AC7138 - Respiratory Disorders

During this module, you will explore the normal anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system before applying this knowledge to the altered pathophysiology of acute and chronic respiratory disorders. Key topics covered include:

• Respiratory pathophysiology
• Respiratory failure and its management
• Asthma and COPD
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in respiratory care
• Respiratory history taking and physical examination
• Tuberculosis
• Lung transplantation
• Analysing clinical evidence and research
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Smoking cessation
• Pneumonia
• Pneumothorax
• Occupational lung disease

You will learn through a combination of interactive lectures, seminars, and directed study, delivered by lecturers and practitioners with specialist respiratory practice experience. As healthcare professionals, you will be expected to actively engage in the learning process, participate in group work, and apply what is taught to your practice setting. You will be encouraged to share your expertise and debate practice issues, enabling you to make evidence-based recommendations to improve patient care.

To support your learning, you will have access to Blackboard (Bb) Ultra, which provides flexibility in accessing module information and resources between taught sessions.

You will receive robust academic support throughout this module. The Module Leader, who has extensive experience in specialised respiratory care and maintains close links with clinical practice areas in the UK, will be your primary point of contact.

Support includes:

• Scheduled timetabled group sessions at university
• Formative feedback throughout the module
• Access to individual tutorials for summative assessment
• Sessions delivered by specialist lecturers and practitioners
• Access to library and student support services for study skills support via Blackboard Ultra, helpline, and email enquiry services

Additionally, you will be encouraged to utilise online resources and e-learning tools provided through the module site to enhance your learning experience and support your academic development.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the common respiratory disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and lung cancer, exploring their principal determinants and risk factors.
2. You will critically assess the pathophysiological alterations in respiratory disorders, examining how these changes impact lung function and the overall health of individuals.
3. You will critically evaluate the current clinical management strategies for respiratory disorders, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, understanding their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and potential side effects.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. You will critically appraise the contemporary evidence base for managing respiratory disorders, synthesising data from various sources to inform best practices in diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
5. Through targeted research activities, you will enhance your ability to retrieve, analyse, and utilise information relevant to the care of patients with respiratory disorders, developing a solid foundation for evidence-based practice.
6. You will explore the interdisciplinary nature of respiratory care, appreciating the roles and contributions of different health professionals in managing respiratory conditions, from diagnosis to palliative care.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
7. You will examine the global and cultural dimensions of respiratory health, recognising the impact of socioeconomic factors, environmental influences, and access to healthcare on the prevalence and management of respiratory disorders.
8. Through ethical reflection, you will consider the challenges and dilemmas faced in respiratory care, including patient autonomy, informed consent, and the equitable distribution of healthcare resources.
9. Your curiosity will be fostered through opportunities to explore innovative practices in respiratory care, encouraging you to question existing paradigms and contribute to advancing knowledge in the field.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment will take place during scheduled sessions and will be informed by engagement in learning activities including group discussions and critique of case studies. Feedback will be provided by the module tutor. (MLO 1-5).



Summative assessment

The summative assessment strategy is designed to ensure that you have the comprehensive knowledge to recognise and provide appropriate care for patients with a chosen respiratory disorder. This will be achieved through two components of assessmsnt at level 7.

1. Presentation (30%): This assessment involves delivering a 15-minute verbal presentation, using up to three slides, focusing on a key aspect of altered physiology in a chosen respiratory condition. Aligned with the module learning outcomes (MLO), you will critically evaluate the pathophysiological changes in respiratory disorders, exploring how these alterations affect lung function and overall health. Questions will be asked about any unclear areas, which should be explained by the presenter.

2. Essay (70%) weighting via an online electronic submission of a 2500-word case study.

Content Requirements:

• Pathophysiology: A detailed discussion of the pathophysiology of the chosen respiratory disorder, including its underlying mechanisms and impact on the respiratory system.

• Evidence-Base: A critical exploration of the current evidence base for the management of the disorder. This should include an analysis of the latest clinical guidelines, treatment options, and inter-professional approaches to care.

Submission Details:

The case study must be submitted electronically through the university's designated online platform by the specified deadline.

Feedback:

• Feedback on your case study will be provided electronically.
• It will include detailed comments on your understanding of the pathophysiology, the quality of your critical analysis, and the application of evidence-based practices.

Additionally, the feedback will offer development advice to support your future academic work, helping you to identify strengths and areas for improvement. (MLO 1-5).

To undertake this module, applicants must hold a valid current professional registration (i.e. NMC/GMC/HCPC)

N/A

The Respiratory Disorders module is essential for registered healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in respiratory care. This module offers an in-depth study of the respiratory system's anatomy and physiology, and the pathophysiology of conditions such as asthma, COPD, and tuberculosis. Engage with the latest evidence-based practices through research-rich learning and technology-enhanced interactive lectures and online resources.

Assessment includes a 15-minute in-class verbal presentation on altered respiratory pathophysiology and a 3000-word case study, ensuring practical application of knowledge. Tailored feedback will support your academic and professional growth.

High student satisfaction rates and Northumbria's state-of-the-art facilities highlight this module's quality. You will develop critical skills in respiratory assessment, management, and inter-professional collaboration. This module opens pathways to advanced roles in respiratory care and improves patient outcomes.

Join us to advance your professional journey in respiratory healthcare and make a significant impact on patient care.