Advanced assessment for clinical practice (masters level)

Develop your consultation, clinical examination and data interpretation skills.
Advanced assessment for clinical practice (masters level)

Key features

This successful completion of this 20 credit masters-level module will enable you, the experienced healthcare professional, to develop cognitive and clinical skills that you can use in your consultations, clinical examinations and interpretation of diagnostic data.

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.

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Module code

APP710*

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 7 - masters degree

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth

*This module was previously known as MCH505 - Advanced consulting and clinical skills

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 three parts to the assessment for this module:

1.   a critical analysis of a consultation

2.   clinical logs as a record of your clinical practice

3.   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).


Module dates

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

October 2017 delivery: 10, 17, and 31 October, 7, 14 and 28 November, 5, and 12 December 2017, 13 March and 24 April 2018.

January 2018 delivery: 8, 15 and 22 January, 5 and 19 February, 26 March, 9 and 30 April, 25 June and 16 July 2018.

PgDip Surgical Care Practitioner students only delivery: 25 and 26 September; 23, 24 and 26 October; 20, 21 and 22 November 2017, 26 February and 23 April 2018.

(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.

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

Please contact the Professional Development Unit for further information.

Module lead - Catherine McDougall

"If you are currently working in a clinical area where you need to improve your clinical consultation and clinical examination skills or wish to develop your clinical career pathway, then this is the module for you. It is the first module of the MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Clinical Practitioner) and as such is the cornerstone of learning for healthcare professionals across disciplines who are working at an advanced level of clinical practice. Successful completion of the MSc pathway will prepare and support you to understand and apply evidence based theory to clinical practice.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me - I look forward to hearing from you."

Find out more about Catherine McDougall 

Catherine McDougall RN MSc AHCP, Senior Lecturer

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.

Funding and fees

Funding

This module is commissioned by Health Education England (HEE) and you may therefore be eligible for funding 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.

Fees for 2017/18 academic year

For those who are self-funding, please see our Professional Development Module Fees page.