Professional/Short course Acute Medical Assessment: Theory and Practice

Entry year: 2025/26
Course code: UZWYFR20M
Application: University
Level: Professional/Short Course
School: School of Health and Social Wellbeing
Campus: University Hospitals Bristol
Duration: Six weeks
Delivery: Online (content) and face-to-face (simulation)
Course Director: Dr Rebecca Hoskins

Introduction

The Acute Medical Assessment: Theory and Practice is a 20 credit level 7 (Masters level) module, co-delivered with University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW). The module content is delivered online and on-site in the simulation centre at UHBW.

The overall aim of this module is to provide Band 5 nurses working in an acute medical assessment unit (AMU) the knowledge, skills and behaviours to provide initial assessment and management of patients in an acute medical assessment unit setting.

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

critically appraise the aetiological factors and relevant risk factors which contribute to processes of disease
construct a rationale for diagnostic reasoning, using knowledge of the pathophysiological basis of the signs and symptoms associated with a range of disease processes
critically apprise ethical and legal issues which impact on diagnostic reasoning and the inter-professional team
critically apply the knowledge and skills in the acute medical assessment clinical setting to devise a clear initial management plan and evaluate this against pre determined parameters
demonstrate the ability to consider appropriate theoretical principles as part of the decision making process
critically reflect on and use an evidenced based approach to clinical practice
critically appraise own learning needs and demonstrate the ability to develop a development plan.

Structure

Content

The module syllabus covers:

common acute medical emergencies and presentations including chest pain, breathlessness, sepsis, gastro, hepatology disease, and neurological conditions such as stroke.
a systems based approach to explore the normal and abnormal physiology underlying the most common signs and symptoms
developing clinical decision making skills and holistic assessment skills in this speciality
advanced communication skills (difficult conversations, breaking bad news)
associated pharmacology and the application in clinical practice
interpretation of clinical signs and symptoms in the context of abnormal pathophysiology.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods include problem-based learning approaches, simulation interactive lectures, self-directed learning and peer assessment.

Assessment

An online portfolio with a variety of evidence measured against a competency framework developed by the Society for Acute Medicine for healthcare professionals working in acute assessment units.

Opportunities for formative assessment will take place in classroom and online settings during the module delivery.

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

Please visit 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. Places on this module will be limited 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

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.

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.