The aim of this unit is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to recognise, assess and manage clients with a range of long-term conditions. It will enable the student to evaluate the evidence base for practice and critically reflect on their encounters with clients.

Indicative unit content
People can and do live fulfilling, active lives with multiple long-term conditions. Whilst some thrive, others struggle, exacerbated by flares and relapses. The impact on the individual and the healthcare system is great.

This unit will aid healthcare professionals to support patients living with long-term conditions through a combination of taught sessions and interactive seminars focusing on pathophysiology and the lived experience. With contribution from experts within the field, individuals living with long-term conditions and recent research, it will be demonstrated how barriers can be removed to support patients to identify changes in their health and implement strategies to keep well. With a focus on diabetes, respiratory health, cardiovascular disease and the ageing process, this course will empower attendees to bring positive change into their practice areas. We will be covering topics such as the context of those living with long term conditions in addition to discussing specific long term conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease, pain, frailty, cancer and the importance of the lived experience.

Learning and teaching methods

This unit will adopt a blended approach, with face-to-face teaching, additional online resources via the VLE, and online tutorials. Some seminars where appropriate can be delivered online.

The unit delivery will include 6 face to face taught days as well as additional online resources.

Learning is facilitated by taught sessions, interactive seminars, use of case studies and interaction with people living with long-term conditions.

All sessions are provided by experts within the field.

This course requires 100% attendance.

Learning outcomes

Having completed this unit the student is expected to:

1. Critically articulate their advanced understanding of their own role in relation to the needs of clients presenting with long term conditions 

2. Critically articulate their knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of a range of long term conditions 

3. Synthesise their knowledge of recent research advances in caring for individuals with multiple long-term conditions and apply these to practice. 

4. Critically appraise the evidence base and tools available to implement care for those with long term conditions

Assessment

Students will have the opportunity to give a 5 minute oral presentation of the plan for their summative assignment. This will include their chosen patient and a proposed outline for the presentation. Peer feedback and guidance from the Unit Lead will be offered.