Diagnosis and Decision Making in Advanced Practice

Current professional registration with NMC, HCPC or GPC is required for entry to this module. Applicants are required to have a degree qualification.

Extensive clinical experience and evidence of undertaking a module in Advanced Clinical Assessment and Examination (Advancing Practice).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Synthesise clinical data and patient information to determine early recognition of acute conditions and undertake autonomous clinical decisions to optimise patient outcomes.
• Comprehensively demonstrate a systematic approach to urgent care presentations including exacerbation and complicating factors. 
• Initiate and follow through with the management plan for an ‘acutely’ ill patient to either reassess, escalate, transfer or discharge.
• Interpret and synthesise relevant clinical diagnostics to formulate an appropriate management plan.
• Authorise and conduct appropriate interventions including safe and effective prescribing recognising local and National policies and guidelines.
• Exercise autonomy in complex decision-making and recognise the degree of urgency and prioritisation of care management using the current evidence base.
• Critically review the impact of interventions and modify management plans accordingly.

The module is delivered using a range of approaches including face-to-face and online activities, which may include:

• live lectures, webinars and workshops;
• pre-recorded lectures and videos;
• other activities such as reading, quizzes, and discussion boards.

Microsoft Teams and other tools will be used in the teaching of the module.

Assessment will be a combination of achievement of clinical competencies supported by a range of evidence required to underpin valid and reliable assessment of practice, and Objective Clinical Structured Examinations (OSCEs).

Julia Scott

All modules can be linked to specific professional capability/competency frameworks within your practice area. You are encouraged to view your participation in the MSc Advancing Practice programme as a means of supporting your professional development plans (PDP) and career progression.

This module may be completed as a single credit-based module. Alternatively, you can use it as credit towards the MSc Advanced Practice.

Career opportunities

Completion of the Advanced Practice module provides an opportunity to develop transferable skills. This will optimise the ability of each student to impact the experience of individuals, families and service providers within a range of clinical, social and pastoral settings within the UK and internationally.

All modules are related to NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF), enabling you to clearly identify the core and specific dimensions within the KSF which can be achieved when you successfully complete your module/programme.