Professional/Short course Assessment and Management of Sleep Breathing Disorders

Entry year: 2025/26
Course code: USSJS6303
Application: University
Level: Professional/Short Course
School: School of Applied Sciences
Campus: Glenside (primarily) and Frenchay
Duration: 12 months
Delivery: Blended
Course Director: Dr Adrian Kendrick

Introduction

This 30 credit level 6 module, Assessment and Management of Sleep Breathing Disorders, ensures you will have the underpinning knowledge and understanding of the breadth of the application of science in relation to respiration in the awake and sleep states. It will be closely linked to NICE NG202 published in 2020.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

explain the principles and application of operation of pulse oximetry, and carry out and interpret overnight oximetry recordings in relation to the pathophysiological basis of sleep-breathing disorders, and make decisions as to whether urgent escalation is required.
explain the principles and application of respiratory polygraphy, set-up a patient and interpret overnight recordings in relation to the pathophysiological basis of sleep-breathing disorders, and make decisions as to whether urgent escalation is required.
evaluate treatment pathways for sleep-breathing disorders, and where appropriate set-up a patient with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, and make decisions as to whether urgent escalation is required.

Careers / Further study

This level 6 module contributes towards the GradDip Respiratory Science.

Structure

Content

The outline syllabus will typically cover the following:

the effects of sleep on normal respiration and how this may be altered in patients with sleep-breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA).
the technological aspects of the equipment used and recording requirements for pulse oximetry and respiratory polygraphy.
the measurements of pulse oximetry using overnight recordings in relation to sleep-breathing disorders, and where appropriate as part of respiratory polygraphy.
the treatment pathways for sleep-breathing disorders and applies the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to appropriate patients.
understanding the results of pulse oximetry/respiratory polygraphy, based on the understanding of the pathophysiology of sleep-breathing disorders.

Learning and Teaching

This module will use an innovative, blended learning delivery model. This flexible provision will enable you to develop, advance and maximise your theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and application in the field of respiratory sleep medicine.

Delivery of the underpinning knowledge and practical skills will comprise:

blended learning with on-campus teaching and practical skills (block weeks), coupled with online lectures/tutorials and webinars provided throughout the academic year on a timetabled basis.
practice-based learning where you will learn and develop your skills through clinical practice by interaction with patients and teaching from senior practitioners within your department.

Assessment

Assessment of this module comprises two parts:

a case study centred around a sleep-breathing disorder case you have encountered in your workplace
an observed practical assessment of setting up a patient with pulse oximetry and respiratory polygraphy and the interpretation of provided results.

Features

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Take a personalised virtual tour of the Health Professions facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Recruitment of students and provision of funding is managed by the National School of Health Care Science with NHS England, with details being provided to UWE Bristol subsequently in order to compete the admissions process.

Once funding has been approved, alongside this module, Assessment and Management of Sleep Breathing Disorders, students must also apply for the following two modules:

Dates

Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.

How to apply

This module forms part of the GradDip in Respiratory Science and is not available as a stand-alone module.

Please click on the Apply Now button on this page to apply for this course.

Please read our Terms and Conditions.

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

Email: pd@uwe.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 81158