Faculty of Health

This module aims to provide an understanding of UK health care in the context of primary and secondary care providers.  The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the primary/secondary care divide and the resulting benefits and challenges.

This module is open to practising health professionals with a first degree or equivalent.

The history and future of the NHS

Historical and international perspectives on primary /secondary care interface and the vision for the future.

The structure of primary/secondary care interface

Current structure and how they developed

GP’s and practice-based staff

Community pharmacists

Accident and Emergency departments

Walk-in centres, NHS Direct and out of hours services

Purchasers/providers

The impact of commercialism

Health Authorities, Hospital Trusts and Primary Care Groups

Pathways across the primary secondary interface

Hospital outpatients and direct access services

Hospital planned and emergency admissions

Hospital discharge planning and continuing care

Patients’ referral to secondary care

Patients’ admission to intermediate care centres

Communication and information management across the primary/secondary care interface

Finance/funding issues

How health care is funded in the UK and elsewhere

Commissioning

Private medical care and private health insurance

Clinical issues

Clinical guidelines and their impact on managed care

Managing chronic diseases

Audit of health care across the primary/secondary care interface

Interface project and presentation

This is an opportunity to spend some time observing and studying certain aspects of a healthcare service within the interface such as a walk-in centre, a private hospital, a community pharmacy, A/E department, a PCT or a community voluntary organisation.

Participants are expected to present their projects during the second part of the module.  This will be assessed by the group and will contribute to 30% towards the final mark of the module.

Module session dates

Assessment

• 10 minute presentation to the group on a chosen aspect, using appropriate methods and audiovisual aids.  This will be assessed by the group using mutually agreed criteria.
• Written assignment (approx 3500 words) demonstrating a clear understanding of issues relating to the primary/secondary care interface and incorporating personal experience gained in a primary care setting as well as use of appropriate literature.