Module Details

Module Code: PLAC7024
Title: QA & Enhancement in SocialCare
Long Title: QA & Enhancement in Social Care
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2023/24 ( January 2024 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 0111 - Placement
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will enable the students to understand key concepts involved in the needs assessment process, programme planning, assessment of risk and the implementation of quality assurance and enhancement measures. Emphasis will be placed on the examination of factors that contribute to non-compliance of standards and quality of practice. The students will also explore the concept of duty of care and implications for service delivery in its absence. Students will gain insight into strategies and evidence informed approaches for the management and support of behaviours and professional decision making.

This module maps to the Standards of Proficiency for Social Care Workers from within the following domains:

• Domain 1: Professional Autonomy & Accountability.

• Domain 2: Communication, Collaborative Practice & Teamworking.

• Domain 3: Safety & Quality.

• Domain 5: Professional Knowledge & Skills.

Learning Strategies:
This module will be delivered using mediums such as role play, case studies, informative video, documentaries, lectures, and tutorials. Additional expertise will be sought using guest speakers from relevant and related fields including but not limited to Social Care practitioners.

Assessment Strategies:
Knowledge and comprehension of module concepts will be assessed through a class assignment comprising of an essay (40%) & final exam (60%).
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate the role and value of quality assurance, regulation & standards within Social Care settings and appraise how these measures assist in improving care experiences for service users. (Domains:1.3, 1.14, 2.6, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 3.11, 3.13, 3.15, 5.1)
LO2 Critically examine the standards for the assessment of need and its implementation in a number of Social Care Settings. (Domains:1.15, 1.16, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.15, 5.1)
LO3 Demonstrate a thorough understanding of risk and the principles of risk management required to monitor, evaluate and/or audit the quality of practice and service provision in the Social Care Sector. (Domains:2.6, 3.7, 3.10, 3.12, 3.14, 5.1)
LO4 Discuss the guiding principles of case management and its application in practice. Evaluate the role of case management in the case review process and the benefits for service delivery. (Domains:2.6, 3.8, 3.13, 3.15, 5.1, 5.10)
LO5 Critically examine the process of person-centred planning as a key practice tool and apply its concepts as a best practice model in service delivery. (Domains:1.3, 2.6, 3.1, 3.4, 3.7, 3.8, 3.15, 5.1, 5.8)
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Quality Standards and interventions in Health and Social Care
HIQA overview (Domain:1.3) Professional and Institutional Regulation • Aspects, purpose and function (Domains:2.6, 5.1) Using quality standards and improvement to enhance care experiences for service users (Domains:1.14, 3.5, 3.7, 3.13, 3.15) The audit process (Domain:3.11) Use of appropriate interventions (Domain:3.8)
The Standards for the Assessment of Need
The Needs Assessment Process (Domains:2.6, 3.1, 3.4, 3.15) The Standards for the Assessment of Need in a variety of Social Care Sectors (Domains:1.15, 1.16, 3.2, 3.3, 5.1)
Risk and the Management of Risk in Social Care.
Risk Management framework (Domain:3.12) Risk Assessments • The purpose & completion of Risk Assessments (Domains:2.6, 3.14, 5.1) Managing and holding risk in Social Care (Domain:3.7, 3.10)
Case Management
The Principles of Case Management (Domains:2.6, 3.13, 3.15) Strategies for the management & support of behaviours that challenge (Domain:5.1, 5.10) Positive Behaviour Support Competency Framework (Domain:5.10) Case Review Sys (Domain:3.8)
Individual Programme Planning
Person Centred Planning • overview, stages, circle of support & National Quality Framework (Domains:1.3, 5.1, 5.8) The Referral Process (Domain:3.1) Assessing needs, goals, outcomes & barriers (Domain:3.4, 3.7) Review/evaluation process • role of staff & MDT (Domains:2.6, 3.8, 3.15)
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%
Special Regulation
Students are required to achieve a mark of 40 % or greater in each assessment component to pass the module.

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
The students will be directed to complete an essay encompassing Learning Outcome 2 while also assessing the following Standards of Proficiency: Domains:1.15, 1.16, 2.6, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.15, 5.1. Approx. word count 2000.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 2
Assessment Description
Recorded presentation of key findings from essay.
Assessment Type Non-MTU Exam % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
Assessment Description
This is a two-hour examination using a combination of short-answer and long-answer questions. Students are required to demonstrate a clear understanding of theoretical material and an ability to assess the applicability of theory to practice, drawing on relevant concepts, material and examples. (Domains:1.3, 1.14, 2.6, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15, 5.1, 5.8, 5.10)
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Theory, informative video and documentaries, guest speakers. Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Application of theory through mediums such as role play and case studies. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent study Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Social Care Workers Registration Board. (2017), Standards of Proficiency for Social Care Worker.
  • Trish Hafford-Letchfield. (2007), Practising Quality Assurance in Social Care (Post-qualifying Social Work Practice), Sage, [ISBN: 9781844450848].
  • Emlyn Cassam , Himu Gupta. (2017), Quality Assurance for Social Care Agencies: A Practical Guide, Routledge, [ISBN: 9780582089440].
  • Gary Spolander and Linda Martin Jessica. (2012), Successful Project Management in Social Work and Social Care: Managing Resources, Assessing Risks an, Kingsley, [ISBN: 9781849052061].
  • Roger Kline, Michael Preston Shoot. (2012), Professional Accountability in Social Care and Health: Challenging Unacceptable Practice, Sage, [ISBN: 9780857256898].
  • Social Care Workers Registration Board. (2019), Social Care Workers Registration Board of Professional Conduct and Ethics, Social Care Workers Registration Board.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Various. Various articles, Health and Social Care in the Community.
  • Various. Various articles, Irish Journal of Applied Social Studies.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HSOCC_7 Bachelor of Arts in Social Care Work 5 Mandatory