AC6778 - Cardiac Health in Contemporary Clinical Practice

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will explore the anatomy and physiology of the heart before applying this knowledge to the altered pathophysiology of acute and long term conditions associated with heart disease. Topics include coronary heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation. You will learn the value and application of comprehensive assessment, investigation and management of patients with the common heart disease presentations. The importance and focus of contextualised inter-professional working, patient empowerment and the scope of health care provision for certain heart disease conditions within primary care settings will be integral to the module, including the holistic impact on both patients and their families.

How will I learn on this module?

Active learning requires students to engage in meaningful activities and think deeply about the concepts they're learning. When students engage in active learning, such as working together to apply a new practice, they are more likely to retain what they've learned. In this module you will learn through a combination of interactive lectures, seminars and directed study. The module will be delivered at Northumbria University by lecturers and practitioners with specialist cardiology practice experience. As health care professionals you will be expected to actively engage in the learning process, participate in group work and apply what is taught in the university to your practice setting. You will be encouraged to share your own expertise and debate practice issues to enable you to make evidence based recommendations to influence the care provided to patients with heart disease. You will be expected to make active use of the Electronic Learning Portal (BlackBoard Ultra) which will give you the flexibility between taught sessions to access module information remotely.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles allow for multiple means of engagement, expression and representation thereby addressing diverse student populations. You will be supported by the module team who promote a positive learning environment and have experience in the delivery of specialised cardiology care and maintains close links with practice areas in the region. You will be supported by the module team at the scheduled timetabled group sessions at university with formative feedback provided throughout the delivery and you will be encouraged to access individual tutorials for the summative assessment. Specialist lecturers and practitioners will deliver specific sessions and will also be available to support your learning. You will be able to access both library and student support services for study skills support as required through the eLP, helpline and email enquiry services, details of which will be available in the module site.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

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.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to understand the principle structures of the heart and cardiac function.
2. You will critically explore complex pathophysiology underpinning acute and chronic cardiac conditions.
3. You will critically examine the management of patients with cardiac conditions.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. You will critically analyse the contemporary evidence underpinning the care delivery and management of cardiac conditions.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)

5. You will appreciate the key attributes of complex cardiac issues and apply theory to practice settings.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment

Formative assessment will take place during scheduled sessions and informed by engagement in learning activities. You will present a brief overview of your chosen case study to facilitate group discussion. Feedback will be provided by your peers and the module tutor. (MLO 1-5).

Summative assessment

The summative assessment strategy is designed to ensure that you have the knowledge to recognise, and provide appropriate care for patients with a cardiac condition. This will be achieved by digital submission of a 3000 word case study discussing the pathophysiology of the chosen cardiac condition, and a critical exploration of the evidence base for its management. Feedback will be given electronically and will include development advice for future academic work (MLO 1-5).

Pre-requisite(s)

To undertake this module, apllicants must hold a valid current professional registration (i.e. NMC/GMC/HCPC

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module is aimed at registered healthcare professionals working within primary care who are involved in the care of patients with cardiac conditions. Heart failure cases are increasing in the UK (British Journal of Primary Care Nursing 2018), Coronary Heart Disease continues to be a major cause of death in the UK and worldwide (NHS) and atrial fibrillation remains one of the major causes of cardiovascular morbidity in the world (ESC 2016).The focus for this module will be placed on these cardiac conditions and will enable you to explore related anatomy and physiology and electrophysiology. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the care and treatment of these conditions including assessment, investigations, secondary prevention and treatment. The module integrates the importance of inter-professional working and the scope of health care provision for cardiac conditions, including the holistic impact on patients and their families. The assessment is based on your developing knowledge and understanding of a chosen acute or chronic cardiac condition resulting in a 3000 word case study which will enable you to demonstrate the achievement of the module learning outcomes.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Part Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or January 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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