The content of this module is built around the three core roles of leader, manager, practitioner and partner as recognised in 'A High Quality Workforce' (Department of Health, 2008). Innovation in health and social care is the right and responsibility of every practitioner/ carer utilising leadership, management and advance practice skills and competences to continually improve and evaluate the care/service that is delivered. Partnership working and working across professional and organisational boundaries are key to achieving this. The module explores leadership and management of innovation, partnership, learning practices and organisations and introduces business skills to enhance the practical aspects of implementing and evaluating change designed to achieve quality improvement.

Available as a standalone module: Yes

Attendance: (Please note, this is subject to change for future intakes)

Dates: For attendance information, please see the top of this page and click on ‘attendance dates’. Please note, if the module is full or closed for the intake(s) this academic year, dates may not appear. 

Venue: LSBU Southwark Campus

Typical intake(s): Semester 1 and Semester 2

Entry requirements

• Students will normally hold a first degree in a health related subject and have a current health related professional qualification. 
• Student support for studying at Masters level should be discussed with the module leader.
• Students who have not previously undertaken study at academic Level 7 (Masters level) are advised to consider accessing the workshops provided by the Library and Learning Resources.

Career benefits

This module will provide students with the knowledge and skills to assess and create ideas for service improvements, with an understanding of the significant leadership, change, and cultural components that play a part. This will support students to develop explore, assess and develop their service to provide a high quality service.

Assessment

• 4,000 word written assignment (Business plan and analysis component)

Assessment/submission date: See Under Apply

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:     

• Identify realistic topics for service innovation in their own area of work which harnesses the contribution of key stakeholders, critically evaluating the drivers and resistors of such innovations
• Critically appraise leadership theories [older and contemporary] and healthcare leadership models for their utility in today’s health services
• Critically appraise the leadership and change theories in relation to supporting innovation and understanding the challenges of implementing and sustaining improvements.
• Evaluate a range of influencing skills and how their use contributes to leadership and initiating change

Intellectual skills:

• Develop critical and analytical thinking
• Critical analyse, synthesise and apply complex ideas
• Analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant research and policy literature 

Practical Skills:

• Search out, critically appraise and utilise theoretical and related knowledge in order to generate and articulate strategies to enhance practice
• Critically debate and discuss realistic changes and developments in service with colleagues and other stakeholders, including service users
• Develop an outline business case for a change/innovation in practice/service 

Transferable skills:

• Critical and analytical thinking through research, class discussion and assignment preparation
• Critical reflection on own role as a leader of high quality practice
• Systematic, analytical approach and understanding of own role in implementing changes in the health and social care arenas.