Clinical Assessment in Primary Care - MSc CPPD

Course overview

Module outline and aims

This introductory module prepares you as an experienced practitioner to develop systematic and structured history taking, physical examination and diagnostic reasoning skills in relation to four systems (the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system and the urinary system). It will help you assess adults with undiagnosed presentations, distinguish normal from abnormal findings and formulate differential diagnoses in order to manage, treat or refer patients. The vision for the module was informed by Transforming Primary Care: Safe, proactive, personalised care for those who need it most (Department of Health 2014) and Five Year Forward View (NHS 2014).

Content outline

• Consultation models and methods of history taking and documentation
• Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system and the urinary system
• Physical examination skills (including auscultation, inspection, palpation and percussion) to assess the aforementioned systems
• Interpretation of assessment findings to enable the distinction between normal and abnormal findings and formulate differential diagnoses using a variety of diagnostic support tools
• Role of the multidisciplinary team in in managing and treating patients

This module is a core module for students on the BSc/GradDip/PGDip Public Health (District Nursing) programme and an optional module for students on the BSc/PGDip Primary Care (Practice Nursing) programme. The aim, content and learning outcomes have been informed by the NMC (2001) Standards for Specialist Education and Practice, the QNI/QNIS (2015) Voluntary Standards for District Nursing Education and Practice and the NHS Health Education England (2015) District Nursing and General Practice Nursing Service Education and Career Framework.

Module dates