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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: NUR3070 Module Title: MINOR AILMENTS MANAGEMENT
Module Provider: Health & Social Care Short Name: NUR3070
Level: HE3 Module Co-ordinator: MACARTNEY DL Miss (HSC)
Number of credits: 20 Number of ECTS credits: 10
 
Module Availability
Semester 2
Assessment Pattern
To complete the module students must achieve a pass in both the clinical log (ungraded) and in the written assignment (graded). Both parts are compulsory for this module.

Practice Based Assessment
(pass/refer)

A Clinical Practice Log of patient documentation (minimum 10 minor ailments of different presentations) which must be audited by the supervisor as safe to achieve a pass. These should demonstrate competent examination, appropriate clinical decision-making and safe practice in the workplace with evidence of skills development, to the satisfaction of the supervisor who has witnessed the examinations.


Theory

Essay 100% (graded)

A structured account of a patient’s minor ailment that should include:

1) patient presentation including history taking, examination and investigations
2) interpretation and analysis of findings
3) the rationale used to support treatment
4) a reflective component demonstrating progress in cognitive and physical skills during the course.

2500 words
Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Working within specialist clinical area relevant to minor ailment presentations

Clinical Supervisor with appropriate experience and knowledge within the specialist area
Module Aims
The aim of this module is to provide a clear framework for the assessment of minor ailments and identification of appropriate management plans. It is intended to introduce the principles of examination, improve understanding of minor ailments and appropriate referral pathways. The module will enable health care professionals to identify personal limitations within their professional practice setting
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module, the student should be able to:
Subject Knowledge and Understanding
• Demonstrate knowledge of generic consultation skills
• Recognise professional boundaries and conduct, accountability of the practitioner, alongside issues of patient consent and dignity
• Understand a range of assessment tools, referral pathways and safe practice
• Be aware of the relevant legal aspects

Cognitive Skills
• Analyse physical signs in the context of minor ailment presentations, and the probable significance of such signs
• Identify problems within clinical practice and apply knowledge of various assessment tools to formulate clinical decisions
• Develop professional knowledge and skills through ongoing reflection.

Practical Skills
• Evaluate physical signs to differentiate between normal and abnormal
• Identify common minor ailment presentations
• Perform as a safe practitioner using skills learnt within guidelines of supervision.

Key/Transferable Skills
• Use information from physical and psychological assessment in context of clinical problem-solving
• Show effective communication with patients in practice setting
Apply an holistic approach to care delivery by encouraging user involvement.

Module Content
Anatomy & physiology specific to minor ailment presentations
Consultation models
History taking
Examination technique
Eye examination
ENT examination
Upper Respiratory presentations
Abdominal presentations
Skin examination
Treatment options and management plan
Documentation & recording findings
Legal & ethical aspects
Accountability issues related to autonomous practice
User involvement
Methods of Teaching/Learning
200 hours:
42 hours taught
158 hours work-based learning/Self-directed learning
Selected Texts/Journals
Bickley L, (2007) Bates Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking ninth edition Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Cross S, Rimmer M, (2002) Nurse Practitioner Manuel of Clinical Skills Bailliere Tindall

Thompson C, Dowding D, (2002) Clinical decision making and judgement in nursing Churchill Livingston, London

Marieb E, Hoehn K, (2007) Human Anatomy & Physiology seventh edition Pearson Benjamin Cummings

Silverman J, Draper J, Kurtz S (2004) Skills for communicating with patients Radcliffe Publishing, Oxford

Usherwood T, (1999) Understanding the Consultation: Evidence, Theory, and Practice. Open University Press, Buckingham

Walsh M, (2006) Nurse Practitioners Clinical skills and professional issues Butterworth Heinemann London


BACKGROUND READING


This is reading that will inform the content. You should endeavour to read some of the following:-


Journals:
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Emergency Nurse
Professional Nurse
Evidence-based Nursing


USEFUL WEBSITES
__________________________________________________________________________

Websites:
University of Surrey www.surrey.ac.uk/library
Department of Health www.doh.gov.uk
Prodigy www.prodigy.com
www.clinicalevidence.com
British Medical Journal www.bmj.com
www.gov.org
www.journalofadvancednursing.com

Last Updated
30TH JULY 2010