Professional/Short course Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning for Practice
20 credit level 6 or level 7 module
Due to the places required from our partnership organisations outweighing the actual places available on this module, it will not be opened up to general applications until six weeks before the start date. Please contact your employer to see if you are eligible to apply, they will supply you with the relevant links to undertake this process.
Page last updated 6 November 2023
Introduction
You may be able to study these modules at Level 6 (BSc level) or Level 7 (Masters level) depending on your academic circumstances. Please contact the CPD Team or the Module Leader for advice if you are unsure which level would be best for you.
This 20 credit Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning for Practice module will provide you with the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and understanding of history taking, examination techniques of the main body systems, as well as clinical reasoning skills.
In addition, you will be taught to differentiate between normal and abnormal variants of the physical assessment and their clinical significance across the adult age ranges.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
At level 6 (UZWK9B-20-3)
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts related to anatomy, physiology and the clinical reasoning that supports recognition of common illnesses.
- Differentiate between normal and abnormal variants of the physical assessment and their clinical significance.
- Use clinical reasoning to enhance critical analysis of diagnostic findings.
- Systematically identify and evaluate findings from physical assessment.
- Discuss the ethical and legal issues that impact on clinical reasoning.
- Apply the process of physical assessment and clinical reasoning.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the skills and reasoning underpinning physical assessment and clinical reasoning.
- Exercise clinical judgement by formulating an action plan based on the findings of the clinical examination.
At level 7 (UZWK9C-20-M)
- Demonstrate in depth knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology that underpins clinical examination within the practitioner's specialist field.
- Detect and recognise deviations from normal and understand clinical significance.
- Critically analyse and interpret findings of the advanced clinical examination.
- Independently conduct an advanced clinical examination within the practitioners chosen field, according to universally accepted standards and demonstrate accurate documentation.
- Develop the knowledge, skills and attitude underpinning advanced clinical examination utilising research based practice.
- Exercise clinical judgement; formulate an action plan based on the findings of the examination.
- Critically evaluate their practice with contemporaneous research and demonstrate the ability to change their practice and that of others accordingly.
Entry requirements
You must be a registered practitioner with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, or General Pharmaceutical Health Council, or Health and Care Professions Council.
Careers / Further study
The level 6 (undergraduate level) module can contribute towards:
- BSc(Hons) Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
- BSc(Hons) Health and Social Care
- MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
- MSc Advanced Practice
- Professional Development Award
The level 7 (Masters level) module can contribute towards:
- MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
- MSc Advanced Practice
- Professional Development Awards
Structure
Content
The course syllabus typically includes:
Skills
- Systematic history taking
- Use of assessment tools for recognising normal and abnormal findings
- Introduction to use of frameworks for clinical reasoning
- Introduction to differential diagnosis and patient risk assessment
Scientific Knowledge
- Foundations of relevant anatomy and pathophysiology
- Introduction to clinical findings related to head to toe physical assessment with application to related disease processes.
- Cardiovascular examination
- Head, neck, skin, ears, eyes, nose and throat examination
- Respiratory examination
- Abdominal examination
- Neurological examination
- Musculoskeletal examination
- Rationale for diagnostic investigations and relevance to practice
Context of physical assessment and clinical reasoning
- Legal/ethical principles
- Clinical governance
- Evidence based practice
- National and local initiatives for changing roles in practice
- Health promotion
Learning and Teaching
A variety of approaches will be used which may include e-learning, lectures, practical sessions, seminars, experts from practice, analysis of case studies.
Learning and practice undertaken throughout the module will contribute to your learning strategy for physical assessment.
Independent learning: You will engage with essential reading and practice of physical examination.
Study time
42 contact hours. These will take the form of lectures, group activities, case study presentations and practical practice sessions.
Assessment
You are required to independently conduct an advanced clinical examination under exam conditions in the form of a Structured Observed Physical Examination (SOPE).
Features
Study facilities
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Get a feel for the Health Professions facilities we have on offer here from wherever you are.
Prices and dates
Supplementary fee information
Please visit our full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.
Please note: Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts. Unfortunately no places will be available on this module for applications received outside of this funding. Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may still be available to support your learning.
Dates
Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.
How to apply
How to apply
Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.
Priority will be given to applications received through our funded educational contracts. Limited places will be available on this module for applications received outside of this funding. Please check with your employer as a funded contract place may be available to support your learning.
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
You can also follow us on Twitter @UWEhasCPD.