Primary Health Care Assistant

This six month module is designed for those individuals who wish to become primary health care assistants. The module is especially relevant for those working in Primary Care Practices who wish to expand their role and enhance their knowledge and skills in relation to working as a primary health care assistant. The content covers administrative, practical and clinical matters to enable the student to assist healthcare professionals in their clinical activities.

Students accessing this module must be working within the primary care setting alongside a registered nurse.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the structure of the primary health care team and the roles within it
• Discuss the importance of health promotion as part of the health care assistant role
• Identify the legal and ethical issues within the role of the primary health care assistant
• Recognise the evolving and developing role of health care assistants within primary care teams
• Identify and develop the clerical, clinical and treatment room roles of a primary health care assistant
• Perform and explain the techniques used in carrying out clinical activities in the primary care settings
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of health and safety and infection control in the workplace
• Contribute to the preparation and maintenance of the environment for clinical procedures
• Identify own learning needs and develop a personal development plan to maximise own learning
• Demonstrate effective communication and writing skills
• Engage in team activities to enhance a co-operative approach to learning and working
• Reflect on own performance.

• Understanding Primary Care
• Care of the patient
• Care of the environment
• Health Care Assistant duties
• Continuing professional development

The module is assessed by submission of a 6,000 word written portfolio demonstrating evidence of their learning.