Clinical Judgement and Decision Making

Module delivery dates

Distance learning - start date week commencing January 2014

You will need to attend one of the induction days prior to commencing your first module; these are running in Lancaster on 18 or 19 September 2013 (you only need to attend one date), 08 January 2014 and 26 March 2014 and in Carlisle on 20 September 2013, 07 January 2014 and 25 March 2014. If you have studied at the University of Cumbria in the past two years the requirement to attend the induction day may be waived.

Closing date for applications

The closing date for applications is 5 working days prior to the module start date or, if this is your first module, 5 working days prior to the induction date.

Why study with us?

This module will enable you to develop your knowledge and skills in clinical judgement and decision-making, in relation to the assessment and care management of patients/clients.

Finance

If you are employed within NHS North West and this module is to be funded by your employing Trust, please contact your Line Manager and CPD Lead for advice relating to funding and the funding application process.

Resources and facilities

We are amongst the UK’s leading health and wellbeing faculties and are proud of the high level of support we are able to offer to our students. We provide a wide range of high-quality courses supported by expert academic and clinical practice staff. If you join us you will enjoy great facilities and learn alongside caring, committed and experienced professionals. Our employment record is excellent.

Entry requirements

Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.

More information about levels and credits.

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 40 credits Selection criteria

Students must have studied an assessment and physical examination skills module or equivalent to be eligible to study this module. Only qualified health care professionals will be eligible to study this module.

To be eligible to study this module, students must demonstrate the ability to study at this level and commit to attempting the assessment. When taken as part of a specific named award, the module content and assessment must be focussed towards the subject of that award

*Cannot be taken in combination with HPHG6044 Clinical Decision Making for Health Care Professionals

Modules

*HPHG6008 Clinical Judgement and Decision Making (40 credits at level 6)

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion, you will be able to:

• Develop knowledge and critical understanding of theories and frameworks of clinical decision-making that will support clinical judgement in practice
• Enhance your knowledge and skills in the management of uncertainty and the application of reasoning in the assessment and management of care
• Critically examine the legal, professional and ethical dimensions of applying clinical judgement and decision making in practice
• Critically evaluate ways in which evidenced based practice will support clinical judgment and clinical decision-making
• Critically reflect on the use of problem solving strategies in the use of clinical judgement and decision-making in practice

Indicative core bibliography

Huber, D, L. (2005) Leadership and Nursing Care Management, 3rd edn. Philadelphia: Elsevier.

Hopcroft, K. and Forte, V. (2007) Symptom Sorter, 3rd edn. Oxford: Radcliffe Publishing

Longmore, M., Wilkinson, I.B.,Turmezei, T., Cheung, C. K. (2007) Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine. Oxford University Press

Melnyk, B. and Fineout-Overholt, E. (2005) Evidence Based Practice in Nursing and Health Care. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

McGhee, M. (2008) A Guide to Laboratory Investigations, 5th edn. Oxford: Radcliffe Publishing

Standing, M. (2010) Clinical Judgement and Decision-Making: In Nursing and Interprofessional Care. Buckingham: OUP.

Standing, M. (2008) Clinical Judgement and Decision-Making in Nursing – Nine Modes of Practice in a Revised Cognitive Continuum. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 62, (1), p.124-134.

Course summary

The module adopts a problem based learning approach and explores the application of theories and frameworks to clinical judgement and clinical decision making in practice; related legal, professional and ethical issues; reasoning and the management of uncertainty in patients with undifferentiated and undiagnosed conditions.