Why take this course?

Advanced health assessment as a speciality has developed rapidly over the last number of years both nationally and internationally. It is concerned with the immediate and early specialist management of adult patients who may present to or from within hospitals as urgencies or emergencies (RCoP 2007). Given the acuity of patients who present to acute medical units or who can rapidly deteriorate in healthcare settings, it is recognised that there is a need to develop additional clinical expertise among nurses working in a range of settings. While advanced health assessment has been linked with advanced practice and nurse prescribing, the COVID pandemic has highlighted the need for nurses working in a range of healthcare settings to develop knowledge and skills in recognising the deteriorating patient. In light of this, the Special Purpose Award in Advanced Health assessment for nurses working in a range of healthcare setting has been developed. The aim of the award is to enable nurses to develop their knowledge and skills in the assessment and management of acutely ill adults.

What will I experience?

The course will be delivered over 12 weeks using a blended learning approach. The course will start in September each academic year. Students will be required to attend the Technological University of the Shannon (Athlone Campus) for 6 days. The format will include main lectures which will include practical demonstrations followed by practical sessions.

This special purpose award is strategically planned to demonstrate balanced distribution and integration of theory and practice, in order to achieve the learning outcomes,

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to:

1. Discuss the structure and function of the various anatomical and physiological organ systems.

2. Integrate and synthesise knowledge in the assessment and management of services users presenting with altered homeostasis of different body systems.

3. Critically discuss the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to complete an advanced comprehensive health assessment.

4. Synthesise new knowledge to enhance the practitioners ability to complete an advanced comprehensive health assessment.

5. Critically discuss strategies for enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and communication.

6.Interpret and implement new and existing knowledge through evidence-based practices and undertake a comprehensive health history from a service user incorporating an individualised plan of care.