Course Description:     

Students will develop a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary to safely assess patients with minor illness or minor injury using a systems-based approach, identifying appropriate management strategies and/or onward referral for each patient.   

The course will use a blend of online and face-to-face teaching, workshops and discussion forums to explore the theory underpinning the management of minor illness and injury. Practical simulation and placement will develop the technical and non-technical skills required for this patient group.  

Course content includes:    

General content 

• Enhanced history taking and consultation skills   
• Comprehensive assessment of physical and mental health   
• Investigation and diagnosis of a range of minor illness or injury presentations   
• Evidence-based treatment and care planning, including referral to other specialities   
• Pharmacotherapy (use of a range of medicines and PGDs)   
• Health promotion and lifestyle interventions   
• Understanding scope of practice and managing risk   

Illness Specific Content

• Neurological disorders including headaches   
• Respiratory and HEEN disorders   
• Cardiac disorders   
• GI and GU disorders   
• Dermatological conditions   
• URTI and bacterial/viral illnesses   
• Paediatric and elderly medicine   
• Clinical decision making   
• Antibiotic and NICE Guidelines   
• Referral options   
• Emergency contraception   

Injury specific content

• Upper and lower limb injuries   
• Neck and back pain (acute and chronic)   
• Wounds and burns   
• Minor head and facial injuries   
• ENT and Injuries to the eye   
• Image interpretation (including  x-ray)   
• Paediatric minor injuries   

This module includes a placement of 120 hours in a primary care setting.

We encourage you to source your own placement, but we will assist those who are unable to do this.  The course is facilitated by UH staff and external experts. The faculty is interprofessional, with staff from paramedic, advanced paramedic and other allied health backgrounds. Whilst exposure to these subject areas is intended to increase understanding and knowledge, it does not change your scope of practice for clinical employment.

Assessment details: 

Written submission worth 60% of the module mark.    

 Practical OSCE stations including written, verbal and practical elements, worth 40% of the module mark.    

Clinical Assessment Document Pass/Fail.

Learning Outcomes:

Successful students will typically: 

•  Identify and understand the aetiology, presentation, sequelae, complications and referrals of common minor illnesses and injuries.    
• Critically evaluate the treatment and referral options available for patients with minor illnesses and minor injuries.   
• Critically appraise and synthesize the evidence and rationale for management of patients with minor illnesses and minor injuries.   
• Using a problem-based approach and advanced assessment, assess common minor illnesses and minor injuries.   
• Be able to formulate, implement, document and critically evaluate, appropriate evidence-based management plans for patients with minor illness or minor injury. 
• Effectively communicate health advice and referrals based on a critical understanding of the evidence available.