Program Overview

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Professional/Short Course Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advancing Practice

Course Overview

The multi-professional 20 credit module, Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Reasoning for Advancing Practice (PDRAP), will build on knowledge to improve understanding and critical evaluation of the pathophysiology and diagnostics of common diseases seen in clinical practice.

Course Details

• Course code: UZWRWX20M
• Level: Professional/Short Course
• School: School of Health and Social Wellbeing
• Duration: Ten days of sessions
• Delivery: Online
• Course Director: Jillian Wood

About the Course

This level 7 (Masters level) module explores the links between the pathophysiology of disease processes and the diagnostic testing process with emphasis on learning to discriminate between different diagnostics modalities and the evaluation of results.

Learning Outcomes

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.
• Critically evaluate current theories relating to a series of pathophysiological states.
• Construct a rationale for diagnostic reasoning, using knowledge of the pathophysiological basis of the signs and symptoms associated with a range of disease processes.
• Obtain, interpret and synthesise information from a range of sources and use it to generate a critical understanding of the specific disease and pathophysiological processes.
• Use clinical argument to enhance critical evaluation of diagnostic findings, including clinical haematology, radiology, immunology, microbiology and biochemistry.
• Debate personal and organisational accountability related to the process of diagnostic reasoning.
• Critically apprise ethical and legal issues which impact on diagnostic reasoning and the inter-professional team.

Entry Requirements

You must be a registered professional in a position of Advanced Practice or aspiring to such a position.

Careers / Further Study

This module can contribute towards the PGCert Health and Social Care, MSc Clinical Practice, and the Professional Development Awards.

• MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
• MSc Advanced Practice
• Professional Development Awards

Structure

Content

The course syllabus typically includes:

• Frameworks and tools for diagnostic reasoning skills to develop and improve autonomous decision making
• The development of skills to critically evaluate the evidence, critically interpret test results and synthesise findings
• Diagnostic reasoning skills
• Common ethical, legal and practical challenges of requesting investigations in clinical practice with reference to referral pathways, expert sources, risk assessment
• Clinical governance and national guidelines exploration
• Critical evaluation and appraisal of pathophysiology and diagnostic test/clinical reasoning around a disease process within your own specialist area
• The introduction and development of your understanding, critical evaluation, and complex thinking around the processes related to (but not limited to) clinical mechanisms and investigations of cell biology; inflammation; inflammatory processes including atheroma and sepsis, infection and associated normal/abnormal responses; thrombosis and associated disease, the genetic contribution to disease, etc.

Learning and Teaching

A variety of approaches will be used which may include:

• E-learning including Blackboard
• Webinar lectures
• Videos
• Experts from practice
• Analysis of case studies.

Assessment

Assessment will be by an online exam with a 24 hour submission window, and two-hour suggested completion time.

Prices and Dates

Please visit the full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.

• Dates: Available upon request.

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.