Clinical decision making and diagnostic reasoning for Advanced Practice (masters level) (APP771)

Develop your complex decision making skills
CPD for healthcare professionals
Heart

Key features

Entry on to this 20 credit masters-level module must follow on from the successful completion of module APP770 – Advanced assessment for clinical practice or equivalent.
This module takes your skills in history taking and clinical examination and applies them to diagnosis and management of patients. We deliver this from a symptom-based approach covering all body systems and apply focus on how to use all the information that you have available from taking and receiving a focused structured history, clinical examination, plus or minus other investigations and tests, to make a safe sound informed diagnosis on which to develop a management plan for your patients and clients.
Many ACP 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. 
We focus on the underlying principles of Clinical Decision Making, equipping you with the ability to confidently take any patient with any presenting complaint and work with them to develop a diagnosis, test this with clinical examination and investigations and then develop a holistic management plan. 
The module will develop your clinical reasoning skills to support your decision-making in practice. 
Module code

APP771


Credits

20


FHEQ level

Level 7 – masters degree


Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth

Heart

Course details

The successful achievement of the learning outcomes of this module will enable you to:
  • critically examine the concept of managing clinical complexity demonstrating extensive critical knowledge and understanding to inform the decision making process
  • obtain, analyse and interpret the patient history, presenting symptoms, physical findings and diagnostic information to develop appropriate differential diagnosis justifying the findings in relation to relevant anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology
  • demonstrate critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills in decision making; interpreting investigations to determine a diagnosis
  • promote and use an evidence-based approach to patient management that critically evaluates and applies research and guidance negotiating complex pathways that are required when integrating critical thought and ethical considerations relevant to management of patient/client needs
  • evaluate the context of risk and development of quality, patient/client safety and clinical governance agenda critically reflecting upon student’s individual development.
Module dates
Delivery 1
16, 23, 30 October, 13, 20, 27 November, 4 December 2023 and 8, 29 January 2024.  
Delivery 2
26 February, 4, 11, 18, 25 March, 8, 15 April, 13 May and 3 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 – for further information please contact the Professional Development Unit.

Assessment

There are two parts to the assessment for this module:
1. a written case study
2. an OSCE.
(Please note that these assessment details are provisional – if you require further information please contact the module lead or 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.
NHS England Centre for Advancing Practice Workplace Supervision for Advanced Clinical Practice 
 

Applying for this module

Applicants to APP771 must complete a joint module application form. 
Please ensure that the form is completed in full. 
Failure to fully complete the form will result in your application being delayed which could affect your place on the module. 
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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...

The combination of expert input into the clinical component and the opportunity to focus on a wide range of systems has been invaluable.

Entry requirements

To be considered for a place on this module you must:
  • be a registered health and social care practitioner or health and social care worker
  • ideally be in possession of previous study at degree level
  • have successfully passed APP710  (Advanced Assessment in Clinical Practice) or equivalent.
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