SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111207	Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services		Curative Health
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	180	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-08-16	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (MPhil (Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition)) is:

To ensure that learners acquire a high level of theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 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.

To 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.

To prepare learners who can apply their skills to the task of answering the relevant questions and meeting the critical needs of the country.

Rationale:
The high prevalence of malnutrition, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) related intestinal and liver diseases, chronic diarrhoeal diseases, and chronic liver diseases in children in South Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide have necessitated development of training qualifications to address the health needs of children suffering from these conditions.

There is also a gradual change in the spectrum of diseases manifesting in children in South Africa with an increase in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and obesity related liver diseases. On the other hand, there is a dire shortage of trained paediatricians to meet this challenge in South Africa and the rest of Africa. For instance, at the end of 2016, there were only 14 paediatric gastroenterologists in South Africa serving an estimated population of 15000000 paediatric patients.

This qualification will aim to address the need to properly train clinicians with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical research in the field of gastrointestinal, liver and nutritional diseases. A wide variety of patients are seen in the service and as such the qualification qualifies learners to address the health needs of children in South Africa regardless of their socioeconomic group.

Similar to all the subspecialty qualifications in Paediatrics, learners will be qualified paediatricians registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

The qualification will also prepare such learners for a career like paediatric gastroenterologists and enhance the country's needs for a skilled scientific workforce. Also 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.

The qualification will contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition) qualification will conform to the institution's Policy for the Regulation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT), as well as the RPL policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Institution.

In the case of RPL for exemption:

Exemption and credit transfer may only be granted on a per module basis.

The time since the learning, in question, was completed may be taken into account, since learning that occurred too long ago may not be relevant at the time of application.

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 similar to that of the module(s).

Each credit exempted or transferred, must correspond to ten notional study hours.

In the case of RPL for access:

Applications for admission to Postgraduate qualifications, the normal admission requirements may be waived based on prior learning, subject to the approval of the relevant faculty board.

Departments and programme committees in the Faculty of Health Sciences are at liberty to make use of one or more of the following assessment instruments, or of similar assessment instruments, when considering applications:

Admittance assessment instruments (for example, entrance or placement tests, and special examinations, especially those that are assessed quantitatively).

Learning portfolios (for example, the candidate may present a comprehensive set of documents and/or other evidence to illustrate his/her prior learning - such documentation will have evaluated qualitatively by academic staff.

"Conditional" admittance (for example, a learner may be accepted as a special learner and then be allowed to "perform himself or herself into" a learning programme).

Prior supplementary work (for example, a learner may be provisionally admitted to a qualification on condition that he/she completes supplementary work that meets set requirements before being formally entered into the learning programme).

Recognition of formal learning in the form of parts or the whole of qualification which were offered or completed at other institutions (for example, relevant Diplomas or Degrees).

Recognition of formal learning completed in the form of professional short courses or in-service training courses (for example, learning that is not certified as a qualification, or part thereof, by another institution of higher learning).

Recognition of non-formal or informal learning (for example, learning that took place in the workplace or in another appropriate environment on the initiative of the individual).

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

A Master of Medicine (MMed) (Paediatrics).
AND

Registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Specialist Paediatrician.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits:

Clinical Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, 135 Credits.

Research project, 45 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Function as a paediatric gastroenterologist and to adequately take care of patients with a variety of gastrointestinal and liver disorders.
2. Critically evaluate problems utilising a wide range of complex information to solve such problems effectively using appropriate methods that are relevant to gastroenterological science and to articulate knowledge, findings and potential implications to other people.
3. Demonstrate the ability to independently design a clinical 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 Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria:
The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:

Identify and solve complex problems through critical and innovative thinking.

Demonstrate responsible and independent decision-making, and employ scientific methods.

Efficiently execute the collection, organisation, analysis, evaluation, integration and application of information from various sources.

Demonstrate competent and efficient personal organisation and self-management to ensure independence.

Show personal self-development with emphasis on insight, responsibility, accountability, continued learning, self-criticism, acceptance of criticism from others, and the ability to work independently at a high level.

Work as team (member) and add value through constructive collaboration, cooperation and self-initiated new actions.

Effectively communicate through competent presentation of information and data by means of oral, audiovisual and written skills and by demonstrating appropriate graphical, statistical, linguistic and computer proficiency.

Develop and demonstrate a holistic approach to problem solving within the context of respect and sensitivity for other people, the community, and the environment.

Understand the importance and the potential applications of health sciences in general and gastroenterology in particular to the community through the communication of knowledge and results and the transfer of relevant technology.

Demonstrate familiarity with the opportunities, challenges, requirements and ethical principles that apply to research and good practice in the health science professions.

Formulate clear, answerable research questions as they pertain to the discipline of Paediatric Gastroenterology.

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 which helps to identify specific weaknesses in the learner's knowledge before engaging in a formal assessment process.

The Summative Assessment of a learner is performed by a process of formal internal and external examination of the two modules viz:

Module I: Clinical competency is evaluated by a formal national written examination and clinical assessment, set and marked by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. The University's Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Paediatrics has a strong input into this process.

Module II: The Research Project is assessed by two independent examiners. Examiners (preferably 3) may be proposed by the supervisor, but must be appointed by the Postgraduate Committee of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. The Research Project, together with a copy of the guidelines for assessment and a copy of the standard (pro forma) report form, must be submitted by the Postgraduate Committee (and not the supervisor) to the examiners for assessment. The examiners must return the completed standard report form to the Postgraduate Certificate (PGC) together with a more detailed report.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The curriculum that is used in the Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition was developed in cooperation with the head of Paediatric Gastroenterology and the AMC in Amsterdam. It complies with the curricula of the North American Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology. All have found this qualification similar to theirs. Where the learners have sought further training in international units, they have found the standard similar to this qualification.

In addition, to the curriculum expected of learners in other countries, learners of this qualification are also required to develop expertise in the management of conditions that occur more frequently in South Africa (e.g. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), malnutrition, infectious disease of the liver).

This qualification has a similar structure to qualifications at training units in Western Europe. However, learners of this qualification have an opportunity to develop technical skills and are exposed to a larger number of patients.

Some countries also provide an exit examination (e.g. Britain, Canada) while other countries have elected to only have continuous assessments. In South Africa, an exit examination is essential to ensure that the standard of training remains high.

Master's Degree in Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepathology, is offered at the Universitat Aut�noma de Barcelon.

Objectives of the qualification are as follows:

Knowledge of the etiology and pathogenesis of much of the acute and chronic pathology of digestive tract illnesses.

Acquisition of the necessary knowledge and skills to interpret the different diagnostic methods of the specialist area.

Theoretical knowledge and practical training in the different explorations for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive tract pathology.

Knowledge of the aspects of a unit of gastroenterology, hepatology and paediatric nutrition.

Direct participation in ongoing research projects.

Knowledge and practical experience in planning, carrying out and publishing research projects in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology and paediatric nutrition.

The clinical practice takes place at the Unit of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutritional Support and Paediatric Hepatic Transplant, at the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital. Active participation in the care of inpatients and outpatients at the unit, patients in the Cystic Fibrosis Unit, and patients referred from other sub-specialties. This clinical practice is undertaken with specialists in this area and other related areas.

Learners are also assigned a research project within their specialties, and receive individual tutoring from a lecturer.

Paediatric Gastroenterology Fellowship, offered at the Yale School of Medicine.

The overarching goal of the fellowship qualification in Paediatric Gastroenterology/Hepatology at Yale is to equip the subspecialty residents with the clinical and research skills to become independent and productive academic paediatric gastroenterologists.

At Yale, learners acquire clinical experience throughout their training. The first year learner spends most of the time on the inpatient and outpatient clinical service and learns various aspects of clinical practice of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Second and third year learners continue their clinical experience during the research years. They attend Gastroenterology and Hepatology clinics on a weekly basis. They also continue to perform procedures and take calls on regular basis.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Medicine, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.

Master of Medicine in Paediatric Surgery, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences, NQF Level 10.

Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences, NQF Level 10.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

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PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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