Evidence Based Healthcare MSc Fellowships€¦ · Evidence Based Healthcare MSc Fellowships Wednesday, January 22, 2014 4 of 21 EBHC MSc brochure v3 220114 e‐mail: [email protected]

EvidenceBasedHealthcareMScFellowships

Whattheyareandhowtoapply

Simon Hay

22nd January 2014

Supported by

Delivered by


Wednesday, January 22, 2014 2 of 21 EBHC MSc brochure v3 220114

e‐mail: [email protected]

ContentsWhat is the Fellowship programme? .................................................................................. 3

Key dates in the Fellowship application process ................................................................ 4

Fellowship eligibility criteria ............................................................................................... 5

Fellowship application process ........................................................................................... 6

How to apply ....................................................................................................................... 7

Fellowship selection criteria ............................................................................................... 8

EBHC MSc Course eligibility criteria .................................................................................. 10

EBHC MSc Course application process ............................................................................. 12

Appendix A – Indicative Fellowship Programme timeline ................................................ 14

Appendix B – Fellowship Application Form ...................................................................... 15




WhatistheFellowshipprogramme?

As part of the Oxford AHSN’s Continuous Learning programme an Evidence Based Healthcare MSc (EBHC MSc) Fellows programme has been established, in conjunction with The Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (CEBM), and the Department of Continuing Education, University of Oxford.

Through the Fellowship the teachings and learnings gathered will position students to integrate the best available research evidence, with their own expertise and patient values, to make better informed decisions in their field of health care. In this way they will become champions for the improvement of health care in their local environment.

The Fellowships1, funded through Health Education Thames Valley, are open to all doctors, nurses & midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists and healthcare scientists working in the Oxford AHSN geography (Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire).

The funding for the EBHC MSc Course, covering the full three years for the first intake of Fellows, has been secured from Health Education Thames Valley.

The programme consists of a taught MSc – comprising 6 modules and a dissertation project – delivered part time over two years followed by a further year of support during which Fellows continue to implement / deliver their change project.

In total there are 6 modules – one of which may be chosen by the Fellow from a list of 12. As part of this course one of the modules will contain material, and teaching, in relation to Patient and Public Involvement, Engagement & Experience. This will be delivered by Dr Sian Rees, the Oxford AHSN lead in this area.

As can be seen in the draft 3 year time plan, at Appendix A, even though the course is delivered part time there is a significant time commitment required from Fellows, estimated, for the MSc component alone, as:

1,260 hours of study in year 1

200+ hours of study in year 2

During the programme all Fellows will become students of Kellogg College2, Oxford and as such will have the full support of the resources of both the University of Oxford and the College and also have opportunity to participate in College life.

1 At the time of writing there is funding for 8 Fellows though we are currently negotiating to see if we can increase this number 2 Fellows may opt to become members of another College, however if they do so they will need to make all necessary arrangements / applications to facilitate this themselves prior to enrolment on the MSc




As the EBHC MSc is an established course, that has been successfully delivered for many years, Fellows will not only interact with each other but also a larger student body drawn from many clinical disciplines from across the world.

Overall the Fellowship Programme lasts for 3 years. In addition to the core teaching of the MSc course (delivered over the first 2 years) all Fellows will have to deliver an evidence based project, within their host organisations during years 2 and 3. This project is the basis for their dissertation – a key component of the award of the MSc.

In addition to the core MSc course teachings in years 1 and 2 the CEBM will also be offering additional support to Fellows, across the entire 3 years of the programme, including:

Additional pastoral management in the form of semi‐annual objective review and personal growth / development mentoring

Targeted support in helping understand / overcome organisational and clinical issues

Targeted support in terms of presentation & influencing skills

The facilitation of a number of Fellowship meetings

The facilitation of / some targeted support in relation to developing implementation plans and in actual implementation

All Fellows are required to sign a ‘student contract’ under which the Oxford AHSN reserves the right to recover any fees paid to the CEBM, up to that point, if that Fellow should not complete the MSc.

It should also be noted that applying to become a Fellow is an entirely separate process to applying to become a student on the EBHC MSc, as the processes are independent of each other with the former being controlled by the Oxford AHSN and the later by the University of Oxford.

Therefore applicants are reminded that being accepted as a potential Fellow does not automatically mean that they have also been accepted on to the EBHC MSc Course.

KeydatesintheFellowshipapplicationprocess

Fellowship eligibility criteria, the application, and selection, processes are detailed in the following sections, however, applicants are asked to bear the following key dates in mind:

16th March 2014 – closing date for submission of Fellowship applications

30th March 2014 – date of interview for short‐listed candidates

9th May 2014 – closing date for submission of MSc Course applications




FellowshipeligibilitycriteriaIn order to be considered for Fellowship funding applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

must be a registered clinician (living, and working as such), within the geographic boundaries of the Oxford Academic Health Science Network (Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire)

registered clinicians may be drawn from the following grades of staff: o Medical practitioners o Nurses & Midwives o Allied Health Professionals o Pharmacists o Healthcare Scientists

the applicant may be employed by: o NHS o Academia o Life Sciences or Bio Sciences industry o Third Sector (Charities)

must have written support from their employer (on headed paper from an Executive Director) giving agreement to: o releasing them for the number of days required to fulfil the MSc and

Programme and be actively involved in related Oxford Academic Health Science Network activities

o cover all necessary out of pocket expenses, in line with their own expenses policy, to allow the applicant to attend the MSc, Programme and related Oxford Academic Health Science Network events / meetings. The funding from the Oxford Academic Health Science Network only covers University of Oxford Tuition Fees

o support the set up, delivery and implementation of a project suitable to meet the requirements of years 2 and 3 of the MSc and Programme

that the project will be in line with the aims and objectives of the Oxford Academic Health Science Network. If the proposed project impacts one, or more, of the Oxford Academic Health Science Network supported Clinical Networks then this project must be agreed to by the Clinical Network Lead(s) of those Network(s)




Fellowshipapplicationprocess




HowtoapplyAll applicants must complete a Fellowship Application Form – see Appendix B.

This should then be submitted, along with all other required supporting information, to the Oxford AHSN either by email or post to the following address:

Email: [email protected]

Post: Oxford AHSN

Suite 114

John Eccles House

Robert Robinson Avenue

Oxford Science Park

Oxford

OX4 4GA

Email subject lines / post packages must be clearly marked as “EBHC MSc Fellowship Applications”

The Oxford AHSN reserves the right to disregard any applications that are either incomplete or that arrive after the closing date has passed.




Fellowshipselectioncriteria

The following selection criteria will be applied to all applicants for funding, at the discretion of the Oxford Academic Health Science Network:

applicants whose planned project meets either or all of the criteria below will be given higher priority than those whose projects do not: o impacts the work of one of the Oxford Academic Health Science Clinical

Networks o impacts the work of more than one of the Oxford Academic Health Science

Clinical Networks o impacts an area of national priority not already supported by one of the

existing Oxford Academic Health Science Network Clinical Networks o supports at least two of the Oxford AHSN ‘core objectives’, namely: Focus on the needs of patients and local populations and reduce variation

of care Speed up adoption of innovation into practice to improve clinical outcomes

and patient experience Build a culture of partnership and collaboration Create wealth through co‐development, testing, evaluation and early

adoption and spread of new products and services

The above can be seen in the decision tree overleaf.

In addition in order to actually receive the funding all Fellowship applicants must also fulfill the following criterion:

must have met the academic acceptance criteria of the Centre for Evidence Based Medicine and been offered a place on the MSc course







EBHCMScCourseeligibilitycriteria

As noted above the EBHC MSc application process, and eligibility criteria, are completely separate to that for Fellowships. As can be seen in the process charts above receipt of Fellowship funding is contingent upon being accepted, by the University of Oxford, on to the EBHC MSc.

The high level eligibility criteria for the EBHC MSc are as follows:

successful candidates will satisfy the requirements of the OUDCE summary admissions policy as well as the minimum required English language criteria set by the University.

be a graduate or have successfully completed a professional training course

have at least two years' professional work experience in the health service or a health‐related field

identify a work based problem for which they will be seeking evidence (AHSN Project topic)

be able to combine intensive classroom learning with the application of the principles and practices of evidence‐based health care within the work place

have a good working knowledge of email, internet, word processing and Windows applications (for communications with course members, course team and administration)

show evidence of the ability to commit time to study and an employer's commitment to make time available to study, complete course work and attend course and university events and modules

Successful candidates will normally provide evidence of all of the following:

A general interest in evidence‐based health care, evidenced by prior experience, interest and work

Motivation and ability to complete the course

A clear and well‐argued understanding of the benefits of the course to the success of OAHSN

English is the language of instruction and students whose native tongue is not English must be sufficiently fluent in English to enable them to work without disadvantage. If your first language is not English, or if your first language is English but you are not a national of the UK, Ireland or a majority English‐speaking country recognised by the UKBA, you must supply suitable evidence that you have reached the higher level of English proficiency before any offer of a place can be confirmed. Further details can be found on the University of Oxford website.




Full details of the student specification and eligibility criteria for the EBHC MSc can be found at:

http://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/detailsPopup.php?details=SelectionCriteria&id=48




EBHCMScCourseapplicationprocess

Applications to the programme require the completion of an application form, payment of a small non‐refundable fee34, statements of support from three referees (OAHSN Clinical lead, Workplace line manager, previous line manager/tutor) together with evidence of support from the OAHSN, and an interview, conducted face‐to‐face or by telephone with at least two members of the teaching team and representation from the OAHSN executive board. The application form includes requests for information about:

relevant prior or current work experience

a statement of current role and duties in their organization

details of any prior higher education career

names of referees willing to offer an opinion on the suitability of the candidate for entry to the course

evidence of employer commitment in the form of a signed statement, from a named individual within the company, of willingness to release the employee for attendance at the programme

a statement by the student of their objectives in attending the course and their reasons for seeking to register

References are to be secured before discussion with the applicant takes place.

A telephone or face‐to‐face interview may be arranged, at the discretion of the University, for all of those who appear to fulfill the basic requirements for entry to the course.

Applications may be rejected without further direct contact with the applicant, although candidates whose applications are deemed insufficient for entry to the course may, on request, receive feedback upon their application. The purpose of the interview, if one is deemed necessary, is to:

establish the applicant’s level of interest, motivation and potential to benefit from the course of study

clarify any uncertainties about compliance with requirements

ensure that candidates are fully informed of the standard of achievement and level of commitment required by the course of study

A successful candidate will normally provide evidence of all of the following:

a demonstrated interest in evidence‐based health care

motivation and ability to complete the course

3 At the time of writing this fee is £50, though this is subject to change at the discretion of the University of Oxford 4 This fee is payable by the applicant and will not be reimbursed by the Oxford AHSN




a clear and well‐argued understanding of the benefits of the course to the candidate’s current employment situation and future prospects

prior academic achievement a health‐related discipline at undergraduate or Master’s level, or successful completion of a professional training course or at least two years’ professional work experience in the health service or a health‐related field

applicants will be expected to demonstrate an approach to their study which includes demonstrable skills of critical analysis, wide contextual knowledge and the ability to manage their own time.

Formal evidence of prior academic achievement is required.

Applicants are asked to bear the following key dates in mind:

9th May 2014 – closing date for submission of MSc Course applications

Mid July 2014 – confirmation of whether or not an applicant has been accepted on to the EBHC MSc from the University of Oxford

1st October 2014 – release of Fellowship funding

1st October 2014 – enrolment on the EBHC MSc

Full details of the application process for the EBHC MSc can be found at:

http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/application_guide/




AppendixA–IndicativeFellowshipProgrammetimeline5

5 At the time of writing we believe this to be accurate however it should be noted that the above is indicative only and may be subject to change – especially in relation to the contents of year 3

Year 1 Oct‐14 Nov‐14 Dec‐14 Jan‐15 Feb‐15 Mar‐15 Apr‐15 May‐15 Jun‐15 Jul‐15 Aug‐15 Sep‐15

AHSN Fel low intro

Monitoring &

Evaluation 6

month update

meeting

Evidence Live

2015

Workplace

Seminar

Monitoring &

Evaluation 12

month update

meeting

Year 2 Oct‐15 Nov‐15 Dec‐15 Jan‐16 Feb‐16 Mar‐16 Apr‐16 May‐16 Jun‐16 Jul‐16 Aug‐16 Sep‐16

Supervisor

meeting

Dissertation

guidance

Supervisor

meeting

Dissertation

guidance

Fel low meeting Fel low meeting Monitoring &

Eva luation 18

month update

meeting

Monitoring &

Evaluation 24

month update

meeting

Year 3 Oct‐16 Nov‐16 Dec‐16 Jan‐17 Feb‐17 Mar‐17 Apr‐17 May‐17 Jun‐17 Jul‐17 Aug‐17 Sep‐17Final report

including

longterm

s trategy/change

implementation

Monitoring &

Evaluation

closure meeting

Implementation

planning

workshop

Supported work

place interna l

s trategic

planning meeting

Implementation

planning

workshop

Monitoring &

Eva luation 36

month update

meeting

Work place

interna l s trategic

planning

meetings

Fel lows meeting

bra ins torming

and review of

individua l plans

AHSN

implemetation

seminar

Supported

workplace

implemetation

seminar

Work place

interna l strategic

planning

meetings

Implementation

planning

workshop

M2 ‐ Introduction to Study Des ign and Research

Methods

Evidence‐Based Diagnostics & Screening

Optional Module

Knowledge into Action

Mixed Methods in Health Research

200 hours of individua l s tudy

Conference attendanceDPCHS seminar Supervisor

meeting

Dissertation

guidance

Supervi sor

meeting

Dissertation

guidance

AHSN seminar

Intro to

implementation

plan

Workplace

seminar Intro to

implementation

plan

1260 hours of study

AHSN

Dissertation ti tle

Seminar M1 ‐The Practice of Evidence‐Based Health Care

End of modules

review meeting




AppendixB–FellowshipApplicationForm

SECTIONA–ApplicantDetails

Applicantdetails

Title:

Surname:

Forename:

Job Title:

Work Address:

Email:

Tel:

Experience in designing and using research:

Ability to lead and influence change:




Experience in clinical area:

Applicantemployerorganizationdetails

Trust:

Organisation:

Address:

Web address:

Tel:

Detailsofapplicantworkplacelinemanager/supervisor

Title:

Surname:

Forename:

Organisation:

Work Address:

Email:




Tel:

I can confirm that I have the support of my line manager and able to commit to the programme

Yes No

A full written letter of support on official headed paper has been provided by an Executive Director

Yes – letter included No

SECTIONB–ProjectDetails

Project title:

Project short name:

Oxford AHSN Clinical Network the project will be a part of (if relevant):

Does this project add to any existing research within the Oxford AHSN




SECTIONC–LocalProjectDetails&Justification

Backgroundinformation/justification–whyisthisprojectneeded

Remit:

Background:

PPI involvement:

Relevance:

Summary:

References:




Studygoalsandobjectives

StudyDesign/Methods




SECTIOND–NominatedRefereesPlease provide at least 3 names. One must be your current employer supporting your application and ability to commit time to study.

Surname:

Title:

Forenames:

Post Held:

Organisation:

Email:

Tel:

Surname:

Title.

Forenames:

Post Held:

Organisation:

Email:

Tel:




Surname:

Title:

Forename:

Post Held:

Organisation:

Email:

Tel:

Documents

Evidence Based Healthcare MSc Fellowships€¦ · Evidence Based Healthcare MSc Fellowships Wednesday, January 22, 2014 4 of 21 EBHC MSc brochure v3 220114 e‐mail: [email protected]