Clinical judgement and decision making in healthcare (HEAE308 / APP776)

Use your existing knowledge and experience to develop your clinical reasoning ability
Front view of hospital bed isolated on blue background.

Key features - HEAE308

This 20 credit degree-level module will enable you to develop your accountability and decision making skills. It will encourage you to draw on your existing knowledge, skills and experiences gained through your work as a registered healthcare professional to build on your systematic and critical thinking skills and further develop your clinical reasoning ability.
This is an opportunity to enhance your existing clinical decision making skills through the application of relevant theories within the context of clinically based discussions.

Key features - APP776

The module aims to professionally develop the student with particular regard to their own accountability and decision-making skills, whilst continuing to develop their academic skills at level 7. Students are encouraged to develop their ability in systematic and critical thinking and demonstrate these for the module assignment, within the context of NMC standards and safe nursing practice.
Module code

HEAE308 / APP776

Credits

20

FHEQ level

HEAE308 Level 6 / APP776 Level 7

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth

Medical/health equipment in ICU - Image courtesy of Shutterstock (210538477)

Course details - HEAE308

Learning outcomes
  • Demonstrate safe practice, an awareness of scope of practice, and work within NMC regulations within the context of safe clinical reasoning, judgement and decision-making.
  • Critically analyse, evaluate and apply evidence to support the process of applying clinical judgement and decision making.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of professional practice underpinning the application of clinical judgment and decision making.
  • Contribute to the promotion of a culture which enhances patient / client safety.
Assessment
Is via a written assignment.

Course details - APP776

Learning outcomes
  • Apply a systematic understanding and in[1]depth knowledge of safe practice and scope of practice working within NMC regulations within the context of safe clinical reasoning, judgement and decision-making.
  • Systematically synthesise, evaluate and apply evidence to support the process of applying clinical judgement and decision making.
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of professional practice underpinning the application of clinical judgment and decision making.
  • Develop advanced therapeutic care which critically evaluates and applies the promotion of a culture which enhances patient/client safety.
Assessment
Is via a written assignment.

HEAE308 - This module will support you in developing your clinical judgement and decision-making skills while ensuring you are demonstrating safe practice within the context of safe clinical reasoning and NMC regulations. This is an excellent opportunity to develop and showcase your critical thinking skills and gain 20 credits within your degree pathway, within a concise timeframe. APP776 - A reflective assignment will allow you to demonstrate your learning and development in your ability to think critically, improve your clinical reasoning, while synthesising, evaluating, and applying an evidence base to underpin critical understanding of the application of clinical judgement and decision-making.


Miss Daniela Florindi
Miss Daniela Florindi
Lecturer in Adult Nursing

Admissions information

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms.
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
1

Module dates

6, 13, 20, 27 January, 3 February 2026
These dates may be subject to change.

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.

This module can be studied as a standalone module, or as an optional module for the MSc Advanced Professional Practice Nursing and Midwifery Professions
Clinical Skills Resource Centre midwifery lab

Entry requirements

To undertake these modules you must be:

  • a registered health and social care practitioner or health and social care worker working in an area of clinical practice that will allow you to meet the module learning outcomes
  • in possession of previous study at level 5 (Diploma of Higher Education) or a foundation degree to study the module at degree level
  • in possession of previous study at degree level to study the module at masters level.
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 and funding

Fees
Funding
Funding for this module may be available through your employing trust. To apply please contact your Trust’s Educational Co-ordinator who will guide you through the application process.
If you work in the private, independent and voluntary sector, please contact your employer who will advise you.
InterCity Place

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries:
Current student enquiries:
Professional Development Unit, Floor 9, InterCity Place, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 6AB
Monday – Thursday 08:30–17:00 and Friday 08:30–16:30