Master of Philosophy in Neonatology

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Philosophy in Neonatology (MPhil Neonatology) is to firstly train Neonatologists, i.e. a Paediatrician with a specialised qualification in caring for new-born babies (neonates) and to be able to deal with their special health care needs at all levels of health care. Secondly, to improve the quality of care delivered in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Thirdly, to conduct research to improve the medical care of new born infants.

In addition, this qualification gives learners the opportunity to advance clinically and professionally to be able to focus on the specialist knowledge and skills necessary for managing, promoting and delivering safe evidence-based care that addresses the physiological, psychological and cultural needs of neonates and their families.

On completion of this qualification learner should be able to

• Evaluate the current processes that influence the delivery of neonatal care.
• Demonstrate a command of and the ability to select and apply appropriate clinical procedures relating to treatment of the neonate.
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge to be able to engage with and critique research as well as conduct research in the field of Neonatology.

Rational

Neonatology is a sub-specialty of Paediatrics which focuses on the medical care of new born infants, especially the ill or premature new born infants who require special medical care due to low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, congenital malformations (birth defects), sepsis, pulmonary hyperplasia or birth asphyxias. It is specialty that is usually practiced in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

The development of the Master of Philosophy in Neonatology (MPhil Neonatology) Degree will address the long-standing unmet need to train more Neonatologists to be able to deal with the special health care needs of neonates. Thus this qualification will alleviate the shortage of qualified Neonatologists in South Africa.

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) regulates aspects pertaining to registration, education, training, professional conduct and ethical behaviour, ensuring continuing professional development, and fostering compliance with health care standards. The College of Medicine (CMSA) is the custodian of the quality of medical care in South Africa and is appointed by the HPCSA to conduct all exit level examinations for the various disciplines to ensure these qualifications are aligned to international standards. Thus The Master of Philosophy in Neonatology has been developed accordingly to enable learners to comply with the HPCSA requirements and the CMSA examination requirements to meet the prerequisites of the HPCSA as a professional qualification for the training of Neonatologists as a sub-specialty for registration and is also professionally recognised as a qualification in an independent subspecialty. This qualification is planned and proficiently developed by medical experts, taking into consideration international trends, guidelines and standards.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access: In exceptional cases, based on merit, where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements learners will be considered for access in compliance with the institution's RPL Policy. This includes approval of the faculty committee, on the recommendation of the academic Head of Department, with notification to the Executive Committee of Senate (ECS). RPL is granted on the strength of a standard of proficiency that is sufficient for the purposes of Postgraduate advanced study in the subspeciality. The rules and regulation of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) will be adhered to.

RPL for exemption: Based on the RPL Policy of the institution, learners may be granted exemption from the required components of the qualification, fully or partially, on the basis of comparable training and clinical experience in the specific subspeciality, gained at another institution. The maximum admissible period of exemption is 12 months. The said periods of training must extend over a period of at least twelve months and for at least six months continuously in an accredited institution, division or department within the last two years before registering for Postgraduate study in the subspeciality.

The RPL process will be conducted in consultation with the particular Head of Department, the Head of the School of Medicine and appropriate structures within the Faculty of Health Sciences. The rules and regulation of the HPCSA and the CMSA will be adhered to.

Entry Requirements

Learners may register for the Master of Philosophy in Neonatology if they are

• Registered for independent practice as a specialist Paediatrics with the Health Professions Council of South Africa or equivalent in the country of origin.

And

• In possession of a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) and Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine (MMed Internal Medicine).

Or

• A Master of Medicine in Paediatrics (MMed Paediatrics).

Or

• The College of Medicine (CMSA) equivalent fellowship or equivalent qualification for the country of origin.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 300 Credits

• Advanced Neonatology I, 120 Credits.
• Advanced Neonatology II, 120 Credits.
• Neonatal Research, 60 Credits.

1. Evaluate the current processes that influence the delivery of neonatal care.
2. Demonstrate a command of and the ability to select and apply appropriate clinical procedures relating to treatment of the neonate.
3. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to be able to engage with and critique research as well as conduct research in the field of Neonatology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Critically evaluate the national and international ethical, legal, professional and socio-political drivers that influence the delivery of neonatal care in different care settings.
• Manage organisational and administrative aspects of Neonatology.
• Collaborate with obstetricians and antenatal ultrasonographers in the evaluation of the fetal's well-being and anomalies.
• Critically analyse the role of the midwife and other health professionals in the examination of the newborn.
• Understand the management of a neonatal intensive care unit, a neonatal high care unit and a neonatal ward.
• Apply measures that focus on improving the quality of care delivered in neonatal intensive care units and on medical education of care providers for newborn infants.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Provide evidence-based effective care that is focussed on the needs of the infant and his/her family in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
• Design, select and apply technical and procedural skills in Neonatology.
• Critically analyse how the altered anatomy, physiology and developmental stage of the infant impacts the care delivered to the infant who is acutely ill.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of neonatal physiology including changes at birth and apply this understanding to the physical examination of the newborn.
• Manage systematic assessment of priorities of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and coordinate it into an integrated patient management strategy.
• Conduct an examination of a newborn baby recognising how physiological deviation from the normal can impact on the physical examination of the newborn and where necessary make appropriate referrals.
• Interact ethically and efficiently within the professional practice of Neonatology.
• Evaluate communication methods that can be utilised when working with family and professionals and when optimising referral pathways.
• Identify and utilise equipment and documentation to undertake and record the process of examination.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop a research interest and/or protocol under mentorship.
• Interrogate and evaluate multiple sources of theoretical knowledge in Neonatology.
• Critically review and interpret current literature such as clinical presentations and peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Collect and organise appropriate clinical date (history, physical exam, laboratory assessments including technological advancements in diagnostics).
• Apply principles of evidence-based medicine to determine clinical diagnoses.
• Participate in local, national, and international seminars, postgraduate courses, symposia and congresses.

Integrated assessment

The qualification provides for both formative and summative assessments. The formative assessment focuses not only on theoretical knowledge, but also on the integration of knowledge and competencies during practical examination sessions that include clinical cases. For the purposes of this qualification summative assessment will be conducted by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa whereby learners will be subjected to an examination known as the Fellowship in the Sub-Specialty Neonatology of the College of Paediatricians of South Africa: CertNeonatology(SA). Apart from written and practical examinations, specialists are also required to engage in a research project and to submit a mini-dissertation.

Integrated assessment takes the form of a variety of assessments methods for example, written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, logbooks, clinical reports, assessment of clinical competence through simulated and clinical assessment in situ, Objective Structure Clinical Examinations (OSCE) and the successful completion of a mini-dissertation. Assessment associated with the Neonatology curriculum is undertaken within the context of the learner's everyday clinical practice. As such it is implemented within the reality of current workplace and work force issues and the needs of health service provision.

It is also expected that learners submit a satisfactorily completed logbook and the presentation of an original first author research poster or paper at a local or international congress or the submission or acceptance for publication of an original first or co-authored manuscript in a peer reviewed journal. The portfolio/logbook is a mandatory requirement for entry to the examination and should include six-monthly formative assessments (as a minimum) from the supervisor/divisional head, which is be signed by both candidate and trainer. These logbooks will be reviewed, monitored and assessed by the Head of Department. A portfolio may be judged as being unsatisfactory if any of the required minimum number of identified activities has not been satisfactorily completed.