This module critically evaluates the care of adults and young people with congenital heart disease (ACHD). Core topics include common congenital defects, their surgical repair, and long-term complications. The psychological and practical problems that face individuals with ACHD are also addressed. The Module is delivered within a London ACHD centre by clinicians working in the speciality. It is suitable for practitioners working in a cardiac setting where adult patients with ACHD are routinely managed.

The module is an option in the MSc Nursing (Cardiac Care). 

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. Please note, if the module is full or closed for the intake(s) this academic year, dates may not appear. 

Venue: St. Bartholomew's Hospital

Typical intake(s): Semester 2

Career Benefits

This module gives practitioners the support and direction needed to develop specialist skills in the care of people with heart disease. It also equips individuals with the research and critical thinking skills needed to advance nursing practice, as proposed by NHS policies including the Five Year Forward View (NHS, 2014) and Clinical Academic Careers Framework (Health Education England, 2015). 

Individuals who complete the module will be better placed to progress their career within cardiac nursing, and will develop transferable skills that will be attractive to future employers.  The completion of specialist clinical modules is often a prerequisite for promotion, and is a key component of educational pathways leading to advanced clinical practice.

Assessment

• Element 1 - Assignment
• Element 2 - short exam
  

Both elements of assessment must be passed to pass this module. 

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding:       

• Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge of congenital heart disease, its complications, treatments, and the effect that it has on lifestyle.
• Recognise the issues that govern good practice, including personal and team responsibility for care, and promote care based on a sound ethical and legal framework.
  

Intellectual skills:

• Critically evaluate complex, incomplete or contradictory evidence relating to the care of patients with congenital heart disease, and identify appropriate interventions.
• Synthesise knowledge from multiple sources in finding solutions to problems identified in clinical practice. 
  

Practical Skills:

• Plan, deliver and evaluate effective, evidence-based care based on a detailed knowledge of individual pathology, history and preferences. 
• Demonstrate initiative in advocating for the patient within a multidisciplinary team setting, using a range of communication skills. 
  

Transferable skills:

• Evaluation of complex evidence and ability to synthesis information in solving problems.
• Identification and solution of problems using initiative and skill development.