study to the group through a conference presentation.
To what degree has the innovation been disseminated in your organisation or elsewhere?
Limited dissemination to date as only one cohort has completed the module to date. However, discussion at Programme meetings with stakeholders has occurred and students have been sharing their experiences with other students currently on the programme.
The impact of undertaking their project ideas has led to change at local levels with further development and change in practice.
Please provide details of any plans you have to disseminate the innovation in the future.
As this has only run for one cohort to date, it is envisaged that dissemination will be through local stakeholder conference events, poster presentations, publication in academic journals. It is also identified that a University poster display of work could encourage students from other health & social care programmes to critique and share best practice.