Advanced Assessment and Clinical Reasoning

Course Content

• 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 on a Wednesday 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. Students will also be required to complete OSCE assessments and to submit x2 critical reflections (2,000 words each). Throughout the module students will have access to tutor support, both on taught days at the university and through email/telephone as required.

  Module information

  This module links with Diagnostic Reasoning for Practice (NURM081).

  It can be taken as a stand-alone module or part of:

  • MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Advanced Practice
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Practice or
  • MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Top Up)
  • MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Degree Apprenticeship

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

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