Advanced Assessment and Clinical Reasoning

Overview

Using a mixture of theory, problem-based learning, simulation and clinical experience, students will be encouraged to explore and develop the key factors required to undertake a comprehensive system based physical assessment of a service user. Students will then synthesize clinical findings, integrating a systemic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, to formulate evidence-based plans of care. Assessment experience will be further enhanced through the continued development of clinical skills and role-specific knowledge within the students own clinical work environment.

Course Details

Through undertaking this module students will develop the skills, knowledge, understanding and application required to undertake a thorough holistic system-based physical examination of a service user. Students will be able to critically select evidence-based approaches to take a structured and comprehensive history from a range of patients, utilising this information to guide the clinical examination.

The module will cover the relevant anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to underpin the examination of each of the main body systems to aid in the formulation of differential diagnoses. The main systems covered through the module include the Respiratory and Cardiovascular systems, Examination of the Abdomen, Assessment of both the central and Peripheral Nervous systems, the Musculo-skeletal system, the assessment of the sick child, examination of the Eyes, Ears Nose and Throat, along with a specific Mental Health session. Theories and methods underpinning clinical reasoning and advanced decision making will be explored, along with legal and ethical issues surrounding advanced assessment.

The module is taught over 12 structured days using an active-blended learning approach, with each day split between theory and practical sessions utilising lectures, interactive group work, online learning and practical simulations sessions within a clinical teaching environment at the University. There is also a requirement for some individualised guided study between sessions. Students will be required to undertake 40 observed patient assessments within the students own or other identified clinical environment under the supervision of an experienced Clinical Supervisor of the students choosing. Students will be required to log their clinical patient examinations within an electronic online repository. Throughout the module students will have access to tutor support, both on taught days at the university and through email/telephone as required.

Entry Requirements

 All applicants must be currently registered with a professional body (NMC/HCPC) and been registered for a minimum of 3 years.

To apply, you need to complete and submit WBL-Agreement-Form-NURM080 and NURM080-WBL-manager letter with your online application.

 for more information, please visit https://www.northampton.ac.uk/courses/advanced-assessment-and-clinical-reasoning/

Please be aware that there are limited places available for this programme. All applicants will need to attend a funding interview w/c 20th November