This module will provide an opportunity for the student to explore scientific enquiry underpinning the scientific basis of pathophysiology and its significance in clinical practice. The module will build on your existing knowledge of pathophysiology and your experiential knowledge of patient assessment, efficacy of therapeutic interventions, and analysis of patient observations and data. Knowledge of pharmacological principles is vital in monitoring the effects of pharmacological interventions on the patients’ condition.

The student will have the opportunity to focus on key topics, such as, cardiac, renal and respiratory conditions, haematology, biochemistry, metabolic conditions such as diabetes; also sepsis and neuromuscular disorders. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the module subjects, the student will produce a 4000-word case study evaluating clinical assessment, pharmacological therapy, and outcome measures in a patient of their choice.

A critical understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacology is vital when making clinical decisions; therefore, the student will be encouraged to reflect, assess and learn to analyse clinical decisions specific to their practice setting.

The module leader will provide the student with the tools required to explore pathophysiological principles and methods of enquiry. There will be opportunities for group work, self-directed learning (in the form of paper and electronic resources), and tutorials to enhance your learning opportunities.

This module can be taken as a standalone module or optional/core module of study for practitioners working in a critical care setting. This module aims to provide a systematic understanding of biological principles, which underpin clinical practice. The module will explore the research basis of biological knowledge and build on your existing knowledge.

Available as a standalone module: Yes

Attendance (Please note, this is subject to change for future intakes)

Dates: For attendance information, please see the top of this page and click on ‘attendance dates’. Please note, if the module is full or closed for the intake(s) this academic year, dates may not appear. 

Venue: Intake 1 - Hybrid

Career benefits

This module seeks to provide focus and direction for practitioners who wish to develop their skills and expertise in relation to nursing in acute and critical care areas across the age spectrum. The module aims to enable an individual practitioner to have broader competence skills to progress in a direction that meets workforce, meeting the needs of the future NHS as outlines in the Five Year Forward View in 2014 by the Department of Health (DH,2014) and the HEE agenda for Clinical Academic Careers Framework (HEE 2015).

Encompasses multi-professional working and a sharing of expertise and skills across traditional professional boundaries and fields as new services and roles are being developed to meet current and future challenges for service delivery. Completion of this Module should help the practitioner to be in a better position to progress in their career. 

Assessment

• Assignment

Assessment/submission date: See attendance dates

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:   

• The student will gain a critical and comprehensive understanding of the care rationale and in-depth knowledge of pathophysiology conditions and experiential knowledge of patient assessment.
• The student will gain a comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of therapeutic interventions, and analysis of patient observations and data.
• Act autonomously in demonstrating knowledge of pharmacological principles in  relation to the monitoring the effects of pharmacological interventions on the patients' conditions. 

Intellectual skills:

• The student will critically analyse theoretical research, and evidence based practice as related the area of practice.
• The student will utilise skills of critical analysis and  critical thinking in relation to decision making and  an ability to reflect on practice. 

Practical Skills:

• The student will demonstrate a critical approach to the development of transferable practice skills to ensure provision of safe and high quality care. 

Transferable skills:

• The student will demonstrate the ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary and interagency forum using advanced decision making skills to assess manage and evaluate care in complex and unpredictable situations.
• Utilise a variety of communication techniques and approaches in care situations using enhanced IT skills. In particular, develop literature searching, reviewing and evaluating skills.
• Demonstrate independent learning ability required for continuous professional development including.