Minor illness and injuries – the principles and practice of management for unscheduled care (degree and masters level)

Gain the practical skills to manage patients presenting with common minor illness and injuries
Minor illness and injuries – the principles and practice of management for unscheduled care (degree and masters level)

Key features

  • Develop the underpinning knowledge and professional understanding of the practical and theoretical management of patients presenting with common minor illness and injuries across healthcare settings.
  • Consider the clinical, legal and ethical boundaries and recognise the limitations within your scope of practice and working environment.
  • Build on your prior experience of dealing with minor injury and illness.
  • Learn about the underpinning theory of anatomy and physiology, clinical assessment and specific history taking using a system approach to go on to diagnose using appropriate evidence-based practice, to ensure appropriate, safe case management and safety netting.
  • Module content includes (not exhaustive): history taking, pain assessment, red flags, referral processes, safety netting, management plans.

Module code

HEAD382/APP743

Credits

40

FHEQ level

Level 6 – bachelors degree

Level 7 – masters degree

Location

Plymouth

HEAD382 course details (degree level)

At the end of the module you will be able to:

  • evaluate the legal and ethical principles associated with autonomous practice, clinical decision making and risk stratification
  • demonstrate and critically apply high-level clinical knowledge when assessing a variety of body systems, with an additional highlighted focus on the underpinning anatomy and physiology
  • reflect on your effectiveness as an autonomous practitioner, with reference to the management of minor illness and minor injury in individual clinical settings
  • provide critical analysis of evidence-based management of minor illness and minor injury
  • analyse the professional issues, decision-making theories and national policies surrounding advancing practice and urgent and emergency care
  • demonstrate sound clinical reasoning and understanding of the complexities of the diagnosis and management of the older patient, the child, and the pregnant patient in the context of the presentation of a minor illness or injury within your scope of practice.

Assessment

The assessment for this module is a written assignment and a work-based competency e-portfolio.

APP743 course details (masters level)

At the end of the module you will be able to:

  • critically evaluate the legal and ethical principles associated with autonomous practice, clinical decision making and risk stratification
  • demonstrate and critically apply high-level clinical knowledge when assessing a variety of body systems, with an additional highlighted focus on the underpinning anatomy and physiology
  • critically reflect on your effectiveness as an autonomous practitioner, with reference to the management of minor illness and minor injury in individual clinical settings
  • provide an advanced critical analysis of the evidence-based management of minor illness and minor injury
  • critically analyse the professional issues, decision-making theories and national policies surrounding advancing practice and unscheduled care
  • demonstrate sound clinical reasoning and critical understanding of the complexities of the diagnosis and management of the older patient, the child, and the pregnant patient in the context of the presentation of a minor illness or injury within your scope of practice.

Assessment

The assessment for this module is a written assignment and work-based competency e-portfolio.

Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.

Access to: 

  • application forms 
  • change of name forms
  • pre-course information
  • downloadable guides
  • student card.

Visit our admissions homepage for full details.

Module dates

Exeter based delivery

10, 17, 24 November, 1, 8, 15, 22 December 2021, 5, 12, 19, 26 January and 2 February 2022. 

Plymouth based delivery 

27 April, 4, 11, 18, 25 May, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 June and 6, 16 July 2022. 

Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change – always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit.

Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers. In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date. Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

What programmes can these modules count towards?

The degree level module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module for BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Health and Social Care.

The masters level module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module for MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions) and MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Clinical Practitioner).

For further information please contact the Professional Development Unit.

Daniel Clarke

Module Lead

“This module is a very popular course in minor injuries and illness across the life span.

We cover the theoretical concepts of assessment and diagnosis of minor injuries and illness so that you have the tools to practice these skills in your area of work until you feel competent enough to become autonomous.”

COVID-secure module delivery

The University is adhering to government guidance relating to COVID-secure operation. For this reason, modules are being delivered in a variety of formats, with much content delivered online, either in an interactive manner (i.e. requiring participation at the allotted times), or sometimes in a passive manner (i.e. you may be able to conduct some of the study outside of the typical taught hours of 09:00–17:00).

Some sessions, particularly clinical assessments, will continue to be delivered face-to-face with appropriate risk-mitigating measures in place. Others may allow you the option of attending face-to-face or synchronously engaging online with peers who attend face-to-face.

When you receive confirmation of your enrolment on a module, you will be granted access to our Digital Learning Environment (DLE or Moodle). You should access this prior to the start of your module to determine the teaching format of the module’s sessions.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the module you must:

  • be a registered health and social care professional working in clinical practice
  • have previously studied at level 5 (i.e. foundation degree or equivalent) in order to study the module at degree level
  • have previously studied to graduate level (i.e. level 6) in order to study the module at masters level
  • Part of the assessment is a practice portfolio, therefore early identification of a suitably qualified assessor in minor injuries/illness and/or practice placement (ED, MIU, WIC, GP practice) is required to complete this.

Each student will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit (PDU). Please contact the PDU or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation.

Fees 

Please see our professional development module fees page.