The aim of this module is to introduce students to their role in general practice. Throughout the module, there will be an emphasis on health promotion and screening as well as the management of long-term conditions. There will be a focus on consultation and communication skills to build confidence in building rapport with people seeking care across the lifespan.

This module will enable students to develop a critical understanding of the nature and organisation of primary care services including key policies influencing practice in this setting. The role of the general practice nurse is examined including the professional responsibilities and accountability involved. The module also incorporates a number of skills-based study days which enable students to develop competence in the core skills required to work in general practice and a critical appreciation of the evidence base underpinning their practice.

This module is intended for those learners who are new to the general practice setting. Particular focus on the HEE/NHEI revised General Practice Nursing Education and Career Framework: https://www.skillsforhe...capabilities-framework/ and this can be mapped to tier 1 and tier 2 of the The Pan-London Competencies Framework General Practice Nursing & General Practice Nursing Associates for those working towards an Enhanced Practice Nurse role to fulfil the requirements of an ARRS role.

Included within the module are the following additional study days:

Travel Health, Childhood Immunisations, Wound Care. These study days focus on preparing practitioners for their roles in health promotion within a general practice setting.

Students will also complete Cervical Cytology Sample Taker Course as part of this module. This two-day course fulfils the requirements of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme for training novice cervical screening sample takers. This two-day course is accredited with the RCN.

Students must complete and submit the Supporting Admissions Form (SAF) for the Cervical screening course. See downloads at the right hand side of this page.

Students will develop an understanding of the evidence base approaches to long-term conditions including the role of genetics and personalised medicine. An introduction to the management of some of the common long-term conditions they see in general practice will also be included for example: dementia care and support to carers, and management of diabetes in adults and children, management of respiratory conditions.

Students will be encouraged to explore and integrate theoretical learning within the context of primary care through several teaching and learning strategies. Keynote sessions delivered by specialists within their areas of expertise will enhance the knowledge and skills of the students, allowing them to apply this within practice. Students will be expected to demonstrate a holistic, inclusive and adaptive approach to their practice, ensuring person-centred delivery of care.

Assessment

100% coursework

Students will be required to complete a case study. In addition, students will be required to complete a critical review of the care delivered and a reflective account of their development as a practice nurse or Nursing Associate.

Patient details must be anonymised and confidentiality must be maintained.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge and Understanding
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the roles, structure and function of general practice services and their impact on individual and community health.
• Critically evaluate disease prevention strategies in primary care to support changes to behaviours and lifestyle to improve life expectancy of individuals with long-term conditions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of health promotion and screening in preventing health issues and supporting individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
• Apply systematic and evidence-based approaches to the management and promotion of health and well-being in people with long-term conditions at both individual and population health level.
• Demonstrate an in-depth and critical understanding of the application of health policy and the application of this as a basis for care planning in the context of their clinical role.
• Intellectual/Practical/Transferable Skills
• Critically evaluate and apply evidence-based approaches to the provision of care within the general practice setting, working in partnership with people and their families/carers.
• Demonstrate advanced communication strategies across primary, community and secondary care to facilitate seamless care for all people with long-term conditions and their families / carers. 
• Critical evaluate disease prevention strategies in primary care to support changes to behaviours and lifestyle to improve health and life expectancy of individuals.

What our students say

From the Feb 2025 cohort:

Student 1. Cervical screening days are amazing. The second (practical day) was the best

Student 2. The cervical screening days were very informative. It was good and it helped me learn the practical aspects of it.

Student 3. Great, it was informative and useful to my job.