This distance learning module enables health care professionals to gain and expand knowledge and skills in the performance of advanced physical assessment across the lifespan. It focuses upon the principles and practice of physical assessment and history taking to form a diagnosis. Content enables students to undertake comprehensive and focused physical examination and to facilitate the individual to relate the following core content to their particular clinical speciality.
Physical examination using a systems approach: cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, abdominal, head and neck. Associated anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and health history.
Physical examination is considered within the context of: best evidence and practice, the issue of significant negatives, consent, accountability and legal aspects, appropriate documentation.
A particular feature of this module is the opportunity to advance physical assessment skills under the guidance of a clinical preceptor.

A CLINICAL ASSESSMENT weighted at 0%. A CASESTUDY length 2000 WORDS weighted at 80%. A PORTFOLIO of evidence weighted at 20%
Assessment meets all learning outcomes

The presentation of a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates the development of clinical skills. 20% (LOs 2, 3, 4 & 5)

A written case study, demonstrating application and utilization of knowledge and skills in the physical assessment of a selected patient. (2000 words) (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5) Weighted at 80%

An assessment in clinical practice by the clinical preceptor of comprehensive or focused physical assessment of four different systems.
(LOs 1, 2, 3 & 5) Pass / Fail

All 3 components of assessment must be passed.

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
skills clinical practice
practice feedback
tutorials
scenario discussions
role play
The student will have the opportunity to test knowledge on-line through MCQ tests and use this as evidence of achievement in the portfolio of evidence.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (3)
3 contact hours - face to face tutorials, on line (skype, discussion forum feedback)

Guided Independent Study: (147)
30 hours in clinical practice with preceptor
The main focus of the skills clinical-based learning will be the theory and student practice of physical assessment skills. The module requires active participation from students to relate and utilise elements of core physical assessment skills and associated pathophysiology relevant to the students' clinical speciality.
117 hours of associated study will be organised independently by the student. This independent study will involve activities related to pathophysiology and biomedical knowledge underpinning physical assessment, and the practice of physical examination skills within the student's clinical speciality and the production of a portfolio of evidence.
In addition students may, if they wish, complete a formative assessment: student practice of physical examination skills arranged with their clinical preceptor.

e-libarary
Blackboard
Access to a computer that meets the Faculties minimal PC/Mac requirement.
Internet access

Hopcroft, K.,Forte, V.,(2010), Symptom Sorter, 4th ed, Radcliffe Publishing Ltd
Jarvis, C, (2011), Physical Examination and Health Assessment, Saunders, Elsevier
Marieb, E.N.,(2012), Essentials of Human anatomy and Physiology, Pearson
Martini, F.H.,(2009), Atlas of the Human Body, Pearson
Martini, F.H., Ober, W.C.,(2011), Visual Anatomy and Physiology, Pearson

Students must be clinically based (or have access to a clinical base for the preceptor contact hours) and have the written support of a clinical preceptor for skills development and assessment of practice.

Previous successful academic achievement at level 5 is desirable, before undertaking higher level study, and if not achieved then prospective students will be expected to take the opportunity to discuss the module with the module tutor, before application.