Assessment, management and escalation of the acutely ill adult (degree and masters level) (HEAD346 / APP737)

Develop your critical analysis skills to assess, manage and seek appropriate help for acutely ill adults in non-critical care acute areas
CPD for healthcare professionals
Nurse with patient - image courtesy of Shutterstock

Key features

Our module is designed to enhance and increase your knowledge, skills and competencies in the assessment and management of the acutely ill adult in non-critical care areas. It will provide you with a framework for critically analysing and treating a patient at risk in order to ensure they receive appropriate care in a timely fashion.
You'll also gain the confidence and competence that comes with critical analysis and be equipped to understand the psychological, social, ethical and legal implications on critical illness, and the effects these may have on the patient, relative or multi-disciplinary team.
The module is delivered by Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust in partnership with the University of Plymouth.
Module code

HEAD346 / APP737

Credits

40

FHEQ level

Level 6 – bachelors degree 

Level 7 – masters degree

Location

Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust 

Nurse with patient - image courtesy of Shutterstock
Nurse with patient - image courtesy of Shutterstock

HEAD346 course details (degree level)

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
  • Describe in detail abnormal physiology including respiratory, cardiac, renal and neurological systems and relate them to disease and critical signs
  • Systematically assess, implement, analyse and evaluate evidence-based clinical interventions to inform approaches to managing the deteriorating adult patient
  • Demonstrate critical reasoning through analysis of clinical and organisational factors that influence decision making in practice and implement appropriate care when necessary
  • Effectively promote the sharing of critical care skills and knowledge with colleagues
  • Effectively supervise and manage clinical practice within your own area to ensure safe care delivery, which recognises ethical and legal issues.
Assessment
The assessment for this module is in three parts:
  1. A written assignment.
  2. Clinical examination in the form of an OSCE.
  3. Presentation and completion of a competency document (to be completed in practice).
(Please note that these assessment details are provisional - if you require further information please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit).

APP737 course details (masters level)

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
  • Identify abnormal physiology through interpretation of clinical signs associated with patient deterioration
  • Critically analyse and synthesise current evidence and research informed concepts and approaches to ensure effective clinical reasoning and decision making
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and confidence in managing the acutely ill adult including assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation and escalation of care
  • Demonstrate initiative and collaborative working with the multi-professional team and family within professional, legal, ethical and local/national frameworks.
Assessment
The assessment for this module is in three parts:
  1. A written assignment.
  2. Clinical examination in the form of an OSCE.
  3. Presentation and completion of a competency document (to be completed in practice).
(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 

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
TBC
Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust
TBC
Royal Cornwall Hospital
  • 18 March 2024
  • 3, 8, 15 April 2024
  • 1, 7, 16, 22, 29 May 2024
  • 4 June 2024
(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 or as an optional module towards our new BSc (Hons) BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Health and Social Care course and a number of associated pathways.
At masters level, this module can be studied as a standalone module or as an optional module towards our new MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Nursing and Midwifery Professions) programme and some other associated MSc Advanced Professional Practice pathways.
For further information please contact the Professional Development Unit (PDU).   

Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms. 
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.

Our students say...

  • A“Very relevant to my area of practice, made me much more aware and I feel it will improve my clinical practice.”

  • A“Learnt a lot, put knowledge and skills into practice.”

  • A“Very useful for expanding clinical knowledge.”

  • A“A varied and thought-provoking course.”

Entry requirements

To be considered for a place on this module you must: 
  • be a registered health and social care professional working in an area of practice that will allow you to meet the learning outcomes
  • have previously studied at level 5 (i.e. diploma of higher education or equivalent) to study the module at degree level
  • have previously studied to graduate level to study the module at masters level.
Masters level- Individuals without a degree may be eligible to apply providing they have appropriate practice-related experience relevant to the programme, please discuss with the Professional Development Unit prior to application.
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.

Further information

For further information on module dates, entry requirements, fees and funding and how to apply please contact the relevant education coordinator for the organisation where you wish to undertake the module, see below contact details:

North Devon Healthcare NHS Trust

Julia Fuery