Over the next 12 months, NHS Education for Scotland (NES) is supporting 56 fully-funded places for the health, housing and social care workforce to undertake the Professional Development Award (PDA) in Technology Enabled Care.
The PDA is for people who are new to, or have an interest in, technology enabled care, or those who want to develop, and advance, their knowledge, skills, and abilities in this field of practice.
This award contributes to the progression of candidates in their continued professional development in the field of digital health and care. Candidates may use this award to show future or current employers evidence of their achievements and to enable them to progress in their careers.
The focus for achieving this qualification is primarily on self-directed study, with support available throughout from an assessor. There is an initial essential learning virtual induction session, where you will become familiar with the award and the e-learning platform used for submitting assessments. For the mandatory unit, there will be an online group exercise, and requirements for the optional units will be discussed at induction. Most of the work will be gained through your own experiences and from doing research to build up the evidence for your professional development.
What is the PDA in TEC?
The PDA in Technology Enabled Care at SCQF Level 7 - equivalent to an Advanced Higher or Higher National Certificate (HNC) academic qualification - is made up of two Higher National (HN) Units and comprises 16 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Credit Points at Level 7.
NES is funding candidates to complete the - Working with Technology Enabled Care (8 SCQF credit points); and the - Using Digital Technology to support people in Health, Housing and Care (8 SCQF credit points) and upon successful completion of the two units you will be awarded the PDA in Technology Enabled Care.
The qualification is delivered through self-directed online distance learning in partnership with Bon Accord Support Services in Aberdeen, an SQA Approved Delivery Centre.
During 2022/23 Bon Accord Support Services will support three cohorts providing:
- three hours' essential learning virtual induction – candidates must attend their allocated virtual induction date.
- access to E-portfolio, including unit material and assessment support packs
- internal assessor
- internal verifier.
Further details on the programme can be found at: https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/59165/digital-health-and-care/pda-in-tec.
Candidates who are new to the field of technology enabled care may find it useful to complete NHS Education for Scotland’s free online learning resource: Introduction to Technology Enabled Care.
