Students must be clinically based and have the written support of a clinical preceptor for skills development and assessment of practice.

1.Bickley, L. S. (2003) Bate's Pocket Guide to Physical Examination and History taking (4th ed )Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott. ISBN: 0181738180
2.Thompson C. Dowding. D.(2002) Clinical decision making and Judgement in Nursing, London, Churchill- Livingstone ISBN: 044070768
3.Welsby, P.D. (2003)Clinical History taking and Examination (2nd ed ), Churchill- Livingstone, Elsevier Science Ltd. ISBN: 0443070884.4.
4.Wilson, K.J, Waugh. A, (1998) Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness, Churchill- Livingstone, Pearson Professional Ltd, ISBN: 0443051569

Skills Laboratory for taught sessions with appropriate clinical instruments to facilitate physical assessment
VHS recorder and Bates videos for visual guide to physical assessment
Library and Learning resources
Blackboard
Powerpoint
TV and VCR
Flipchart
Clinical Practice placement, Practice based Preceptor

The main focus of the skills laboratory-based learning will be the theory and student practice of physical assessment skills (25%). 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. As part of the formative practice of physical assessment skills, students will practice these skills upon each other in the skills laboratory. Learning will be supported by educational materials available on blackboard.
113 hours of associated study (75%) 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 students clinical speciality.

In addition students may, if they wish, complete a formative assessment: student practice of physical examination skills

BLACKBOARD may be accessed as a support mechanism and resource

This module enables health care professionals to gain and expand knowledge and skills in the performance of advanced physical assessment. 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.

Formative feedback: skills laboratory practice, practice feedback, tutorials, scenario discussions, role play

Assessment meets all learning outcomes

A multiple choice question paper (40 minutes duration) to assess student underpinning knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, assessment process. (LOs 1 & 2)
Weighted at 20%

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)
Weighted at 80%

A case presentation to the clinical preceptor of a chosen patient's comprehensive or focused physical assessment. (LOs 1, 2 & 3)
Pass / Fail

All 3 components of assessment must be passed.


Grading Criteria for the award of marks

Pass with distinction:
An outstanding piece of work, which meets all of the requirements of a merit grade and in addition:
Demonstrates creativity and innovation. There is substantial evidence of critique, challenge and original thought. The arguments presented are compelling and authoritative and demonstrate synthesis to support new ideas.

Pass with merit:
A piece of work, which meets all the requirements of a pass grade and in addition:
Presents arguments, which have been underpinned by a thorough exploration of data and conceptual-based evidence, which may go beyond the boundaries of the discipline. Discussion communicates ideas and arguments logically, concisely, clearly and effectively.

Pass:
Proficient, fluently presented arguments that demonstrate understanding of theoretical issues in the application of knowledge. Work includes critical analysis that demonstrates breadth and depth of literature and knowledge in the subject area, and originality in presentation. The use of evidence demonstrates and understanding of the advancement of the boundaries of knowledge and is used as a basis for problem solving. Referencing is complete and accurate.