Advanced Clinical Practice (MSc)

In my role as community matron at Staffa Health I work with patients with complex long term conditions, offering advanced health assessment with the aim of developing patient-led management plans. The purpose of the Community Matron role is to provide proactive management for the patient group and to ultimately reduce inappropriate acute admissions to hospital.

In addition to the ‘hands on’ aspect of the job the role also requires a strategic overview, particularly having an understanding of health economics and governance within the NHS.

The MSc in Advanced Practice have provided me with a sound basis on which to progress my knowledge within my role. The Advanced Assessment, Diagnostics and Mental Health modules have facilitated my development in practical areas developing in-depth specialist knowledge. Modules such as Organisational Wide Approaches to Quality and Work Based Learning have helped me to gain a wider understanding of the political issues which can impact on health. This knowledge has empowered me to challenge established practices on the patients’ behalf, and to be instrumental in making changes to the delivery of healthcare to improve provision; an example of this being the Virtual Ward project at Staffa Health.

The knowledge which I have acquired through all of these modules have contributed to my ongoing development within my role whilst helping me to work towards the target of proactively managing and improving the care of patients with long term conditions.

"Online way of learning is fantastic. I can work and learn something new and also advance my practice when it's convenient."

"This course allows for a flexible approach to masters level study, which sits well with juggling a full time career and family."