You may be able to study these modules at Level 6 (BSc level) or Level 7 (Masters level) depending on your academic circumstances. Please contact the CPD Team or the Module Leader for advice if you are unsure which level would be best for you.

This Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning (PACR) module is a 20 credit module which provides opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of history taking, physical assessment and clinical reasoning in adults.

The PACR module is available to study at either academic level 6 (UZWK9B-20-3) or level 7 (UZWK9C-20-M). It is structured to enhance your practice by utilising a systematic approach to the clinical encounter. The PACR module teaches history taking and physical assessment of the main bodily systems and includes identification of normal and abnormal variants to support clinical reasoning.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• conduct a safe, relevant and comprehensive physical examination and assessment within the practitioner's professional field.
• 
  
• analyse and interpret findings of a comprehensive physical assessment, underpinned by the appropriate evidence base.
• 
  
• exercise clinical judgement and reasoning to provide differential diagnoses and formulate an action plan based on the findings of the assessment.
• 
  
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the evidence base underpinning physical assessment and clinical reasoning.

Careers / Further study

The level 6 (undergraduate level) module can contribute towards:

• BSc(Hons) Health and Social Care
• Professional Development Award

The level 7 (Masters level) module can contribute towards:

• MSc Specialist Practice (District Nursing)
• MSc Advanced Practice
• MSc Clinical Practice
• PG Cert health and Social Care
• Professional Development Awards

Extra information

If the course you are applying for is fully online or blended learning, please note that you are expected to provide your own headsets/microphones.

For further information

Email: pd@uwe.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 81158

Content

The PACR module incorporates eight study days with the below elements: 

• Day 1: Introduction to the module, history taking, general survey, clinical reasoning 
• Day 2: Head, ears, eyes, nose, throat (HEENT) and respiratory systems
• Day 3: Cardiovascular and abdominal systems
• Day 4: Pause and perfect - practical consolidation of skills 
• Day 5: Neurological - central and peripheral nervous system 
• Day 6: Musculoskeletal - upper and lower limb 
• Day 7: Pause and perfect - practical consolidation of skills plus formative assessment
• Day 8: Summative assessment

The module will incorporate:  

• Systematic history taking and consultation skills
• Use of physical assessment techniques
• Review of systems
• General survey
• Interpersonal skills
• Clinical examination skills using a systems based approach
• Evidence-based practice
• Application of knowledge to support clinical reasoning and management plans 

Learning and Teaching

A variety of approaches will be used which may include seminars, practical sessions, experts from practice, case studies and self-directed study

Supervised physical assessment practical sessions will be incorporated. 

Study time

This is a 20 credit module, therefore an expectation of 200 hours of study. 

• Scheduled learning, teaching and assessment study hours: 48 hours.
• Independent study: 152 hours.

Assessment

The assessment for the PACR module is a Structured Observed Practical Examination (SOPE). During this assessment, you can be assessed on any of the clinical systems covered on the module.

Level 6 students will be allocated 30 minutes to cover: history taking, clinical examination of one system, diagnosis and management plan, handover using SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation). There will be clinical questions on the system examined. This will allow you to demonstrate autonomy in these processes.

Level 7 students will be allocated 45 minutes to cover: history taking, clinical examination of two systems, diagnosis and management, handover using SBAR. There will be clinical questions for each of the systems examined. This will allow you to demonstrate autonomy in these processes.

Formative assessment: Feedback will be provided by formative SOPE on Day 7 PACR teaching. There will also be opportunities for formative feedback throughout the module.