AC6769 - Management of acute and chronic neurological conditions

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will explore the normal anatomy and physiology of the nervous system before applying this knowledge to the altered pathophysiology of acute and chronic neurological conditions. Topics will include traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, stroke, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease. You will learn the value and application of comprehensive neurological assessment, investigations and effective management of patients with neurological conditions. The importance and focus of contextualised interprofessional working and the scope of health care provision for neurological conditions within different health care settings will be integral to the module, including the psychological impact on both patients and their families. It is also expected that you apply your new learning to practice (work-based learning) and share experiences with your colleagues.

How will I learn on this module?

This module applies Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to remove barriers to learning and create an inclusive, flexible experience that accommodates diverse learning styles. By offering multiple ways to engage with content, varied formats for accessing and understanding material, and ample opportunities for diverse action and expression, you can develop and showcase key employability skills. Through a blend of online resources, and live seminars, the module ensures an active, authentic learning journey that supports your success in real-world contexts (La, Dyjur, & Bair, 2018). This means learning will be via a blended delivery using a combination asynchronous (30 hours of web-based resources) and synchronous (12 hours face-to-face online seminars) learning. A ‘flipped classroom’ approach (Bergman & Sams, 2012), promotes the front loading of theoretical content as preparatory independent study provided via online supported learning (OSL) and reading, prior to the live online seminars where your understanding of concepts and application of theory will be explored. This approach to module delivery promotes active learning as it works to accommodate your learning needs and abilities by offering flexibility and direction gained from the preparatory web-based materials which are then explored and applied during the live online seminars creating new knowledge. Offering multiple ways of learning helps you to engage along with giving you the opportunity to express your learning through action and/or expression. This encourages a positive learning environment where you are likely to feel more engaged and motivated in your learning. Authentic assessment means that any assessments throughout the module will mirror real life activities that you will be faced with in your professional practice. Authentic assessment will be an on-going key feature of the module, via tasks within the web-based materials and online simulated practice learning. These will not only support your learning of the theory related to professional practice but will also support assessment literacy through developing your skills and knowledge of the assessment process. All assessments within the programme will be operated in accordance with standard operating procedures and marked and moderated in accordance with the Assessment Regulations for Taught Awards (ARTA) ensuring the academic standards required for student awards are met.

Bergman, J., & Sams, A. (2012) Flip your classroom. Reach every student in every class every day. Washington D.C., International Science of Technology in Education.

La, H., Dyjur, P., & Bair, H. (2018). Universal design for learning in higher education. Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning. Calgary University of Calgary

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module lead who will guide your academic learning and assessment throughout the module. The module lead was involved in developing the e-learning materials, assessment exercises, and will provide some of your live online seminars, and feedback, supported by other staff. This module is supported by Blackboard Ultra and adheres to the university’s minimum standards. The site includes module information, assessment information, power-point presentations and e-learning packages, reading lists and relevant web links. Blackboard Collaborate will be used for the delivery of the live online seminars.

A discussion board is available to the cohort, through which students can post comments and ask questions of their peers throughout the duration of the module. You will have a live online group tutorial will help you prepare for the summative assessment. Your Programme Lead and Personal Tutor are also available to offer guidance on academic support throughout the programme.

The University Libraries offer an extensive collection of material, both hard copy and electronic, access to international databases and training in information retrieval. A variety of study-skills-related help sheets, and online videos can be found on the library Skills Plus site. You can also access a range of student support and wellbeing services via Student Central or by accessing the student support and wellbeing pages and Ask4Help via your electronic student portal

You will also have an allocated personal/guidance teacher who will provide advice and support in relation to academic, procedural, and (where desired and appropriate) personal matters during the programme of study you have enrolled on. You will have access to 24/7 generic IT support and specific support from the programme team with any specific IT issues related to the e-learning package.

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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

On completion of this module:

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. You will have understood the principal structures of the nervous system and their physiological function.
2. You will have explored the complex pathophysiology underpinning acute and chronic neurological conditions.
3. You will have examined the management of patients with neurological conditions.

Intellectual / Professional skills abilities:

4. You will have critically analysed the contemporary evidence underpinning the care delivery and management of neurological conditions.

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

5. You will have appreciated the key attributes of complex neurological issues and apply theory to practice settings.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessments

Formative assessment will take place during scheduled sessions and informed by engagement in learning activities including formal student presentations on a chosen acute and chronic neurological condition. You will have assessment preparation to prepare for this group presentation and it will inform the summative assessment. Feedback will be provided by the module tutor. Formative tests and quizzes will also be embedded within e-learning materials.

(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 chosen neurological condition. This will be achieved by submission of a 2500-word case study discussing the pathophysiology of the chosen neurological condition, and a critical exploration of the evidence base for its management. Electronic submission will be utilised for the submission of the assignment. Summative feedback on final submission of the assessed work will be given in a structured format to inform future practice (MLO 1-5).

Pre-requisite(s)

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

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

The module is aimed at registered health care professionals who care for patients with neurological conditions across all health care settings. It is delivered by academics and clinicians who have expert neurological knowledge and skills. The focus is on the normal anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and an exploration of the altered pathophysiology of acute and chronic neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, hydrocephalus, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the care and treatment of these conditions including assessment, investigations, and treatment. The module integrates the importance of inter-professional working and the scope of health care provision for neurological conditions, including the psychological impact on patients and their families. The assessment is based on your developing knowledge and understanding of a chosen acute or chronic neurological condition resulting in of a 3000-word case study which will enable you to demonstrate the achievement of the module learning outcomes. This module is available at level 6 but can also be undertaken at Level 7.