An Integrated Approach to Frailty
This module explores assets-based and outcome-focused approaches to frailty affecting people in later life, including the oldest-old.
Key facts
Overview
The Integrated Approach to Frailty module is an optional module in the MSc Global Ageing and the MSc Advancing Practice, or it may be taken as a standalone module for professional development.
This online module considers assets-based and outcome-focused approaches to frailty incorporating issues affecting people in later life, including the oldest-old. Students will develop an awareness of the experiences of the person experiencing frailty, their family and carers in a range of cultures and contexts, and will critically reflect on approaches to assessment and prevention. This includes evidence-based interventions and models that promote well-being, independence and ongoing social participation.
Taking an assets-based approach to frailty appears contradictory in the knowledge that frailty is the most common condition leading to death among the population of people aged over 80. Yet, we know that frailty is not an inevitable consequence of ageing and can be delayed or prevented. This module will enable students to understand the experiences of the frail older person in a range of cultures and contexts and to reflect on assessment, prevention and enabling interventions.
Flexible learning
This short course forms part of the MSc Advancing Practice. You can study other stand-alone continuing professional development (CPD) short courses from this degree:
- Advanced Clinical Assessment and Examination (Advancing Practice)
- Advanced Practice
- Diagnosis and Decision Making in Advanced Practice
- Essentials of Mental Health Assessment – a multi-professional approach
- Evidence Based Practice
- Living with Long Term Conditions: Care and Management
- Prescribing for Healthcare Professionals (Advancing Practice)
If you’re interested in studying more than one module from this course, please email our Admissions team at postgraduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk to discuss your course of study.
Entrance requirements
A minimum of a second class Honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a relevant subject. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant relevant work/life experience are encouraged to contact the Module Co-ordinator to discuss further before making an application.
Experience of supporting older people in a health, social care, social work or third sector/Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is recommended.
This module is entirely online. International students opting to study online do not need to apply for a Student visa.
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.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Funding
A flexible payment scheme is operated by the University to support students who are self-funding.
Objectives
The learning outcomes for this module are:
- Ability to critically debate current and emerging issues related to the definition of frailty.
- Advanced understanding of the evidence base related to frailty framed within an integrated health and social care context.
- Critically apply the concept of frailty to define risk and opportunity associated with ageing.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of preventative strategies in health and social care to achieve the best outcome for the person experiencing frailty and their family.
Structure and content
Content in the module includes:
- Definitions, models and assessment of frailty.
- Assessment and evaluation of frailty.
- Preventative and enabling approaches to frailty (including approaches to risk and falls).
- Principal theories, standards of care and policy directives that influence the identification and management of frailty from a medical and a social care perspective.
- Optimising the function of the person experiencing frailty (including younger people and the oldest-old).
- Understanding lived experiences of frailty.
- Recognising frailty in an emergency (including delirium and intermediate care principles).
Delivery and assessment
The module is delivered entirely online.
There is one assessment in two parts:
- Contribution to two assessed online discussions linked to definitions of frailty, 15% submitted at any time during the module.
- 3,000-word essay submitted at the end of the module, 85%.
Module coordinator
Dr Karen Watchman
Employability
This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills that you can use within your professional practice and workplace, including health, social care and third sectors/NGOs. You will develop an in-depth knowledge of the health and social care needs of older people and solutions to enhance care. You will also have the opportunity to gain a range of transferable skills relevant to your professional career.
What next?
Contact us
If you have any questions about entry requirements for our continuing professional development and short courses, contact our Admissions team.
For all other questions, please use our enquiry form.