This clinically-focused unit has been developed in response to the need to enhance the assessment skills of healthcare professionals across the health and social care sector. The unit offers the opportunity for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills in the assessment of adult patients and further develop their knowledge in the relevant pathophysiology applied to stages of the assessment. As a result this will enable healthcare professionals to be able to confidently undertake a consultation of a presenting patient, perform an assessment utilising enhanced skills, identify any relevant red flags through their assessment, interpret the findings of their assessment and consider the relevant escalation and action plans, specific to the sector in which they are based.

Indicative Content

• Approaches to person-centred consultation, using therapeutic communication
• General assessment and initial impressions – recognising soft signs
• Recognition of red flags and acute deterioration through assessment (supported by online learning materials)
• Pathophysiology and enhanced assessment of the cardiovascular system, interpretations finding of your assessment
• ECG Interpretation (Supported by online materials)
• Pathophysiology and enhanced assessment of the respiratory system, interpreting finding of your assessment
• Pathophysiology and enhanced assessment of the gastro-intestinal system, interpreting finding of your assessment
• Mental Health assessment tools – MMSE and strategies for supporting patients with mental health
• Developing patient – centred action plans
• Documentation of assessment findings

This course requires 100% attendance.

Learning outcomes

Having successfully completed this unit the student is expected to:

1. Demonstrate a critical thinking approach in application of their knowledge of  patho-physiology to the process of patient assessment.
2. Distinguish red flags through interpretation of history taking and assessment providing a range of differential diagnoses
3. Synthesize and co-produce patient-centered action plans based upon critical appraisal of the evidence base and patient wishes
4. Critically evaluate their own personal and professional development needed to further develop their skills in assessment in line with their clinical role.

Assessment

Students will undertake two forms of assessment:

1. A mini- OSCE
2. A completed portfolio of competence in assessment skills