AC6777 - Health Assessment and Clinical Decision Making

The module will be delivered via a blended learning approach which will incorporate the use of online resources, directed and campus-based learning activities. You will learn by attending facilitated sessions and by undertaking online supported learning, tutor-guided study and independent learning. The strategies adopted during facilitated sessions will include provision of theory and interactive discussion and debate. You will also undertake individual and small group activities. The module team will facilitate sessions, prepare and monitor online-supported learning activities. You will be expected to undertake independent learning throughout the module. Your independent learning will include reading, session preparation and post-session reflections to identify and address ongoing learning needs to develop your skills and knowledge. The module team will provide advice on how and when to engage in your Tutor Guided and Independent Study. Tutor guided materials will include interactive learning packages, electronic sessions, workbooks and media outputs. This will also include access to Northumbria’s specialist Skills4Practice website: https://www.s4pwebsite.com/
A formative Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and the face-to-face teaching will provide you with opportunities to practise your assessment skills. Formative feedback will be gained from peers and academics to enhance your learning, which will allow you to be informed of your development.

You will obtain support from face-to-face dialogue with academic staff. You will utilise peer support during the directed study, independent study and from your formative OSCE. Tutorial support for your summative assessment will be provided. You will have access to Northumbria University’s extensive and award-winning Library resources which includes electronic resources to support the development of academic skills such as your critical thinking and academic writing. The resources include e-books, e-journals and an array of databases and media outputs. You will be enrolled on an Electronic Learning Platform (Blackboard Ultra) that will provide access to module teaching materials and a reading list. You will be granted membership of the Northumbria University Library (https://library.northumbria.ac.uk/home) that includes a 24/7 service catering for all your learning needs. Library membership will also give you access to academic skills development packages, accessed on-line, called Skills Plus (https://library.northumbria.ac.uk/develop-learning-skills/learning-skills ). In addition, you can access Kaplan library and student support services locally.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

By the end of this module you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Critically analyse the contemporary theory and practice evidence base for patient assessment skills and nursing interventions for a variety of health conditions.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Demonstrate a structured approach to the completion of a physical assessment and critically reflect on the clinical decision within the sphere of your professional remit.

3. Act within the boundaries of professional requirements.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Demonstrate and appraise the personal and professional attributes and skills required to undertake a holistic health assessment and, in the decisions made for nursing interventions.

Formative Assessment:
You will have the opportunity to be formatively assessed on your history taking and decision-making skills, via a formative Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) (scenario based).
Peer and Faculty feedback will be given to facilitate skill development.
(MLO 1,2,3 & 4)

Summative Assessment:
OSCE (100%): 60 minutes total. 30 minutes reading/note making, 30 minutes for assessment of a standardised patient, to include history taking and holistic assessment with decision making. Feedback and feedforward will be via Blackboard Ultra.
(MLO 1,2,3 & 4)

Students must be a practising nurse who is registered with the Singapore Nursing Board

N/A

This module will help you to develop and consolidate skills, attitudes and behaviours that you have developed since qualification and from your first year of programme study. You will have the opportunity to practice your skills in face-to-face simulated environments. You will enhance your assessment and communication skills through participating in history taking practice for a range of health conditions and through engagement with peer assisted and independent learning. You will be encouraged to identify the evidence that underpins good clinical practice, to further reflect on your own personal and professional abilities in history taking and nursing assessment to deliver safe and effective care. Technology enhanced learning will be integral to completing the module, you will have engaged in a research-rich learning environment.
The Module assessment includes both formative and summative elements in the style of an OSCE. The skills and knowledge developed from this module are essential for contemporary healthcare delivery.