Advanced assessment for clinical practice (masters level) (APP710)

Develop your consultation, clinical examination and data interpretation skills
CPD for healthcare professionals
Advanced assessment for clinical practice (masters level) (APP710)

Key features

As an experienced health care professional, successful completion of this 20 credit masters-level module will enable you to develop cognitive and clinical skills that you can use in your consultations, clinical examinations and interpretation of diagnostic data. The module has been developed to give multi-disciplinary healthcare practitioners from a range of disciplines the opportunity to expand their existing professional expertise in consultation and clinical examination skills, promoting safe, sound and evidenced-based practice in an advanced role.

Many of these roles involve seeing and managing patients with undifferentiated and undiagnosed conditions and this module will support you in understanding the theory that underpins everyday practice and learning the skills with which to undertake these assessments.  


The focus is on interdisciplinary learning to develop the skills needed to make safe, sound clinical decisions when seeing patients and clients with diverse health needs across all healthcare settings.

At the end of the module you will be able to complete a systematic and structured history taking assessment alongside a physical examination which will allow you to show how you can relate your findings into your clinical decision making.


Module code

APP710

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 7 - masters degree

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth

Course details

The successful achievement of the learning outcomes of this module will enable you to:

Synthesise knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and pathology sufficient to underpin assessment, diagnosis and management of presentations.

Critically appraise the concepts, philosophies and evidence that underpin the notion of consultation and diagnostics.

Differentiate and explore normal from abnormal findings for a wide range of clinical presentations and investigations.

Integrate knowledge of the underlying anatomy and pathophysiology concepts to interpret the significance and implications of clinical findings.

Critically evaluate and synthesise the findings from the consultation to implement safe, evidence-based care management.


Assessment

There are 2 main assessments for this module.

1.     A 2000 word written assignment comprising of 4 x 500 word case studies taken from clinical practice.

2.     An OSCE exam with viva of underpinning knowledge.

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

Module dates

This module will be delivered five times over the forthcoming academic year (one delivery is for PgDip Surgical Care Practitioner students only). The taught dates are:

Delivery 1

13, 14, 20, 21 September and 4, 5, 25, 26 October 2021. 

Delivery 2

27, 28 September, 11, 12 October and 2, 3, 16, 17 November 2021.

Delivery 3

27, 28 September, 18, 19 October and 9, 10, 23, 24 November 2021. 

Delivery 4

14, 15 February, 1, 2, 22, 23 March and 5, 6 April 2022. 

Delivery 5

14, 15 February, 8, 9, 29, 30 March and 12, 13 April 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 the 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 – for further information please contact the Professional Development Unit.

This module can be studied as a standalone module or towards the following programmes:

Please contact the Professional Development Unit for further information.

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.

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.

Our students say...

  • A "I really enjoyed the theory in this course which backed up the practical elements of my role."
  • A "It was good to be taught by those currently working in clinical practice."

Entry requirements

To be considered for a place on this module you must:

  • a registered health and social care practitioner or health and social care worker
  • ideally be in possession of previous study at degree level.

Individuals without a degree may be eligible to apply providing they have appropriate practice-related experience relevant to the programme. 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.