A. Weekly assessments (assessment for learning) will be developed especially on-line to allow students to measure their progress and to respond to feedback.
Assessment for learning is focused on the following opportunities:
- Online Quiz: This will present online question types in order to help students consolidate their knowledge. Topics for this module would include: ethical theories, concepts and principles.
- E-portfolio (Case notes, podcast, blog: Students will create brief case notes/podcast/blogs around an ethical issue encountered in their practice which will inform their summative assessment.
- Workshops: The workshops during the face-to-face component include exercises to review and practice ethical approaches to clinical practice.
B. The summative assessments for this module consist of the following components that combine critical appraisal (of ethical considerations, communication issues, evaluation of care needs) and critical reflection (on clinical examples).
1. Presentation 25%
The students will have to choose a relevant regulation/policy/law and analyse the underpinning ethical principles and how this impacts on ethically sound practice (e.g. mental capacity act, consent). They can reflect on their own professional experiences. The canvas online platform gives them an opportunity to create an e-portfolio of cases and skills observed, as part of authentic assessment.
2. Coursework 25%
The students will have to critically review a minimum of 2 ethical theories and discuss the implications for practice within their area of activity. (1500 words). This will be a structured approach to finding and reviewing the literature to answer very specific ethical problems, using the best available evidence. The students are expected to have delivered a comprehensive summary of the 2 theories (at their choice), appraised systematically and expertly.
3. Coursework 50%
Case study report. This is part of ‘authentic assessment’, mirroring a real-life report exercise. The students will select a case example from current practice and using moral theory, they have to critically review the decisions made with respect to the management of a particular case (3000 words). This will be a reflection on the role of ethical theories and principles that govern clinical interactions within specialist areas within the NHS, or in the management of patients in clinical environments. This will focus not just on patient centred specific care, but the design and delivery of care pathways, governance and professional behaviours within multi-disciplinary interactions.
These 3 linked assessments build on the previous experience providing an understanding of the complex nature of ethical decision-making.
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