PY0568 - Lifestyle Interventions

You will attend a series of two-hour interactive lectures to learn about scientific field of developing and evaluating lifestyle interventions. These lectures will provide the basic framework for syllabus topics. The interactive elements will involve discussion about key, topical research papers, debates and group discussions regarding particular topic areas introduced in the taught sessions. The aim of the interactive lectures is to consolidate information learnt through independent reading and to encourage you to apply your knowledge in a problem-based learning situation. The opportunity for group discussion will enable you to communicate your ideas and findings in a group setting, showing sensitivity to the perspectives of others. Directed study will be encouraged through the provision of reading lists, which will serve as a basis for further, independent study. This will be further encouraged through the provision of study questions and topics. Independent learning skills and reflection on the role and value of those skills will prepare you for career development learning. Together, the learning strategies of interactive lectures, workshops, seminars directed and independent study aim to develop conceptual knowledge of the topic area and illustrate the range of paradigms and methods that can be used to investigate it. These learning strategies will also enhance your skills (e.g., critical thinking, communication).

You will be supported through the use of the e-learning Portal resources (Blackboard), which give access to lecture and workshop materials (PowerPoint slides, Panopto recordings, hand-outs, reading lists, guide books and templates). Examples of materials and web links to relevant sources will also be accessible via the Blackboard site. There will also be an online discussion board, to discuss points of interest amongst other students as well as tutors and engage in shared discussion of course materials and issues. Technology enabled learning will be implemented throughout through the use of lecture recordings (Panopto).
Tutorials will be available to provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues related to the module with the module leader.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MK1: You will be able to critically evaluate the dominant approaches to the development of behaviour change interventions.
• MK2: You will be able to demonstrate the ability to apply practical and theoretical knowledge in intervention design, evaluation and implementation.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MIP1: You will formulate intervention outcomes and select appropriate evaluation plans to test behaviour change interventions.
• MIP2: You will develop the skills to take charge of your own career development learning, through critical self-evaluation and reflection on the relevance of the module for career enhancement and future learning.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MPV1: You will develop and reinforce the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate by building research skills to contribute to knowledge generation and dissemination, demonstrating awareness of ethical principles.•.

Formative Assessment:
This will take place through discussion/observation based tasks with the module tutor and with peers where you will consider questions, case studies presentations, and presentations relating to the discussed topics (MK1; MK2; MIP1; MPV1). The


Summative Assessment:
The assessment consists of two individual pieces of work:
1. A written assignment (maximum 3000 words) that requires you to offer a critical analysis of the utility of different methodologies to develop and/or evaluate behaviour change interventions (MK1, MK2, MIP1, MPV1) This assessment is worth 90% of the module mark.

2. The second assessment is a self-reflective account in which you will be asked to consider how this module has influenced your employability and future career (MIP2). This will be worth 10% of the module mark (500 words).

Feedback
For formative assessments, the module tutor will provide immediate verbal feedback in addition to peer feedback provided through discussion in group activities.
For the first summative assessment, individual feedback will be provided on the electronic submission. This will be in the form of a level-specific rubric and written comments that will identify a minimum of one strength and two areas for improvement.

General feedback will be provided via the eLearning Portal.


For the second summative assessment
you will be required to arrange a tutorial with your Personal Tutor for formal feedback on your reflection.

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This module has been designed for students who want to understand how to improve health or healthcare by changing the behaviour of the public, patients or professionals. Developing lifestyle interventions is challenging and requires new methodological approaches that have evolved rapidly over recent years. Lifestyle interventions are very broad but a healthy lifestyle can include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and blood pressure control. Examples of interventions could be: a health promotion programme designed to improve physical activity and diet for members of the public at risk of developing chronic conditions (e.g. Diabetes); an exercise referral scheme implemented nationally involving health professional referral to community-based structured exercise programs; etc.
On this module you will be introduced to the scientific field of developing and evaluating lifestyle interventions. You will learn about systematic, theory-driven approaches to the development of lifestyle interventions. You will explore the key frameworks and methodologies currently used to evaluate lifestyle interventions and you will be encouraged to critically reflect on the strengths and weakness of the dominant approaches. This module will also provide you with opportunities to engage with specific methods of lifestyle interventions and reflect on the challenges involved in their application. By studying this module you will have a great foundation for pursuing exciting career prospects in the area of healthcare / public health.