PMMCOB-Certificate in Obesity Management (Level 7)

Module Provider: Pharmacy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: obtained a first degree or demonstrate the ability to study at Masters level.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: k.a.hall@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This course is intended to be a practically focused educational initiative which will equip healthcare practitioners (and other relevant individuals) with the skills to deliver obesity management services. The knowledge and skills gained during the course will enable participants to work with people who are overweight and obese to modify their lifestyles and promote good health. Candidates will be selected for the course according to their role and capacity to undertake obesity management and will continue to work while undertaking the part-time course. The course will consist of four days of class contact, supplemented by individual and work based effort. The content will include both theoretical and practical components. Participants will be expected to contribute to discussions and workshops using their own experience and will undertake a project in their own work area to deliver an initiative focused on obesity management.

Aims:
The aim of the Certificate in Obesity Management is to provide health care practitioners with an understanding of obesity management. The knowledge and skills gained will enable individuals to effectively assess, advise and treat people who are overweight and obese. The course will support the national initiative to tackle obesity by equipping practitioners with the required skills to engage with and support individuals and communities in order to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce obesity.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

1. Describe the prevalence of obesity


2. List the causes of obesity


3. Understand the consequences of obesity on the health of the population and the associated co-morbidity

Skills

1. Assess a patient and develop an appropriate tailored treatment regime including effective weight management strategies and a variety of interventions


2. Carry out effective monitoring and follow up of individuals


3. Use practical skills in obesity management to initiate innovative methods for supporting individuals


4. Analyse and reflect on local and national strategies in obesity management


5. Tailor obesity management strategies to meet the specific needs of the environment and community in which the practitioner works using knowledge of cultural and other factors


6. Initiate a weight management service to meet the needs of the local population


7. Critically appraise current literature

Behaviours

1. Continually advance own knowledge, skills and behaviours through continuing development and life-long learning

Additional outcomes:

To gain the level 7 qualification students will need to demonstrate Master’s level critical appraisal during their studies, including the implications to their own practice.  Students who do not meet this outcome but demonstrate knowledge, skills and behaviours aligned to, and sufficient to pass, the level 6 module may be able to transfer to PM3COB.

Outline content:

This module will focus on a broad range of topics related to obesity including epidemiology, aetiology, prevention, medical/social/psychological consequences, behaviour change and treatment of obesity.  Practical skills such as patient assessment and weight management will also be covered.

Global context:

The information gained in this module will be applicable to a range of healthcare settings, although the module is primarily focused on the UK healthcare system.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module will use a range of teaching and learning methods.  The University teaching is based around face to face workshops using a mixture of presentations, problem-based learning and focused discussion facilitated by the programme team, specialist practitioners and other healthcare professionals.  The workshops are underpinned by directed learning via Blackboard and self-directed learning where practitioners are required to use a range of sources to gain information to support the development of their knowledge and skills.

Students are encouraged to complement their study through workplace-based learning where practitioners will undertake activities to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours.  This will be guided by the professional portfolio of learning.

This module is studied over two to six months, and there may be more than one cohort per year, therefore the distinction of hours by term is not possible.  The hours shown for autumn term below are spread over the entire module.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
No examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. Professional portfolio of learning
   
   
   
   • Portfolio contents review including evidence of a small project in the workplace to deliver an initiative focused on obesity management
   
   
   
   

Formative assessment methods:

1. Workplace-based assessments during experiential learning


2. Group discussion during workshops


3. Optional formative feedback on draft report of small project

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

1. The professional portfolio of learning must be passed at 50% and contain all mandatory content

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will usually be arranged within a three-month period.  Where required, and determined to be achievable, it will be arranged promptly to not delay any further study.  Individualised timings may be required depending on the specific requirements for reassessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 16 September 2019