The fundamentals of health assessment (degree and masters level)

A module for registered healthcare professionals who wish to develop in their area of professional clinical practice
The fundamentals of health assessment (degree and masters level)

Key features

This 20 credit module is designed to enable you as a registered healthcare professional to critically examine and develop in an area of professional clinical practice, across a range of settings, and alongside other healthcare professionals from different disciplines. 

It can be accessed as a standalone module but it is recommended that the greatest benefit from this module is gained when completed as part of the full course. 

It is recommended that you have completed the module  Integrated Advancing Practice in Context (degree level)/Advancing Practice in Context (masters level) before embarking on this module. 

Through a combination of taught workshops, classroom teaching and distance learning you will be guided in practice with a named mentor where you will build on your pre-existing knowledge to further advance your skills in health assessment, clinical examination and clinical reasoning. 

Within the taught component of the module, there will be input from visiting lecturers, clinicians, and managers from health sectors to offer practical and pragmatic input and promote active discussion.

Module code

HEAD367/APP717

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 7 – masters degree

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth

HEAD367 course details (degree level)

This module will develop your knowledge of the theory and evidence base on which clinical consultation with patients, carers and peers is based and will use this knowledge to develop your clinical management planning skills to promote high quality, safe, patient-focused care in clinical practice.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  • demonstrate the ability to effectively receive a patient history and analyse the situation to undertake appropriate and effective clinical examination, taking into consideration the psycho-social factors that will influence specific health care needs
  • analyse and contrast specific health belief models and the impact they have on individuals in a health care setting
  • understand clinical reasoning models that influence competent Advanced Practice and how these models influence practice outcomes
  • demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate resource planning to optimise patient safety and work in partnership with patients
  • evaluate contemporary research justifying its value to inform your clinical reasoning.

Assessment

The assessment for this module is in two parts:

1. a learning log

2. a written assignment.

(Please note that these assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit). 

APP717 course details (masters level)

This module will give you comprehensive knowledge of the theory and evidence base on which clinical consultation with patients, carers and peers is based and will enable you to develop and lead on clinical management planning skills to promote high quality, safe, patient-focused care in clinical practice.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  • receive a history and critically analyse the findings in relation to the patient’s clinical presentation, taking into consideration the potential for psycho-social factors that will influence their health care needs
  • understand physical assessment process and the part it plays in a holistic assessment of an individual
  • demonstrate a critical understanding of clinical reasoning models that influence Advanced Practice and how these have the potential to influence future practice
  • critically evaluate personal management planning to optimise patient safety and work in partnership with personal patients
  • critically evaluate personal development, identifying your own learning needs, within specialist areas through use of historical analysis of clinical examinations and consultations.

Assessment

The assessment for this module is a written assignment.

(Please note that these assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).

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

31 March, 7, 14, 28, 29 April and 5, 12 May 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?

At degree level, this module can be studied as a standalone module, as a core module towards the BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Advancing Practice or as an optional module towards some other BSc (Hons) Professional Development pathways.

At masters level, this module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards some MSc Advanced Professional Practice pathways.

For further information please contact the Professional Development Unit. 

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 on-line 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 considered for a place on these modules you must:

  • be a registered practitioner working in an area of practice that will allow you to meet the module outcomes
  • ideally be in possession of previous study at level 5 (Diploma of Higher Education) or a foundation degree to study the module at degree level or
  • ideally be in possession of previous study at degree level.

There is a requirement that students will have someone in their workplace who can mentor them to help with the following: setting appropriate learning outcomes and goals; helping with teaching and learning their chosen skills/knowledge; signing-off on learning logs and competencies.

The mentor needs to be of an appropriate clinical standing, e.g. medical doctor or specialist in the field (ANP/ACP), and should also be senior to the student.

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

Fees

Please see our professional development module fees page.