Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Cardiology

The purpose of this qualification is to

• Ensure that learners acquire a high level of theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Paedaitric Cardiology, via appropriate assimilation and analysis of new information, the ability to find workable solutions to problems and challenges, as well as practical application of knowledge accrued and prepare such learners for a career as paediatric cardiologists.
• Ensure that learners acquire the necessary skills to identify key research opportunities, initiate well-structured research studies, complete such studies, and apply the results thereof.
• Prepare learners who aspire to move to a higher level of academic research work for Doctoral Studies and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.
• Contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Paediatirc Cardiology and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.
• Prepare learners who can apply their skills to the task of answering the relevant questions and meeting the critical needs of the country.

The purpose and outcomes of the qualification would be reached by means of the curriculum, as candidates are supervised, guided and assisted by properly qualified individuals and they are required to perform a research project at the appropriate level.

Rationale

Paediatric Cardiology has been identified as a "scarce" subspecialty skill in South Africa. There is a undersupply of cardiologists as reported by the Paediatric Cardiac Society of South Africa. The programme is aimed at Paediatricians who wish to subspecialise in Paediatric Cardiology.

The current exit standard for subspecialisation in Paediatric Cardiology is a certificate examination set by the College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). The institution is accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a training centre.

The current CMSA qualification can be obtained without any research having to be performed. Congenital heart disease is a significant public health problem. There is, however, a dearth of data on these disorders in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa. The aim of this qualification is to train Clinical Paediatric Cardiologists and to emphasise the importance of research in the field.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification conforms to the institution's Policy for the Regulation for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT).

In the case of RPL for exemption and CAT for transfer

• Exemption and credit transfer may only be granted on a per-module basis, i.e. a complete module of an academic programme is the smallest learning unit for which credits may be exempted or transferred.
• The time since the learning was completed may be taken into account, since learning that occurred too long ago may not be relevant at the time of application.
• A specific set of learning on the grounds of which admission to any postgraduate programme is granted under RPL, cannot also be used for granting exemption of credits within the same programme.
• Exemption from module(s), as RPL, can be granted on the strength of short course(s) outside the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) (in other words, non-credit-bearing) completed by the applicant, on condition that the course contents, duration and assessment of the short course are at least equivalent to that of the module(s).

In the case of RPL for access

• Applications for admission to postgraduate programmes, the normal admission requirements may be waived based on prior learning, subject to the approval by the institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification is

• Master of Medicine in Paediatrics or equivalent qualification, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9, 180 Credits and registration as specialist paediatrician (FCPaeds (SA)).

The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules totalling 180 Credits, at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.

Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits

• Clinical Paediatric Cardiology, 135 Credits.
• Research project, 45 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to function as a paediatric cardiologist and to adequately take care of patients with a heart problems and display a sound and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter as defined for the clinical syllabus.
2. Demonstrate the ability to independently design a clinical (or basic science) research project, to obtain ethical approval, to obtain funding to perform such a project, to present the results and conclusions in a scientific format, and to accept the responsibility and accountability for the performed work within the context of the discipline of Paediatric Medical Oncology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Assess patients clinically, request, perform and interpret the necessary investigations and prescribe the appropriate treatment in addition to recommending appropriate surgery.
• Critically assess existing literature, clinical and investigative data, and to solve complex or unusual clinical problems, based on a thorough understanding of disease mechanisms and pathophysiology.
• Teach junior colleagues and to provide guidance in cardiac solving and management.
• Perform interventions in the cath lab including septostomy, balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve and closure of the patent arterial duct.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Formulate clear, answerable research questions as they pertain to the discipline of developmental paediatrics.
• Decide on the most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s).
• Find all relevant information, including research and review articles, textbooks and guidelines, by accessing Internet databases and employing appropriate search strategies.
• Critically evaluate the relevant literature.
• Write an appropriate literature review.
• Formulate and write a research protocol.
• Conduct the study and analyse the data.
• Draw logical, evidence-based conclusions from the data.
• Present and defend the results of the research in an acceptable scientific format.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessments are performed on a continuous basis. This is done via monitoring procedures and helps to identify specific weaknesses in the student's knowledge before engaging in a Formal Assessment process.

The Summative Assessment of a learner is performed through a process of formal internal and external examination by formal national written examination and clinical assessment. The Mini Research Assignment is assessed by two independent examiners.