Consultation and Physical Examination Skills in an Interventionist Role

The module is suitable for Health care practitioners who will be professionally supported in an active interventionist role. It is relevant for Registered Paramedics, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals working within a variety of primary and secondary care settings, ranging from GP practices and clinics, walk-in and primary care centres, unscheduled care or 'out of hours' services, community care services, pre-assessment Clinics and acute care settings.

This module will focus learning on regional anatomical systems which are: Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Head and Neck, Lymphatic system, Abdominal, Neurological, Musculoskeletal, Dermatology and Genitourinary. Students will learn how to complete a systematic and proficient clinical consultation to include: how to obtain an in-depth history and a focused systematic physical examination. Students will learn how to use the information gained during the consultation to formulate and refine differential diagnoses. These skills have traditionally been viewed as disciplines of the medical profession, however, through theoretical and practical approaches the student’s prior assessment abilities, are built upon, the purpose of which is to expand and enhance the student’s assessment and clinical reasoning skills in order to improve patient care and meet evolving service needs. The focus of learning is on clinical indications: in which students develop an understanding of the signs and symptoms elicited during the consultation that require further assessment and or referral. Students are required to develop critical reflective skills in order to foster self-awareness of safe practice and what is required in order to meet their own developmental and learning needs.

Successful completion of this module aligns to the Advanced Clinical Practice programme pathway through the university’s recognition of prior learning process.

This module is delivered on campus.

Assessment

A 3500 written case study focusing on a Consultation the student has undertaken and includes critical reflection that demonstrates contemporary evidence base.

Two station OSCE

Completion of a Module Portfolio: Reflecting on learning needs throughout the module and showcases the students Consultation skills across the regional anatomical systems.

Entry Criteria

Effective registration with an appropriate Professional Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB) in health care, such as NMC or HCPC
Minimum 12 months post-registration experience, normally within a health practice setting
Possess BSc (Hons) 2:2 degree award minimum
IELTS 6.5 in all criteria

Non-Standard

Minimum of three years post-registration experience, normally within a health practice setting
Possess a BSc or 60 credits equivalent at level 6 which must include a research module (or equivalent)
Applicants who fall short of the above entry requirements may use the RPL mechanism to contribute towards the above criteria at the discretion of the Programme Leader