- Department: Health Sciences
- Module co-ordinator: Dr. Sarah Ashelford
- Credit value: 30 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
- See module specification for other years: 2021-22
You will gain an in depth understanding of key biological processes which are relevant to your practice enabling you to gain a critical understanding of both quantitative and qualitative aspects of diagnostics and decision making which underpins diagnostic accuracy and skill.
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Summer Vacation 2021-22 to Autumn Term 2022-23 |
B | Summer Term 2022-23 |
You will gain an in depth understanding of key biological processes which are relevant to your practice enabling you to gain a critical understanding of both quantitative and qualitative aspects of diagnostics and decision making which underpins diagnostic accuracy and skill.
Critically explore the concept of diagnosis with reference to history, culture, professional identity and personal perspectives
Evaluate the presenting patient and likely diagnoses, considering possible differentials, in order to plan evidenced based care in collaboration with the patient and colleagues as required and/or refer for further assessment/tests/treatment as appropriate.
To consider the ethical and social implications that performing laboratory tests has on an individual, and be able to discuss these implications and the results with the patient.
Demonstrate understanding of the sensitivity and specificity of tests and how this influences decision making
Critically apply underpinning of biological processes in the selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests
Articulate diagnostic reasoning with reference to underpinning clinical science and theory
Evaluate pathophysiological processes in order to discuss how contemporary health care and/or other interventions may be able to alter the disease trajectory and alleviate signs and
Applied biology and clinical life science with a focus on pathophysiology
Major pathological processes and how they present in an individual
Definitions and models of clinical diagnosis – historical, cross professional and cross cultural perspectives
Decision making theory and its application to diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision making
The role of clinical testing within a consultation: history, examination, laboratory and imaging
Near patient testing
Genetic tests
Haematological tests
Biochemistry
Blood gas analysis
Virology/Microbiology
Critically analysing the costs and benefits of clinical testing
The accuracy of diagnostic testing: sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, risk and probability.
Clinical testing: haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, principles of imaging, pathology, functional measurement and cardiovascular investigations
Designing clinical tools.
Shared decision making
Using patient level and societal level data to contribute to contemporary healthcare
Ethics in clinical practice
Decision making in those with communicative challenges
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Essay: Case study |
N/A | 70 |
Oral presentation/seminar/exam Presentation: Case study |
N/A | 30 |
Non-compensatable
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Essay/coursework Essay: Case study |
N/A | 70 |
Oral presentation/seminar/exam Presentation: Case study |
N/A | 30 |
Feedback will be given by the module team on the formative presentation at the time of delivery.
Written feedback on the summative assessment will be provided on the standard proforma within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.
Higgins C (2013). Understanding Laboratory Investigations: A guide for nurses and health professionals.
Kumar, P., & Clark, M. (Eds.) (2017) Clinical medicine (9th Ed.). London: Elsevier
Marieb, E.N. Hoehn, K. (2016) Human Anatomy and Physiology (10th edition) London:Pearson/Benjamin Cummings.
McCance, K.L. & Huether, S.E. (2010) Pathophysiology; the biologic basis for disease in adults and children (6th ed.) St Louis: Mosby Elsevier
Sox H, Higgins M, Owens D (2013). Medical Decision Making. Wiley Blackwell