This guidance provides information on the different project types on the Enhancing Clinical Practice Dissertation module; including details on formative and summative assessments as well as timelines for supervision meetings and information on draft submissions.
Guidance for students and supervisors
Enhancing Clinical Practice Dissertation
Contents
Project type 1: Case analysis in Health care 2
Overview of project type 1: Case analysis in Health care 2
Project type 1: Formative assessment pro-forma 3
Outline for a Case Analysis in Health care 3
Project type 1: Dissertation structure 4
Project type 1: Marking rubric 6
Project type 2: Tool development 10
Overview of project type 2: Tool development of a patient/client/carer-focussed 10
framework for illness/recovery experiences 10
Project type 2: Formative assessment pro-forma 12
Outline for a Tool Development Project 12
Project type 2: Dissertation structure 13
Project type 2: Marking rubric 15
Project type 3: Information pack 19
Project Type 3: Development of an information pack 19
Project type 3: Formative assessment pro-forma 21
Outline for an Information Pack 21
Project type 3: Dissertation structure 22
Project type 3: Marking rubric 24
Supervision guidelines 28
Group supervision dates 32
Key progress dates 33
Module timetable 35
Frequently asked questions 37
Project type 1: Case analysis in Health care
Overview of project type 1: Case analysis in Health care
Aims of dissertation
The aim of the Enhancing Clinical Practice Dissertation is to further your professional development through undertaking a project relevant to your field of practice and the writing of a substantial report. Your dissertation project will enable you to draw together key themes of learning developed through your MSc programme while ensuring you have appropriate skills and knowledge to develop, enhance and progress clinical nursing care.
Project details
Project type 1 of the Enhancing Clinical Practice Dissertation requires you to undertake a practice-oriented case analysis. A case analysis is a comprehensive, evidence-based project of a single case (focusing on one specific illness, for example), a group of patients, a community (people living in a care home, for example), a service or organisation (such as Community & Adolescent Mental Health Service, or Diabetes UK), or a specific role (such as that of the Clinical Nurse Specialist or similar).
Project design and considerations
You will need to explore and familiarise yourself with case study methodology as this approach will provide you with helpful guidance for your project. Please note that this is not a literature review. However, some elements of the literature review process will need to be included such as the literature search process and critical appraisal of source documents.
You will need to examine in-depth and critically evaluate your case from a variety of perspectives. If you select a single condition, you might include the effects of illness (from a bio-psycho-pharmaco-social perspective), the impact of the nurse through the delivery of treatment and care, the effectiveness of multidisciplinary teamworking, communication, leadership, patient education etc. Consideration should be given to how these variables contribute to the patient’s experience of healthcare and/or the management of their condition. You might also want to explore the patient journey to investigate what happens at key points in the continuum of care and across the illness trajectory and how these are orchestrated. Please note that you will solely be relying on primary evidence (not review articles / book chapters) and must not include information or data from real cases as this is not an empirical study and ethical approval has not been obtained for inclusion of such. Moreover, you cannot include fictious characters in your written work. Evidence of either within your dissertation will result in an automatic fail.
If you choose to take a service or organisation as your case, you will need to explore the various components of that service or organisation. So, taking an organisation such as Cancer Research UK, for example, you would investigate its purpose and how it fulfils that purpose, through its many strands of work. These include scientific research, provision of information to health professionals, provision of information to patients, fundraising amongst others. If you take a specific role as your case, such as a play therapist, you might want to consider, for example, the purpose of that role, the knowledge base required, who the role interfaces with and how this impacts and shapes the role. Throughout, you will need to substantiate your discussion of these issues, through relevant evidence.
Project type 1: Formative assessment pro-forma
The formative assessment for this module is a written outline proposal of the project you intend to undertake. Using the form provided below, and in no more than 500 words, please provide the information as indicated.
Formative work should be submitted no later than 11:59AM (UK time) on Friday 22 November 2024 by uploading to KEATs. You will receive feedback on a) content and b) writing style and level approximately 1 to 2 weeks post submission. There will be opportunity to discuss feedback with your supervisor as required.
Please ensure you use the correct form for the type of project you are undertaking and refer to the relevant Project Type description as you complete the form.
Outline for a Case Analysis in Health care
Topic
Rationale for choice of topic
Why is this topic important to explore? Think about any relevant changes to policies, public health, or explain if a personal interest, for example.
Who or what is the central focus of your case analysis?
From what perspectives will you critically evaluate your case?
Explain how the various perspectives you described above will provide insight into your case.
Specify at least two areas of literature/evidence/sources of information you will need to explore.
Project type 1: Dissertation structure
Each of the Enhancing clinical practice dissertations must be structured and presented in accordance with the set guidelines. While there is some leeway to accommodate originality, innovation, and creativity, you must adhere to the overall structure indicated in Table 1 and to the word limit.
Word count
Work must be up to a maximum 12.000 word limit set for this dissertation. Words in excess of the limit will not be read and your work may be marked down if you go over the limit. The work that comes within the word limit will be assessed according to the guidelines/assessment rubric. Therefore, if important parts of the assignment fall outside the word limit you are likely to fail the assignment. Items not included in the word count are listed below:
Items NOT included in the word count
Cover sheet
Title page
Acknowledgments
Abstract
Contents page
List of tables and figures page
Texts in tables and figures (legends for illustrations do count)
Abbreviations page (not mandatory)
Reference list (references within the main text do count)
Appendices - these must be used appropriately, with essential information placed within the body of your work.
Structure and Presentation of your dissertation
The guidance given in the following section is in line with information that can be found in the Pre-Registration Programmes Handbook:
https://internal.kcl.ac.uk/nursing/Students/handbooks/nmpc-pre-registration-handbook.pdf
The Assessments site on the module KEATS page contains information on the process of submission and how to include a cover sheet.
Overview of the guidance:
The dissertation should be typed with 1.5 line spacing on A4 paper.
Please use 12 point font size.
Use a margin of 2.5cm on the left and 2.5cm on the right.
Page 1 of the dissertation must contain the title of your project, your name, the degree for which the dissertation is submitted and the date.
Please use APA 7th Edition referencing style. Guidance can be found at: https://libguides.kcl.ac.uk/reference
Tables and figures must be labelled and captioned; for example: Figure 3: The life cycle of the penny farthing.
You should also refer to figures and tables in the main text; for example: “Figure 3 shows the life cycle of the penny farthing” or “The life of the penny farthing follows a cyclic pattern as shown in Figure 3”.
Table 1. Overall structure of a case analysis in health care dissertation
Section
Description
Title page
Concise title, author’s name, date and degree for which dissertation is submitted
Acknowledgments
Dedication to those you feel have supported you in undertaking your project.
*Abstract
(300 – 350 words)
A structured abstract with clear subheadings that provides a short summary of the project. This should include: background/rationale of the project, aims of your project, methodology or approach adopted, key findings, and finally conclusions/recommendations.
Contents page
Give details of chapters and sections within chapters with page numbers. Your dissertation will be easier to follow if sections are numbered and different level headings are used. Start each chapter on a new page.
List of tables
Details of all tables with page numbers.
List of figures
Details of all figures with page numbers.
Introduction and background
(1000 – 1200 words)
This should set out the background to the area you are exploring and there should be an explanation of how it relates to professional practice; the rationale and justification for focusing on this area; purpose of your project. Operational definitions of terms used should be given. Draw on relevant policies and guidelines that relate to and support your exploration of the topic.
Methodology
(700 – 800 words)
Describe and discuss how you have drawn on case study methods in addressing your project, providing examples in the use of this methodology in healthcare research. It is important to consider the roles and contributions of relevant stakeholders, including the nurse, as part of your case. Aims and objectives should also be clearly stated.
Sources of information
(1700 – 2000 words)
An exploration of the information to address your project. This can include information on patient/carer/service user experience. A brief description of the information search (databases used, search terms, number of papers found, and number of relevant papers). This section should include a table that summarises the relevant sources of information and includes details, such as author (year), study design (where applicable), and critical appraisal of the quality of the sources (a column for limitations and strengths). Summarise the information relevant to your project that underpins the area being explored and identify patterns/themes within the information. The information can be presented using narratives, tables and figures as appropriate.
Discussion of findings
(3500 – 4000 words)
Discuss the information for the case being explored and provide a thorough description and analysis of the meanings and implications of the information, i.e. gathering all aspects of the case and its context and develop a bigger picture and demonstrating critical insight. There should be a discussion of the findings in relation to the wider context including local, national and international benchmarks.
Conclusion
(500 – 700 words)
Summarise key findings of your project and consider the strengths and limitations of your project design e.g. methodology, quality of evidence etc. Include implications for practice and a brief summary with recommendations e.g. policy development, future studies, change in practice. Be explicit.
Reflection
(450 – 500 words)
Drawing on the concept of professional identity and on what constitutes nursing knowledge, and providing an account of how you have developed as a nurse through undertaking your project. Refer to values and proficiencies set by the NMC.
References
Use APA 7th Edition referencing style. See: https://libguides.kcl.ac.uk/reference
Appendices
As appropriate and required.
*Abstract is not included in the total word count limit. This is separate and a word limit range has been provided for guidance.
Project type 1: Marking rubric
*Fail (40%-49%): A superficial answer with limited knowledge of the material and limited critical ability.
**Poor Fail (0%-39%): An answer almost entirely lacking in evidence of knowledge and understanding.
Project type 2: Tool development
Overview of project type 2: Tool development of a patient/client/carer-focussed
framework for illness/recovery experiences
Aims of dissertation
The aim of the Enhancing Clinical Practice Dissertation is to further your professional development through undertaking a project relevant to your field of practice and the writing of a substantial report. Your dissertation project will enable you to draw together key themes of learning developed through your Nursing MSc programme while ensuring you have appropriate skills and knowledge to develop, enhance and progress clinical nursing care.
Project details
Project type 2 requires you to develop a patient/client/carer-focussed framework for recording of illness or recovery experiences. Therefore, you will design a tool/application (an online app, a diary, booklet etc.). You are not required to produce a tool, which would take time and resources. Nonetheless, you will need to support your discussion of the need for, and purpose of the proposed tool, and the format and language of your planned resource, with best evidence.
The concept of the lived experience has its base in qualitative research. You will, therefore, need to be familiar with research articles and research designs that focus on this concept. Doing so will help you to understand why it is important to capture patients’/clients’/carers’ experiences of illness or recovery and what can be learned by doing so. This is the starting point for your dissertation. Qualitative research will also help you to determine what information needs to be captured in terms of a patient’s/client’s illness or recovery experiences.
Project design and considerations
You will need to consider the (therapeutic) value to patients/clients/carers of recording their experiences. Does it help them to understand how their condition is changing (deteriorating/ improving, for example), to determine how effective their treatment is and how it is affecting them, to appreciate what they need to share with their nurse or doctor, to help them appreciate the long-term management of their condition rather than full recovery might be their goal? Is it purely cathartic?
You should also consider the value to the nurse of having access to such rich information. This might include being able to better manage a patient’s treatment, monitor their readiness for discharge from services, monitor recovery post discharge from PICU/ITU/HDU care, for example. You will find bodies of literature that investigate these ideas and you will need to explore them in relation to your own project. It will not be possible to ask your target group directly.
Investigations of lived experiences can be broad or focussed. Looking at an illness taking a broad perspective might look at the point of symptom onset, through diagnosis, ongoing treatment and care, through to recovery or the patient’s management of a long-term condition. Taking a focussed view of an illness experience would mean you would look at one aspect of the illness. This could be a symptom, the patient’s management of their condition, or their journey to recovery.
In designing a tool to capture illness or recovery experiences you will need to consider what would be the best way to do that and what is going to be both helpful to, and usable by, the patient/client/carer. It will also need to produce data that is easy to analyse. Again, there is a body of literature that you can explore to acquaint yourself with the various tools that have been used before you consider what would be most suitable for your particular project.
Evaluation of proposed tool
You should consider the limitations of your project including the challenges of using patient/ client/care experience data to inform clinical practice.
Project type 2: Formative assessment pro-forma
The formative assessment for this module is a written outline proposal of the project you intend to undertake. Using the form provided below, and in no more than 500 words, please provide the information as indicated.
Formative work should be submitted no later than 11:59AM (UK time) on Friday 22 November 2024 by uploading to KEATs. You will receive feedback on a) content and b) writing style and level approximately 1 to 2 weeks post submission. There will be opportunity to discuss feedback with your supervisor as required.
Please ensure you use the correct form for the type of project you are undertaking and refer to the relevant Project Type description as you complete the form.
Outline for a Tool Development Project
Topic
Rationale for choice of topic
Why is this topic important to explore? Think about any relevant changes to policies, public health, or explain if a personal interest, for example.
Which one aspect of the illness/recovery experience will you explore?
What are the variables that you are intending your project will help patients/carers/service users recognise?
Specify at least two areas of literature/evidence you will need to explore.
What type of tool are you considering developing? What information are you intending it will capture and how will this be helpful to a patient/carer/service user?
Project type 2: Dissertation structure
Each of the Enhancing Clinical practice dissertations must be structured and presented in accordance with the set guidelines. While there is some leeway to accommodate originality, innovation and creativity, you must adhere to the overall structure indicated in Table 2 and to the word limit.
Word count
Work must be up to a maximum 12.000 word limit set for this dissertation. Words in excess of the limit will not be read and your work may be marked down if you go over the limit. The work that comes within the word limit will be assessed according to the guidelines/assessment rubric. Therefore, if important parts of the assignment fall outside the word limit you are likely to fail the assignment. Items not included in the word count are listed below:
Items NOT included in the word count
Cover sheet
Title page
Acknowledgments
Abstract
Contents page
List of tables and figures page
Texts in tables and figures (legends for illustrations do count)
Abbreviations page (not mandatory)
Reference list (references within the main text do count)
Appendices - these must be used appropriately, with essential information placed within the body of your work.
Structure and Presentation of your dissertation
The guidance given in the following section is in line with information that can be found in the Pre-Registration Programmes Handbook:
https://internal.kcl.ac.uk/nursing/Students/handbooks/nmpc-pre-registration-handbook.pdf
The Assessments site on the module KEATS page contains information on the process of submission and how to include a cover sheet.
Overview of the guidance:
The dissertation should be typed with 1.5 line spacing on A4 paper.
Please use 12 point font size.
Use a margin of 2.5cm on the left and 2.5cm on the right.
Page 1 of the dissertation must contain the title of your project, your name, the degree for which the dissertation is submitted and the date.
Please use APA 7th Edition referencing style. Guidance can be found at: https://libguides.kcl.ac.uk/reference
Tables and figures must be labelled and captioned; for example: Figure 3: The life cycle of the penny farthing.
You should also refer to figures and tables in the main text; for example: “Figure 3 shows the life cycle of the penny farthing” or “The life of the penny farthing follows a cyclic pattern as shown in Figure 3”.
Table 2. Overall structure of a tool development dissertation
Section
Description
Title page
Concise title, author’s name, date and degree for which dissertation is submitted
Acknowledgments
Dedication to those you feel have supported you in undertaking your project.
*Abstract
(300 – 350 words)
A structured abstract with clear subheadings that provides a short summary of the project. This should include: background/rationale of the project, aims of your project, methodology (approach adopted), key findings, and finally conclusions/recommendations.
Contents page
Give details of chapters and sections within chapters with page numbers. Your dissertation will be easier to follow if sections are numbered and different level headings are used. Start each chapter on a new page.
List of tables
Details of all tables with page numbers.
List of figures
Details of all figures with page numbers.
Introduction and background
(1000 – 1200 words)
This should set out the background to the area you are exploring and there should be an explanation of how it relates to professional practice; the rationale and justification for focusing on this area; purpose of your project. Operational definitions of terms used should be given. Draw on relevant policies and guidelines that relate to and support your exploration of the topic.
Sources of information
(1700 – 2000 words)
An exploration of the information relevant to the project aims e.g. importance of monitoring/recording of illness, recovery or care. This can include information on patients’/clients’/carers’ experiences of illness or recovery.
A brief description of the information search (databases used, search terms, number of papers found, and number of relevant papers) and other sources. This section should include a table that summarises the relevant sources of information and includes details such as author (year), study design (where applicable), and critical appraisal of the quality of the sources (a column for limitations and strengths). Summarise the information relevant to your project that underpins the tool that you are designing and identify patterns/themes within the information. The information can be presented using narratives, tables and figures as appropriate.
Methodology
(1700 – 2200 words)
Include approaches taken in designing your tool (modality/platform, layout, language, usage, piloting etc.) with consideration of the roles and contributions of relevant stakeholders, including the nurse, when developing your tool, for example, what information will be shared to service providers and how will this information be utilised?
Discussion of findings
(2500 – 3000 words)
Discuss and evaluate the proposed tool, drawing in information from existing sources of information on its potential relevance, usability and benefits in health care. The discussion should reflect on the wider context including local, national and international benchmarks.
Conclusion
(500 – 700 words)
Summarise key findings of your project and consider the strengths and limitations of your proposed tool and identify alternative approaches to address some of these challenges. Include implications for practice and a brief summary with recommendations, for example policy development, future studies, change in practice. Be explicit.
Reflection
(400 – 500 words)
Drawing on the concept of professional identity and on what constitutes nursing knowledge, provide an account of how you have developed as a nurse through undertaking your project. Refer to values and proficiencies set by the NMC.
References
Use APA 7th Edition referencing style. See: https://libguides.kcl.ac.uk/reference
Appendices
As appropriate and required.
*Abstract is not included in the total word count limit. This is separate and a word limit range has been provided for guidance.
Project type 2: Marking rubric
*Fail (40%-49%): A superficial answer with limited knowledge of the material and limited critical ability.
**Poor Fail (0%-39%): An answer almost entirely lacking in evidence of knowledge and understanding.
Project type 3: Information pack
Project Type 3: Development of an information pack
Aims of dissertation
The aim of the Enhancing Clinical Practice Dissertation is to further your professional development through undertaking a project relevant to your field of practice and the writing of a substantial report. Your dissertation project will enable you to draw together key themes of learning developed through your MSc programme while ensuring you have appropriate skills and knowledge to develop, enhance and progress clinical nursing care.
Project details
Project type 3 for the Enhancing Clinical Practice Dissertation involves the development of (planning for) a patient information pack. It should be based on the current evidence base and draw on clinical, educational, teaching and communication skills, recognising and incorporating the patient/client and carer voices.
The focus of your information pack might be a disease/condition (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, depression); a symptom (e.g. breathlessness, hallucinations); a situation (spread of disease); other issues such as correct use of Personal Protective Equipment, or transitioning to a new role such as that of the newly qualified nurse.
Project design and considerations
You need to consider the purpose of an information pack. Why is such information needed? As well as ensuring that something similar does not already exist, you will need to justify through exploring relevant literature, the need for providing an information pack. In other words, you will need to identify an absence of appropriate resources as well as a rationale for what a resource might contribute to clinical care. You may adapt an existing information pack and provide justification for the modifications. However, the adaptation should include distinct new additional features in comparison to the original information pack.
Consider the format your information pack will take. Different formats serve different purposes and serve different groups. For example, the information targeted towards a young child will be formatted differently for something prepared for adults. Even so, the information needs to be easily understood by a range of people. This means the writing style, words used, avoidance of jargon, use of pictures and/or illustrations all need to be carefully considered. You will need to explore guidance about writing information documents as well as draw on relevant theories.
Your project requires you to explore various threads of evidence relevant to the planning and preparation of an information pack. You are not required to produce an actual pack, which would take time and resources. You will need to support your discussion of the need for, and purpose of, information, and the format and language of your planned resource, with best evidence.
You will first need to decide who your target audience is. This might be a specific patient group, families, carers, communities, a staff group (e.g. newly qualified nurses). Explore what information your target group needs to know. What will your key message be? It will not be possible to ask your target group directly. You will, therefore, be reliant on published literature, audit data and other available sources. You can also draw on your personal experience as long as you note this as anecdotal evidence. Anecdotal evidence should not be over-used.
Throughout, you need to consider the role of the nurse, exploring this from the perspectives of the nurse as educator, leader and clinician.
Evaluation and dissemination
While you are not required to pilot your resources, you do need to determine the role of piloting and to discuss this in your dissertation. You will also need to consider how your resource will be used. How will you disseminate the knowledge contained in your resources? How will it reach your target audience? How might you evaluate its impact?
Project type 3: Formative assessment pro-forma
The formative assessment for this module is a written outline proposal of the project you intend to undertake. Using the form provided below, and in no more than 500 words, please provide the information indicated.
Formative work should be submitted no later than 11:59AM (UK time) on Friday 22 November 2024 by uploading to KEATs. You will receive feedback on a) content and b) writing style and level approximately 1 to 2 weeks post submission. There will be opportunity to discuss feedback with your supervisor as required.
Please ensure you use the correct form for the type of project you are undertaking and refer to the relevant Project Type description as you complete the form.
Outline for an Information Pack
Topic and target group
Rationale for choice of topic
Why is this topic important to explore? Think about any relevant changes to policies, public health, or explain if a personal interest, for example.
What information do you want to convey to your target group? What will your key message be?
What form will your information pack take? What will you need to consider in ensuring your pack is accessible* to and usable by your target group?
Specify at least two areas of literature/evidence you will need to explore.
What do you intend the resource you design will contribute to clinical care and learning?
*think about age, disability etc.
Project type 3: Dissertation structure
Each of the professional practice dissertations must be structured and presented in accordance with the set guidelines. While there is some leeway to accommodate originality, innovation and creativity, you must adhere to the overall structure indicated in Table 3 and to the word limit.
Word count
Work must be up to a maximum 12.000 word limit set for this dissertation. Words in excess of the limit will not be read and your work may be marked down if you go over the limit. The work that comes within the word limit will be assessed according to the guidelines/assessment rubric. Therefore, if important parts of the assignment fall outside the word limit you are likely to fail the assignment. Items not included in the word count are listed below:
Items NOT included in the word count
Cover sheet
Title page
Acknowledgments
Abstract
Contents page
List of tables and figures page
Texts in tables and figures (legends for illustrations do count)
Abbreviations page (not mandatory)
Reference list (references within the main text do count)
Appendices - these must be used appropriately, with essential information placed within the body of your work.
Structure and Presentation of your dissertation
The guidance given in the following section is in line with information that can be found in the Pre-Registration Programmes Handbook:
https://internal.kcl.ac.uk/nursing/Students/handbooks/nmpc-pre-registration-handbook.pdf
The Assessments site on the module KEATS page contains information on the process of submission and how to include a cover sheet.
Overview of the guidance:
The dissertation should be typed with 1.5 line spacing on A4 paper.
Please use 12 point font size.
Use a margin of 2.5cm on the left and 2.5cm on the right.
Page 1 of the dissertation must contain the title of your project, your name, the degree for which the dissertation is submitted and the date.
Please use APA 7th Edition referencing style. Guidance can be found at: https://libguides.kcl.ac.uk/reference
Tables and figures must be labelled and captioned; for example: Figure 3: The life cycle of the penny farthing.
You should also refer to figures and tables in the main text; for example: “Figure 3 shows the life cycle of the penny farthing” or “The life of the penny farthing follows a cyclic pattern as shown in Figure 3”.
Table 3. Overall structure of an information pack dissertation
Section
Description
Title page
Concise title, author’s name, date and degree for which dissertation is submitted
Acknowledgments
Dedication to those you feel have supported you in undertaking your project.
*Abstract
(300 – 350 words)
A structured abstract with clear subheadings that provides a short summary of the project. This should include: background/rationale of the project, aims of your project, methodology or approach adopted, key findings, and finally conclusions/recommendations.
Contents page
Give details of chapters and sections within chapters with page numbers. Your dissertation will be easier to follow if sections are numbered and different level headings are used. Start each chapter on a new page.
List of tables
Details of all tables with page numbers.
List of figures
Details of all figures with page numbers.
Introduction and background
(1000 – 1200 words)
This should set out the background to the area you are exploring and there should be an explanation of how it relates to professional practice; the rationale and justification for focusing on this area; purpose of your project. Operational definitions of terms used should be given. Draw on relevant policies and guidelines that relate to and support your exploration of the topic. You can also draw on your personal experience as long as you note this as anecdotal evidence. However, anecdotal evidence should be used sparingly.
Sources of information
(1700 – 2000 words)
An exploration of the information relevant to the project aims for example, importance of information giving. You will need to include information from patients’/clients’/carers’ experiences and perspectives.
A brief description of the information search (databases used, search terms, number of papers found, and number of relevant papers), other sources. This section should include a table that summarises the relevant sources of information and includes details such as author (year), study design (where applicable), and critical appraisal of the quality of the sources (a column for limitations and strengths). Summarise the information relevant to your project that underpins the information pack you are designing and identify patterns/themes within the information. The information can be presented using narratives, tables and figures as appropriate.
Methodology
(1700 – 2200 words)
Include approaches taken in designing your information pack (target audience, language, format, type of information, dissemination, piloting etc.) utilising and referencing key source documents, with consideration of the roles and contributions of relevant stakeholders, including the nurse, when developing the information pack; e.g. what information do service providers want their patients to know? Information should be up-to-date and evidence-based. This section does not need to precisely mention what the content will be but to list, e.g. using bullet points, on what information will be included. This will be based on the evidence extrapolated from the sources of the information and will include the views and perspectives of service providers and service users.
Discussion of findings
(2500 – 3000 words)
Present and discuss the content and design of your proposed information pack, drawing in evidence from existing literature on its potential relevance, usability and benefits in health care. The discussion should reflect on the wider context including local, national and international benchmarks.
Conclusion
(500 – 700)
Summarise key findings of your project and consider the strengths and limitations of your proposed information pack, identifying alternative approaches to address some of these challenges. Include implications for practice including how your information pack might be made available and a brief summary with recommendations e.g. policy development, future studies, change in practice. Be explicit.
Reflection
(400 – 500 words)
Drawing on the concept of professional identity and on what constitutes nursing knowledge, provide an account of how you have developed as a nurse through undertaking your project. Refer to values and proficiencies set by the NMC.
References
Use APA 7th Edition referencing style. See: https://libguides.kcl.ac.uk/reference
Appendices
As appropriate and required.
*Abstract is not included in the total word count limit. This is separate and a word limit range has been provided for guidance.
Project type 3: Marking rubric
*Fail (40%-49%): A superficial answer with limited knowledge of the material and limited critical ability.
**Poor Fail (0%-39%): An answer almost entirely lacking in evidence of knowledge and understanding.
Supervision guidelines
Module Guidelines for Group Supervision for Students and Supervisors
This information sheet should be read in conjunction with the module handbook.
Establishing a good supervisory relationship is a key element in the successful completion of the dissertation. You will be allocated a supervisor who will be a member of academic staff. Supervision workload has to be distributed reasonably and equitably both to ensure that academic staff have time for their other work and, more critically, so that you have reasonable access to your supervisor.
Supervision sessions
The supervisory model for the Enhancing Clinical Practice Dissertation module is group and individual supervision. Each student is allocated 12 hours of supervision. This time allocation includes the following activities:
Group supervision meetings with other students (x4).
Reading and commenting on drafts of work. Please see the FAQs section of this guidance.
Individual feedback either online or by e-mail.
Individual supervision meetings (x6).
Some contacts with students will be in a group. The advantage of this approach is twofold:
Initial concerns and challenges faced by students are often common and include issues such as deciding on a topic area, understanding the core elements of the Professional Practice Dissertation and completion of key tasks.
Students will also be able to share ideas and provide peer feedback so enhancing the learning experience.
The suggested number of group sessions is 4 of 1.5 hours duration each. Dates and times for these group supervision meetings have already been scheduled in your timetable. All group supervision meetings will take place in person/online via MS Teams. Students will also receive up to 6 individual supervision meetings. This can either be face-to-face or online. The nature, and date/time of this supervision should be negotiated between the student and supervisor.
Making the supervision relationship work
Severinsson (2015) and Thompson et al. (2005) provide some very useful guidance about the supervision relationship. Thompson suggests that it is based on mutual respect, combines formal instruction with interpersonal support and that it can be demanding both intellectually and emotionally. The supervisory relationship has responsibilities on both sides and Thompson et al. (2005) outline what these are:
Student responsibilities
To take the initiative and to engage with the project.
Attend all meetings and respond to feedback in a mature manner.
Ensure work is sent at agreed times to ensure the supervisor has time to comment and feedback appropriately.
Taking the initiative in raising problems or difficulties that impede progress with the project.
To meet the progress dates for the module to ensure that undue time pressure is not placed
upon either the student or the supervisor.
Supervisor responsibilities
To give feedback in a timely manner.
To provide intellectual expertise and bolster confidence.
To provide critical support for the project.
Severinsson (2012) and Jack (1999) also identify responsibilities for the supervisor:
Guidance about the project and the standard expected
Maintaining contact through regular meetings
Being accessible
Requesting work and returning written material with constructive criticism within a reasonable time
Ensuring that you are aware when progress is not satisfactory
Establishing at an early stage the supervision responsibilities in relation to your work, including the nature of the guidance and comments to be offered
Fostering academic development improvement
You may find some of these responsibilities a useful discussion point when meeting with your supervisor.
To help ensure this module is successfully completed you are encouraged to:
Attend group supervision sessions as indicated on the module timetable.
Participate in supervision activities as appropriate.
Meet the deadlines on project progress outlined in the module handbook.
Meet with your supervisory group promptly and maintain regular contact.
Keep to dates agreed with your supervisor for the completion of different stages of your project.
Make sure you understand what you are doing and, if not, ask your supervisor.
Regularly ask the following questions and if the answer is negative you need to act:
Am I clear about the role of my supervisor and how s/he can support me?
Am I making the most of the contribution my supervisor can offer to improve my work?
Am I making the most of the meetings when I meet with my supervisor?
Your supervisor will try to provide what is best for you and your project, so directly comparing the advice that you get with that given to other students may be both misleading and unhelpful. What is most appropriate for the successful development of your project will vary depending on context such as topic as well as available literature, previous research and policy directives. If you have unresolved issues with your supervisor a three-way meeting with the Module Leader can be arranged but changing supervisors is discouraged except under exceptional circumstances and only with the consent of the Module Leader.
Supporting others
During group sessions you have the opportunity and responsibility to provide support to the other members of your group. In essence, you take on the role of a critical friend in order to help one another achieve the best outcomes for your projects.
According to Costa and Kallick (1993), a critical friend can be defined as a trusted person who asks provocative questions, provides data to be examined through another lens, and offers critiques of a person’s work A critical friend takes the time to fully understand the context of the work presented and the outcomes that the person or group is working toward. The friend is an advocate for the success of that work.
Some things to think about as a critical friend....
Confidentiality - people need to feel reassured that their ideas, thoughts and experiences will remain confidential and only discussed amongst the group
Positive and constructive feedback is important - Always provide positive feedback first and then make suggestions e.g. “That sounds an interesting project on an important topic. Have you thought about how you will......?”
The context of the research - has your colleague explained the background and rationale for the study? They are immersed in that clinical topic so naturally may omit things they understand well or may use specific terminology and abbreviations
Does the choice of project seem logical given the background? Ask the person “What influenced your choice of project and methods?”
Encourage the person to think about the end point. How would this project enhance practice, education, management or research?
Practical considerations
It cannot be emphasised enough that poor time management is the single most common reason for students getting into difficulties with their projects. It is essential that you allocate your time carefully, taking account of deadlines for other pieces of work that need to be submitted as well as other commitments. The information on student progress outlined in the module handbook is an aide to ensure that you reach key points in the development of your project by certain dates and help your supervisor and the Module Leader to monitor your progress. If you are failing to make adequate progress you will be contacted via email by the Module Leader outlining the nature of concerns and how you are expected to address these. This monitoring is designed to assist rather than penalise students who may have encountered difficulties by providing constructive advice and guidance. All such correspondence will be stored in your student file. Achieving the goals set out for the progression points is taken seriously and the timelines are designed to help you successfully complete the module. However, none of the measures taken by your supervisor or Module Leader can replace the need for you to allocate sufficient time to achieve agreed goals.
Group supervision dates
Date
Time
Type of session
Session title
Teaching mode
11 Nov. 2024
14.00 – 16.00 (UK)
22:00 Singapore
Group supervision
GROUP SUPERVISION 1
In person /online.
Check timetable
3 Mar. 2025
14.00 – 16.00
22:00 Singapore
Group supervision
GROUP SUPERVISION 2
In person /online.
Check Timetable
19 May. 2025
14.00 – 16.00
22:00 Singapore
Group supervision
GROUP SUPERVISION 3
In person /online.
Check Timetable
14 July. 2025
10.00 – 12.00
17:00 Singapore
Group supervision
GROUP SUPERVISION 4
In person /online.
Check Timetable
Key progress dates
TERM 1
Week commencing 7th October 2024
Consider the topic and project pathway that you wish to pursue for your dissertation. You will have an opportunity to discuss your idea(s) and address any queries during group supervision 1 on 13th November 2023.
14th – 31st October 2024 Students will receive details of their supervisor and should send an initial email of introduction.
22 November 2024
Students will need to complete a proforma to provide information on their topic, project pathway and other requested details. Proforma can be found within the guidelines document. Students will need to upload their proforma to their KEATs no later than 11:59AM (UK time) on Friday 22 November 2024.
Students and supervisors will arrange the first individual meeting with each student to discuss the student’s performance and their completed proforma. The exact date and time will be negotiated between the student and supervisor.
TERM 2
It is the student’s individual responsibility to develop a plan to tackle their dissertation work and to complete the chapters required for their dissertation. Students and/or supervisors may wish to develop a schedule to ensure that written work is completed within a reasonable timeframe, and also to allow ample time for supervisors to provide thorough feedback.
It is recommended that students complete a draft of at least 3 main chapters.
TERM 3
Ensure you leave plenty of time to carefully proofread and format your work. Remember to negotiate sufficient time with your supervisor if you would like them to give general feedback on the entire draft. Reading a full draft can take approximately 2 hours of your supervision entitlement. You may prefer to request a smaller section is focused upon. Again this is to be negotiated with your supervisor
Submission of Dissertation is 4th September 2025
The final copy of your dissertation will need to be submitted on Turnitin on the module KEATS page no later than 11:59AM (UK time) on 4 September 2024. For more information on submission, please visit the assessment section on the module KEATS site. Please note that the Turnitin submission links will normally be available 2 weeks prior to the submission deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the submission dates for the Enhancing Clinical Practice Dissertation?
These are noted in the module handbook.
When will the results be released?
The unratified marks for the dissertation are released 4 weeks from the submission date. Marks will be visible on the Turnitin submission window, where you will be able to view your mark and read the feedback provided by the markers.
Can I apply for mitigating circumstances if I am unable to submit on the date that the assessment was scheduled?
All mitigating circumstances forms (MCFs) should be submitted via Student Records. Accessing the new online form will require you to log into Student Records as normal and select ‘My Mitigating Circumstances’ in My Modules. All relevant information and user guides can be found in Student Records.
The form is to be completed with the understanding that students are seeking to submit at the next scheduled submission date or seeking to submit within a two-week extension from the date of your next submission. Students are advised to read the MCF guidance notes carefully before submitting (available on Student Records).
If you have approved PAA extension and you wish to utilise it for coursework, please submit MCF via student records. PAA for timed exams will be applied automatically and separately to MCF process.
Once your application is received by the team, this will be passed on to the relevant Examination Board Chair for consideration.
Please note:
- If, during the assessment period, it becomes apparent that you will not be able to complete some/all of your assessments, please complete an MCF within seven days of the date that the assessment was scheduled.
- Please submit evidence to support your claim. More information on evidence is available here: https://self-service.kcl.ac.uk/article/KA-01745/en-us
Students will be contacted via their Kings email account normally within 7 working days of submitting the full application form (including evidence). If you have not received a response within 7 working days of submitting your MC form then please contact the Assessments Team ([email protected]).
Please note:
- Pictures of injuries and images of a similar nature are not considered evidence
- You must not use any evidence which would include any patient data
- You must not use evidence which consider details of third party without their consent
Can I withdraw my mitigating circumstances application?
If you have already submitted a MCF and then decided to submit your assessment on the submission date, you must contact the Assessments Team ([email protected]) to withdraw your application; otherwise, you will be expected to submit in line with the new submission deadline and your work will not be marked.
Can I use patient data in my project?
No! You are not permitted to use any patient data, whether it be anonymised or not, in your project. Also, you may not seek public patient involvement in your project. If a dissertation uses real service user or service provider information or even vignettes, then this will result in an automatic fail.
Can I use fictitious information in my project?
No! students are not permitted to provide fabricated information in their dissertation and should rely on existing literature to support the development of their project.
Is there a specific percentage allowance of words that students can exceed in their dissertations?
As with all written assessments in NMPC, the word limit is absolute. There is no percentage allowance. The maximum number of words allowed is 12,000. Anything above that will not be reviewed or considered in the marking.
Can I change the dissertation project at any time?
Students are encouraged to finalise their dissertation topics and project pathways at the start of Term 2 (January 2025). Please liaise with your supervisor for advice.
Can I change my supervisor once the allocations have been made?
Generally, students cannot change their supervisor allocation unless they provide legitimate reasons for their request. You will need to contact your Head of Department and put in a formal request for this change. Please make sure that you copy in the Module Lead and Module Deputy in your email.
How many times can our supervisors review our dissertation drafts?
Supervisors have been instructed to provide thorough feedback (this may include annotated comments) for each chapter once and can provide a general feedback for the entire dissertation; provided that the drafts are submitted 3 weeks prior to the scheduled submission date.
Can I continue to ask my supervisor questions about my dissertation work in the last 3 weeks prior to submission?
You can ask specific questions about the submission but not necessarily for them to review your work. Nonetheless, we would encourage that you do not ask any last minute questions (particularly 1 week before submission) as it may take 3 to 5 working days for faculty members to reply to emails.
Will I continue to receive supervision if I am granted an extension or deferral?
For students who have been granted an extension or deferral, their supervision continues and is dependent on the number of hours that is remaining from the total 15 hours. Moreover, the cut-off date to submit any written work to review is 3 weeks before the submission deadline. However, this is all dependent on the supervisor’s availability and it is recommended that you liaise and coordinate with your supervisor on such timelines to avoid disappointment.
Who will be marking the dissertations?
Supervisors will be assigned as second markers and first markers will be allocated (where possible) similar projects that they supervised. However, sometimes the latter is not always possible as students may change their mind about their dissertation pathways.
How many images, tables and/or figures can I include in the dissertation?
There is no specific number for this. Please use your best judgment as to whether the inclusion of any illustration is relevant and significant.
Can I include a hyperlink in the dissertation?
No. Markers will only review and grade written work in the dissertation and should not view external sources.
Grammatically, how should the reflection section be written?
The author should use the first person singular/active voice to write this section in the dissertation.
Can individuals with a neurodiversity submit a special cover sheet along with their dissertation?
Yes. Please visit the Disability Support & Inclusion page at KCL for guidance and advice (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/disability).
What additional support can supervisors provide for students who have specific learning needs?
Supervisors can only provide basic support as they do not have the specialism to give tailored advice or guidance for those who have a long-term medical or mental health condition, Specific learning difficulties (SpLD's) or other impairments that may impact learning. Therefore, please contact the Disability Support team at KCL (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/disability). You may also contact your personal tutor for further advice.
APPENDIX 1.
Feedback Headings
Please use the following headings for each marked script.
Abstract
Introduction and background
Sources of information
Methods
Discussion of findings
Conclusion
Reflection
Presentation, style and structure
Originality score
Overall comments
