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Advanced Assessment and Clinical Reasoning

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  3. Advanced Assessment and Clinical Reasoning

Key Facts

  • Module Code

    NURM080

  • Level

    Post RegistrationPO

  • Duration

    2 semesters Part Time

  • Starting

    October, February

Updated 09/04/2025

Open Days

Updated 09/04/2025

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

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CPD@northampton.ac.uk

Overview

Using a mixture of theory, problem-based learning, simulation and clinical experience, students will be encouraged to explore and develop the key factors required to undertake a comprehensive system based physical assessment of a service user.

Students will then synthesise clinical findings, integrating a systemic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, to formulate evidence-based plans of care. Assessment experience will be further enhanced through the continued development of clinical skills and role-specific knowledge within the students own clinical work environment.

Highlights

  • Work-based learning component to support the development of clinical skills and knowledge within a clinical environment.
  • Interactive and clinically focussed module content.
  • All sessions facilitated by experienced practicing multidisciplinary clinical staff.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold an appropriate healthcare or bachelor’s degree with honours, or have evidence of recent level 6 study. They must be employed within a health and social care related environment and be a UK registered healthcare professional (minimum of 3 years).

Nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and pharmacists with current professional body registrations are encouraged to apply.

For further information regarding this module please contact Jonathan Mounsey (module lead) via advancedpractice@northampton.ac.uk

Course Content

  • Through undertaking this module students will develop the skills, knowledge, understanding and application required to undertake a thorough holistic system-based physical examination of a service user. Students will be able to critically select evidence-based approaches to take a structured and comprehensive history from a range of patients, utilising this information to guide the clinical examination.

    The module will cover the relevant anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology to underpin the examination of each of the main body systems to aid in the formulation of differential diagnoses. The main systems covered through the module include the Respiratory and Cardiovascular systems, Examination of the Abdomen, Assessment of both the central and Peripheral Nervous systems, the Musculo-skeletal system, the assessment of the sick child, examination of the Eyes, Ears Nose and Throat, along with a specific Mental Health session. Theories and methods underpinning clinical reasoning and advanced decision making will be explored, along with legal and ethical issues surrounding advanced assessment.

    The module is taught on a Wednesday over 12 structured days using an active-blended learning approach, with each day split between theory and practical sessions utilising lectures, interactive group work, online learning and practical simulations sessions within a clinical teaching environment at the University. There is also a requirement for some individualised guided study between sessions.

    Students will be required to undertake 40 observed patient assessments within the students own or other identified clinical environment under the supervision of an experienced Clinical Supervisor of the students choosing.  Students will be required to log their clinical patient examinations within an electronic online repository. Students will also be required to complete OSCE assessments and to submit x2 critical reflections (2,000 words each). Throughout the module students will have access to tutor support, both on taught days at the university and through email/telephone as required.

    Module information

    This module links with Diagnostic Reasoning for Practice (NURM081).

    It can be taken as a stand-alone module or part of:

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • Part time: £1,890 per 40 credits

Please contact Karen Edwards for further information about fees for this module.

For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • Part time: £1,840 per 40 credits

Staff

Placeholder image for Jonathan Mounsey, Senior Lecturer in Nursing

Senior Lecturer in Nursing
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Jonathan Mounsey

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