Minor Illness Management

Program Overview

The Minor Illness Management course at Ulster University equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and analytical techniques to assess and manage patients with undifferentiated and undiagnosed minor illnesses. Through a holistic emergency care framework, the course covers common minor illnesses, assessment and management techniques, and interprofessional teamwork. Graduates are prepared for careers in emergency departments, urgent care centers, and other healthcare settings where minor illness management is essential.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Summary

This module provides you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and analytical techniques to assess and manage patients presenting with undifferentiated and undiagnosed minor illness. It covers topics such as human anatomy and pathophysiology within a holistic emergency care framework.

Objectives

• Gain knowledge of common minor illnesses.
• Develop the skills to assess and manage patients with minor illnesses.

Outline:

Content

The course covers a comprehensive range of topics related to minor illness management, including:

• Anatomy and physiology relevant to minor illness:
• Respiratory
• Cardiovascular
• Gastrointestinal
• Musculoskeletal
• Neurological
• Skin
• Pathophysiology of common minor illnesses:
• Colds and flu
• Ear infections
• Gastroenteritis
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin infections
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Assessment and management of patients with minor illness:
• History taking
• Physical examination
• Differential diagnosis
• Treatment and management plans
• Communication and patient education
• Holistic emergency care framework:
• Interprofessional teamwork
• Cultural competence
• Ethical considerations
• Analytical techniques:
• Critical thinking
• Clinical reasoning
• Evidence-based practice

Structure

The course runs over a 12-week period. It involves a combination of:

• Lectures:
Provide you with the core knowledge and understanding of the topics.
• Seminars:
Offer opportunities for interactive learning, case studies, and problem-solving.
• Clinical skills workshops:
Develop your practical skills in assessment and management of patients with minor illnesses.

Assessment:

This module uses a combination of assessments:

• Examination:
100% of the final grade
• Continuous clinical competency assessment:
Ongoing throughout the course to evaluate your practical skills and abilities.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods

• The course employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences:
• Interactive lectures
• Small group seminars
• Case-based learning
• Problem-solving exercises
• Simulations
• Clinical skills demonstrations and practice
• Independent learning activities

Faculty

• The course is taught by experienced and qualified faculty members, including:
• Doctors
• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• All faculty members have extensive experience in emergency care and minor illness management.

Unique Approaches

• The course utilizes a holistic approach to emergency care, integrating knowledge from various disciplines to provide a comprehensive understanding of patient care.
• It emphasizes critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills, enabling you to make informed decisions in complex situations.
• The course incorporates simulation scenarios to provide realistic clinical experience and prepare you for real-world practice.

Careers:

This course prepares you for a variety of careers in healthcare settings where minor illness management is crucial, such as:

• Emergency departments
• Urgent care centers
• Primary care clinics
• Community health settings
• Telehealth
This course also enhances your career prospects and opens up opportunities for further professional development in emergency care or other specialized areas.

Other:

• This course is offered as a standalone module or as part of a larger undergraduate or postgraduate program in health sciences.
• The course is open to students from diverse academic backgrounds, including nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and allied health professions.
• Students with prior experience in healthcare may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlements Status Fees:

£791.60

England, Scotland, Wales and the Islands Fees:

£791.60

International Fees:

£0.00