Advanced Clinical Assessment and Decision Making module (PN50150)

SCQF Level: 11 (Masters Degree)
SCQF Credits: 40      ECTS : 20
Total Student Effort: 400 hours
The module is expected to be delivered once per academic year, in January

Target audience

This module is suitable for practitioners who are currently, or in the process of developing their practice in independent systematic patient assessments/ clinical examinations. This includes developing/ advancing a range of skills such as consultation, history taking and clinical examination skills and initiating and/or conducting investigations to facilitate a more timely diagnosis.

Mode of Delivery

This is a core module within the MSc Advanced Practice and is delivered mainly online with optional clinical skills sessions. The module requires you to undertake work based learning. You must have your managers support and a named supervisor to facilitate your knowledge and skill development. There will be approximately 5 optional taught sessions in the clinical skills centres at Dundee or Kirkcaldy.

You will be required to work independently online on the School’s virtual learning environment – MyDundee. You will also have the opportunity to attend face to face classes in either City or Kirkcaldy campus.

You will be supported by the course team and University services including the Library, Academic Skills Centre and the University’s Information Technology department.

Module Aims

The module aims to equip practitioners to advanced their knowledge and skills in holistic clinical examination using an across the lifespan approach.

Module Overview

The module aims to advance your knowledge and understanding, transferable, employability and enterprise skills by you:

• demonstrating competence in advanced holistic, person centred multi- element systematic assessment, across the lifespan.
• critically analysing decision making skills and the application of clinical reasoning to formulate appropriate differential diagnoses based on the synthesis of assessment findings. 
• gaining subject specific practical and intellectual skills by critically appraising clinical reasoning in requesting, interpreting and evaluating diagnostic tests and investigations whilst working collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team.
• critically examining complex clinical decision making skills in formulating an action plan for the evidence based treatment and evaluation of the patient.
• applying a critical awareness of clinical governance, accountability and the ethical, legal and professional issues relating to advanced practice in a context of complexity, uncertainty and varying levels of risk.

Assessment Strategy

Four specific assessment approaches will be used to assess the module learning outcomes at SCQF level 11:

1.Written assessment 

2. Practice based learning portfolio which demonstrates:

• achievement of NHS Scotland ANP  competences - confirmed by the supervisor

3. Objective structured clinical examination ( OSCE) demonstrating skill in history taking and physical examination

4. 2500 word critical reflection which applies directly to a clinical scenario and demonstrates achievement of the learning outcomes.

Module eligibility requirements

• educated to relevant first degree level or equivalent
• students are required to have access to a computer with broadband internet access
• students must be working in a clinical area where they can develop their knowledge and skills and achieve the required competencies. Agreement from the student's manager and a named supervisor is required prior to commencement of the module

Module Contact information

For further information, please contact the School of Health Sciences
Telephone: +44(0)1382 388534
Email: nursing-health-postqualifying@dundee.ac.uk