1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding relating to potentially vulnerable service-user groups
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of the potential impact of social inequalities and lifestyle upon health
Knowledge and Understanding

3. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and understanding of the potential impact of chronic conditions and/or disability upon psychological and physical health
Knowledge and Understanding

4. Critically analyse the role of the paramedic in managing and/or supporting the wellbeing of vulnerable service-users (including health promotion)
Analysis
Enquiry
Application

Paramedics provide care for the general public, often seeing and treating those who are most vulnerable in society. This module looks at the concept and reality of vulnerability in the pre-hospital setting.

It will help you to understand and identify patients who are vulnerable. Informing your assessment and treatment, at the point of contact and beyond. Some of the subjects explored will include:

• Vulnerability - From birth to end of life. What makes people vulnerable and why?
• Cultural and Societal Vulnerability - How do these aspects create vulnerability?
• Disability - Ensuring practice that effectively cares for and treats those with disabilities.
• Mental Health - Indicators, assessment and legislation in relation to the pre-hospital setting.
• Addiction - Considerations needed to treat and support people with substance addiction.
• Collaborative working - How to work with other professionals and services who work with vulnerable groups.
• Safeguarding - Identifying how and when to safeguard.
• Best Interests - What is in a patient’s best interest?
Alongside these you will also be introduced to social determinants of health, a theme that will be embedded through Level 5 and Level 6 modules. Vulnerability is intrinsically linked to the concepts of:

• Health Inequality - Why are we not all equal?
• Psychosocial Factors of Health - The psychological and social aspects that affect health.
Exploration of these subjects will inform your understanding of the human condition and your clinical practice, preparing you for further study.

The assessment for this module is a 2000 word case-study of a vulnerable group. Through this assignment, you will discuss what makes this group vulnerable, explore the various social determinants that influence upon their health and well-being, and discuss the impact that each of these social determinants has upon the patient group. You will also critically analyse the role of the paramedic in the context of this vulnerable group.

The assignment is weighted at 100% of the grade for this module to meet all of the learning outcomes, and you will need to obtain at least 40% to obtain a pass mark.

Due to the professional nature of this programme no compensation within or between modules is permitted. All elements of assessment in all modules must be passed.

Learning will consist of lead lectures and tutorials (approx. 36 hours) supplemented by online study materials.

Online materials will be used to introduce subject areas and will be delivered through the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE). This will then be built upon through lead lectures.

Incorporated into these will be tasks and activities, which will help to form the basis of face-to-face tutorial sessions to reinforce your learning.

Due to the complex nature of the subject matter there will be a heavy emphasis on discussion and debate within lectures and tutorial sessions. This will facilitate full exploration of the topic and allow you to develop and evaluate your own opinions and perspectives on the key issues.

Specialist guest lectures, service users and carers will also be included to give students an in-depth professional and personal experience of key subject areas.

You will also be expected to undertake your own self-study on this module, comprising approximately 114 hours. You will have guidance on which issues and areas to look at, but this study is designed to help expand your knowledge and appreciation for the key subject matters, and to allow you time to work on and develop your assignment.

HUSSEIN RASSOOL, G. (2018) Alcohol and Drug Misuse, A guide for Health and Social Care professionals 2nd Ed. Oxon: Routledge

JYOTI, B. AND HAMAD, A. (2016) Geriatrics, Mental Health and Social Care (BMJ Clinical Review). London. BPP Learning Media

LARKIN, M. (2009) Vulnerable Groups in Health and Social Care. London: Sage

MUGHAL, A F. AND RICHARDS, S. (2015) The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding Handbook. UK: Book wise Publications Ltd

NICHOLAS, J. (2015) Practical Guide to Child Protection, The Challenges, Pitfalls and Practical Solutions. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

NORMAN, I. AND RYRIE, I. (2013) The Art and Science of Mental Health Nursing. Berkshire: Open University Press

PENHALE, B., PARKER, J. (2007) Working with Vulnerable Adults. Oxon: Routledge
WOODFORD, H. AND GEORGE, J. (2013) Acute Medicine in the Frail and Elderly. London: Radcliffe Publishing

ROYAL COLLEGE OF NURSING. (2012). Health Inequalities and Social Determinants of Health. Available: https://www.rcn.org.uk/about-us/policy-briefings/pol-0112

Journal: Journal of Child Health Care. Sage Journals.
Journal: Society, Health and Vulnerability. Taylor & Francis online

VLE
IT resources
Library resources

Enrolled onto the following award;
BSc(Hons) of Science in Paramedic Science

How does who we are and what we do have an impact on our own and others health? In this module we look at how society effects health from birth to death and how the changing face of paramedic practice can reach out to support the most vulnerable in society.