The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is reviewing current practice learning requirements for students ahead of possible changes.
The nursing regulator has announced it is commissioning independent research into the practice learning requirements for both nursing and midwifery, following changes made to the council’s education programme standards in January 2023.
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This will look into effective elements of practice learning in the UK and other countries, as well as gather the views of stakeholders, including the public and service users.
The review will also be informed by the NMC’s quality assurance activity, including how changes to simulated practice learning are being delivered for nursing programmes.
Practice learning accounts for 50% of nursing and midwifery programmes. For nursing, it can also include up to 600 hours of simulated practice learning.
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The council said it will consider the research before deciding if changes to practice learning requirements need to be made.
According to Sam Foster, NMC executive director for professional practice, the independent research will help to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
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‘Input from our partners, including the public, will be invaluable and we look forward to gathering views over the coming months,’ Ms Foster added.
The NMC is currently seeking an independent chair for an external steering group to guide the independent research and review any proposals before submitting them for consideration.
