This module is aimed at health care professionals working in acute areas. It focuses upon the physiological processes that underpin the assessment process; explaining why these physiological changes are happening and enabling students to effectively assess the acutely ill individual, prevent deterioration and prioritise care decisions. Building on the student's fundamental specialist skills, an emphasis will be placed on developing the knowledge and expertise required to effectively assess the acutely ill individual and recognise and prevent deterioration. 

Teaching will include lectures, practical workshops and tutorials. There will also be a variety of materials such as videos, quizzes, and PowerPoints which will be put up onto the module site prior to a synchronous session with the module tutors.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:

Successful students will typically: 

• Recognise the importance of providing a thorough patient assessment.
• Interpret and apply the solutions suggested to recognise and prevent deterioration of the acutely ill patient.
• Identify normal complex physiology and recognise the pathophysiological changes associated with acute deterioration.
• Critically evaluate the complex physiological rationale which underpins the systematic assessment of an acutely ill patient.

Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:

Successful students will typically:

• Demonstrate the ability to prioritise and differentiate between care decisions which ensure patient safety.
• Critically reflect upon decisions made in response to a comprehensive systematic assessment.
• Synthesise complex evidence and justify decisions in the assessment and management of patient care.
• Explain the normal complex physiology and articulate the pathophysiological changes associated with acute deterioration.

Number of Learner Hours: 

1.    Scheduled-44

2.    Independent-256

3.    Placement/work-based learning-0

Assessment

The assessment will be a scenario-based viva. 

Students will be tested on their ability to assess, recognise and intervene in an acutely unwell patient based on a scenario from practice.

What our students say:

“The module was organised very well”

“The module lectures was very well organised and covered each system in depth”

“All the lecturers were knowledgeable about the subjects/ topics presented. I must say that I have learned and refreshed my memory, which is helpful in my current practice. It also gives me the confidence how to properly assess my patient” 

“Highly approachable and willing to support with all learning input” 

“Very supportive and tutor always made time to answer questions and concerns”

“Efficient and educated instructors. Well structured module and on time. My questions were dealt with respect and without judgement of my intellectual capacity, and support was offered readily. Highly appreciated.”

“The teaching team were professional and very knowledgeable in the topics that was provided, the team showed dedication to teaching and engaging with students.”

“I felt that when I needed to help with any issues, I was confident to contact my teaching team for advice and support. Which was great.”

“I personally felt the teaching team valued my opinions and views as student.”

This module can contribute to the following programme(s)

HHCONMSC: MSc Contemporary Nursing