Program Overview

Program Overview

The Fundamentals of Cardiovascular Disease in Primary Care (GP5103) is a part-time, distance learning module designed for General Practitioners and Practice Nurses working in primary care. The module aims to develop the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in the management of Cardiovascular Disease, with an emphasis on developing a structured system of care that supports patients in managing their condition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Module Objective

The module objective is to apply knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease for the management of individuals with these conditions, using current guidelines and evidence-based practice in cardiovascular care as a basis for theoretical and practical lessons.

Module Content

The module consists of six units delivered as a distance learning module on Canvas, covering the main subdivisions of CVD problems that are managed in the primary care setting, with a focus on behavioral management strategies. The units include:

• Primary Prevention: Scoring and Q-Risk
• Lifestyle and dietary advice and Lipid Management
• Hypertension and CKD
• Acute Coronary Syndromes and Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Heart Failure and Valve Devices
• Syncope, Atrial Fibrillation and Arrhythmias

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Apply knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease for the management of individuals with these conditions
• Use risk scoring programs to define CVD risk and implement risk reduction strategies
• Devise and implement appropriate structured management plans for patients with CVD
• Demonstrate knowledge of therapeutic options for the management of CVD
• Describe the use of ECGs in CVD and demonstrate competence in performing ECGs
• Describe the use of ABPM and home-based BP monitoring in the management of hypertension and demonstrate competence in the use of ABPM

Practicalities

The module comprises 6 weeks of online learning delivered over 11 weeks, with one on-site study day in UCC. The total marks for the module are 100, with continuous assessment consisting of online discussion board participation (50 marks) and written submissions and essays (50 marks).

Requirements

Admission to the module is subject to internal university approval processes on the recommendation of the Head of the Department of General Practice. Applicants must provide evidence of current registration with the relevant professional regulatory body and a level 8 qualification in a relevant healthcare discipline. Candidates whose first language is not English must have a minimum of IELTS 6.5 with scores in no individual sections less than 6.0.

Fees and Costs

The fee for the module is 400.00, with initial funding provided by the HSE.

Additional Information

The module is designed to support healthcare professionals in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to manage Cardiovascular Disease in primary care settings. The module content and learning outcomes are designed to meet the needs of General Practitioners and Practice Nurses working in primary care, with a focus on evidence-based practice and behavioral management strategies.