AC6680 - The Acutely Ill Adult

What will I learn on this module?

Care of the acutely ill adult is challenging and complex. Following on from the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD, 2005) investigation into deteriorating patients in the acute care settings, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2007) produced guidelines to help with the recognition and management of the acutely ill patient . The Intensive Care Society (ICS, 2009) make explicit that the location of the patient does not determine the level of care required, and in their guidance recommend deteriorating patients, or patients at risk of deterioration, require Level 1 care. Level 1 care is defined as patients in need of additional monitoring/clinical interventions, clinical input or advice and possible critical care outreach involvement (ICS, 2009). This module is designed for nurses working within all acute settings.

The module will provide you with an increased ability to recognise, assess and manage patients that are acutely ill. Relevant anatomy and physiology will be covered with a body systems approach to some of the common acute illnesses that patients’ present with; including respiratory failure, cardiovascular failure, acute kidney injury, neurological and metabolic disorders and gastrointestinal emergencies. Holistic nursing care will be addressed during discussion on psychosocial care. Additionally, the nursing role in ensuring patient safety will be considered with inclusion of human factors in healthcare, risk assessment, early warning scoring, communication and evidence based practice. Learning will be facilitated by directed learning and the eLearning portal. It is expected that this module will give you the knowledge to assess and manage the early phases of acute illness.

How will I learn on this module?

On this module we will be using several learning and teaching strategies that are suitable for a variety of learners. Methods of teaching will include interactive lectures, seminars, and group work. This module will be delivered at Northumbria University by lecturers with specialist experience of nursing acutely ill patients. As qualified nurses you will be expected to actively participate in your learning by developing a learning contract and undertaking directed study. You will be expected to participate in class discussion and group work, share your own expertise and develop debate and make recommendations about important practice issues related to acute illness.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module teacher who is a specialist critical care lecturer. You will meet the lecturer at the weekly study days and individual tutorials are available to you. Other lecturers may deliver dedicated sessions and they will also be available to support your learning. Contact with the module teacher is available in person, via telephone, email and the eLearning portal. Support for your learning is also offered via a 24 hour IT Helpline, Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Skills Plus to support your academic work and the Ask4Help Service for other enquiries. These are all available online.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Undertake an assessment of the patient’s physiological needs and evaluate the significance of the assessment findings in relation to level 1 patients.
• Identify and robustly debate the factors which lead to psychological distress and propose potential strategies to alleviate the problems.
• Examine the factors which contribute to single organ failure in the acutely ill patient and explain the associated pathophysiology.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Critically discuss the importance of collaborative working when managing deterioration.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Examine the care/treatment received by the acutely ill Level 1 patient and critically appraise contemporary sources of evidence

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment will take the form of in-class tests to assess your level of knowledge and understanding gained from course materials.

The summative assessment strategy is designed to ensure that you have the knowledge to recognise, and provide appropriate care for patients in the early stages of acute illness. This will be achieved by submission of a 3000 word essay discussing the pathophysiology of an acute illness, and an exploration of the evidence base for the care and management of that illness. Feedback will be given electronically and will include development advice for future academic work.

Pre-requisite(s)

“ To undertake this module you must hold a valid current professional registration” (i.e.: NMC / GMC / HCPC)

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Patients admitted to hospital can deteriorate suddenly at any stage during their illness. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2009 and 2016) make explicit that this is an area of practice that requires improvement. This module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and competence to recognise and manage deterioration. Level 1 care is defined as patients in need of additional monitoring/clinical interventions, clinical input or advice and possible critical care outreach involvement. The ICS (2009) make explicit that the location of the patient does not determine the level of care required. Therefore this module is designed for nurses working in all acute settings who care for acutely unwell patients. The module will provide you with an increased ability to recognise, assess and manage patients with acute illness. Subjects covered include relevant anatomy and physiology which will be facilitated by directed learning and the eLearning portal. A body systems approach will be used to explore some of the common presentations associated with acute illness and psychosocial care and the nursing role in patient safety will be considered. It is expected that this module will give you the knowledge to assess and manage the early phases of acute illness. Academic assessment is via submission of a 3000 word essay which will enable you to demonstrate the broad range of knowledge required when dealing with acute illness. This module can also be undertaken at Level 7.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 Year Part Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or January 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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