Teaching & Learning

Overview

Paediatrics is a Core Subject (Discipline) making up the Final Medical Degree (MB BCh BAO) programme, currently taught in Year 4 (4MB), the penultimate year.  

The curriculum is currently delivered over two modules, one in each semester. During semester one, students are introduced to basic concepts in the practice of paediatrics, whilst semester two introduces more application of knowledge, and case management. The availability of excellence in clinical exposure and teaching at each clinical site (including the academies) enables delivery of parallel programs at each site.

Topics Covered:

As well as the 4MB Paediatrics Module, we deliver the clinical skills in Paediatrics component of the 4MB ACS Module. This is assessed in the form of Mini-CEXs, as well as the OSCE. The assessment process undergoes change in line with new curriculum changes. Currently, summative assessment includes an MCQ at the end of Semester 2 and the OSCE at the end of Semester two. Formative assessment is an integral component of each semester. Students actively provide course feedback which is incorporated into curriculum development.

Undergraduate

The curriculum is currently delivered in modular format with two modules, one in each semester. In alignment with learning outcomes, the assessment process in the Paediatric module is integrated at clinical and written levels. During semester one, students are introduced to basic concepts in the practice of paediatrics, whilst semester two introduces more application of knowledge, in-depth learning and case management. The availability of excellence in clinical exposure and teaching at the academies enables the expansion of student numbers with delivery of parallel programs at each site.

As well as the 4MB Paediatrics Module, we deliver the clinical skills in Paediatrics component of the 4MB ACS Module. This is assessed in the form of Mini-CEXs, as well as the OSCE.  The assessment process undergoes change in line with new curriculum changes. Currently, summative assessment includes an MCQ at the end of Semester 2 and the OSCE at the end of Semester two. Formative assessment is an integral component of each semester. Students actively provide course feedback which is incorporated into curriculum development.

The external examiners for the paediatrics are internationally recruited.

Postgraduate Taught

The goal of the paediatric department to provide an informative, friendly and invaluable learning experience. To enhance the pedagogical experience, students are exposed to a wealth of clinical contact during their two four-week learning blocks. Our students avail of a team-based approach during clinical rotations with active learning encouraged on ward rounds, out-patient clinics, in the Emergency Department and in NICU.

Structured teaching is delivered via a variety of methods including bedside tutorials, hands on patient examination, out-patient interaction, small group case-based teaching, seminars, slide shows. Students also receive structured (scheduled) hi-fidelity Simulation on emergencies. There is a wealth of asynchronous clinically relevant material (developed in-house) including Webcasts, Skills videos, Consultant led topic presentations, available.

Postgraduate Research

An MSc (Masters) Degree in Adolescent Health launched in 2021 in collaboration with the Discipline of Children’s Studies (University of Galway). Some Modules are led by the Paediatric Academic Dept. (Dr. Ana Louise Hawke, consultant paediatrician) with teaching and assessment contributions by clinical colleagues. Clinician partners in the HSE teach on this course.  Standalone Research Masters in Paediatrics can be submitted (usually self-funded if suitable projects and clinical supervisors are agreed). We support clinical trainees pursuing other Masters Degrees (e.g. Clinical Education, or Clinical Research Masters) at University of Galway.

Interdisciplinary contributions (e.g. Undergraduate BSc. in Podiatry, SALT, OT) are provided by Paediatric Clinicians.

We work closely to support Clinical Education and Research in the HSE hospitals in the West Northwest. Non-consultant hospital doctor (NCHD) education is delivered daily with the assistance of the paediatric teams, with hands on consultant-led teaching (bedside teaching, supervised Patient Handover). Educational activities include weekly paediatric Case Presentations, Journal Club, Morbidity and Mortality meetings (including Perinatal), and a formal Lecture Series delivered by Consultants and other inter-disciplinary teams. In addition, all NCHDs are trained in neonatal resuscitation. A Paediatric Western Regional Education Network (WREN) meeting occurs usually annually.

NCHDs are encouraged to become involved in research projects during their period of attachment as well as to present at national/international meetings. Clinical Audit is a key component of Paediatric clinical activity, some of which is presented to the hospital group, nationally or published as research.