This clinically-focused unit has been developed in response to the need to enhance the assessment skills of healthcare professionals across the health and social care sector. The unit offers the opportunity for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills in the assessment of adult patients and further develop their knowledge in the relevant pathophysiology applied to stages of the assessment. As a result this will enable healthcare professionals to be able to confidently undertake a consultation of a presenting patient, perform an assessment utilising enhanced skills, identify any relevant red flags through their assessment, interpret the findings of their assessment and consider the relevant escalation and action plans, specific to the sector in which they are based.

Indicative unit content

• Approaches to person-centred consultation, using therapeutic communication
• General assessment and initial impressions – recognising soft signs
• Recognition of red flags and acute deterioration through assessment (supported by online learning materials)
• Pathophysiology and enhanced assessment of the cardiovascular system, interpretations finding of your assessment
• ECG Interpretation (Supported by online materials)
• Pathophysiology and enhanced assessment of the respiratory system, interpreting finding of your assessment
• Pathophysiology and enhanced assessment of the gastro-intestinal system, interpreting finding of your assessment
• Mental Health assessment tools – MMSE and strategies for supporting patients with mental health
• Developing patient – centred action plans
• Documentation of assessment finidngs
• Intended learning outcomes
• Having successfully completed this unit the student is expected to:
• Demonstrate a critical thinking approach in application of their knowledge of  patho-physiology to the process of patient assessment.
• Distinguish red flags through interpretation of history taking and assessment providing a range of differential diagnoses
• Synthesize and co-produce patient-centered action plans based upon critical appraisal of the evidence base and patient wishes
• Critically evaluate their own personal and professional development needed to further develop their skills in assessment in line with their clinical role.

This course requires 100% attendance.

Applicants will be Registered Health Care Professionals working in direct patient care roles.

Normally students may enter Level 7 (Master's level) study if they have been awarded:

• Undergraduate degree (honours or non-honours)
• An equivalent qualification (the learning outcome of which are demonstrably appropriate in terms of knowledge, understanding and skills) equivalent to 120 credits at Level 6.

If you do not meet this criteria you are still able to apply for this unit but we may ask you to complete a study skills handbook to familiarise yourself with academic writing at masters level or pre-admission work. This will be sent to you when we have received your application form.

This unit is also available at Level 6 (degree level).

Fees and funding:

You will need to pay or indicate employer support of payment for unit or course fees to the university.

Applicants working within the NHS or other healthcare providers may be eligible for support with funding from their employer through the Learning Beyond Registration contract with the NHS South of England.

Applicants should contact their employing organisation for further details.

Pre-purchased places

The Faculty of Health & Social Sciences has contractual arrangements with NHS organisations for pre-paid places on specified modules. If you work within Dorset & Somerset or Hampshire & Isle of Wight you may be able to access the pre-paid places. These arrangements allow NHS Trusts to nominate the staff they wish to send on each unit or course.

The pre-arranged agreements allow individuals, such as yourself, a route to access appropriate professional development opportunities that are seen as strategically important to your organisation (in consultation with your Line Manager/Education Co-ordinator). All requests for pre-paid places must first be agreed by your organisation’s Education Lead prior to completing an application.

Students will undertake two forms of assessment:

1. A mini- OSCE
2. A completed portfolio of competence in assessment skills

Having successfully completed this unit the student is expected to:

1. Demonstrate a critical thinking approach in application of their knowledge of  patho-physiology to the process of patient assessment. 

2. Distinguish red flags through interpretation of history taking and assessment providing a range of differential diagnoses 

3. Synthesize and co-produce patient-centered action plans based upon critical appraisal of the evidence base and patient wishes 

4. Critically evaluate their own personal and professional development needed to further develop their skills in assessment in line with their clinical role. 

Course review:

In order to take advantage of new approaches to learning and teaching, as well as developments in practice to benefit our students we regularly review all of our courses. This course is currently going through this process and we will update this page to give you full information about what we will be offering once the review process has concluded.  These changes will come into effect for all new students from September 2025. Applicants will be notified by our admissions team of any changes.