Introduction to Long Term Conditions Level 7
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-06-10 | - |
| 2024-07-06 | - |
| 2024-05-09 | - |
Program Overview
This Level 7 professional development course equips registered nurses with the skills and knowledge to effectively care for clients with chronic health conditions in primary and community care settings. It emphasizes health promotion, change management, and the use of digital technologies to improve client well-being. The program includes interactive lectures, group work, case studies, and individual research assignments, and is taught by a team of academic experts and experienced practitioners.
Program Outline
Introduction to Long Term Conditions Level 7
Degree Overview:
This professional development course aims to equip registered nurses with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective care and management of clients with chronic health conditions, primarily in primary and community care settings. The program emphasizes health promotion, change management, and the utilization of digital technologies to improve clients' well-being.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the principles and practices of health promotion, self-management, and behavior change in the context of long-term conditions.
- Develop expertise in the management of common chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions.
- Master skills for effective collaboration within a multi-agency and multi-professional care team, adhering to ethical guidelines and professional standards.
- Apply evidence-based practices to ensure the early identification of health changes and provide clients with timely and appropriate interventions, promoting efficient use of healthcare resources and improving patient outcomes.
- Develop leadership qualities to spearhead practice improvement initiatives within the care and management of long-term conditions.
- Critically analyze the psychosocial impact of chronic illness on clients and their families, promoting shared decision-making and positive health outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
Course Description:
This program is designed to provide nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective care and management of clients with long-term health conditions. It focuses on the fundamentals of health promotion and change management in the context of primary care, offering nurses a comprehensive understanding of chronic disease management strategies and their impact on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Through a blend of theoretical and practical sessions, the course equips participants with the expertise and tools to confidently navigate complex clinical scenarios, collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary care team, and advocate for evidence-based practices to improve client outcomes in primary care settings.
Outline:
Content:
- Introduction to Long-term Conditions (LTC):
- Definition, scope, and impact of chronic illness
- Factors contributing to the rising burden of LTCs
- Public health implications of LTCs
- Health promotion strategies for LTC prevention and management
- Principles of Change Management in LTC:
- Understanding behavior change theories
- Motivational interviewing techniques for effective intervention
- Facilitating self-management strategies
- Managing complex needs of individuals with multiple LTCs
- Managing Specific Long-term Conditions:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Respiratory conditions (COPD, Asthma) etc.
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Neurological conditions
- Mental health and behavioral issues
- Frailty syndromes and geriatric assessment
- Common co-morbidities and management challenges
- Working with Vulnerable Populations:
- Identifying and supporting individuals at risk for chronic disease
- Addressing health inequalities in LTC management
- Case Management and Care Coordination for LTC:
- Developing effective care pathways for complex clients
- Integrating multidisciplinary teams and services for holistic care delivery
- Navigating healthcare systems and resources for optimal client outcomes
- Mental Health in LTC:
- Understanding the mental and cognitive effects of chronic conditions
- Identifying and addressing depression, anxiety, and related psychological concerns in LTC
- Implementing mental health screenings and support programs for individuals with LTC
- Mental Capacity and Legal Considerations in LTC:
- Understanding best practice for making decisions on behalf of individuals with diminished capacity
- Navigating legal frameworks and ethical guidelines in LTC
- Implementing advance care planning and end-of-life decisions
- Adult Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Adults:
- Identifying and managing various forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect in vulnerable populations with LTC
- Reporting mechanisms and responsibilities of healthcare professionals in adult protection procedures
- Emerging Technologies in LTC Management:
- Exploring telehealth and telemonitoring for remote patient monitoring and support
- Harnessing digital tools for patient education and self-care management
- Implementing wearables and sensor technologies for real-time health data collection
- Understanding the Therapeutic Alliance: Building Trust, Communication, and Collaborative Relationships in LTC:
- Communication strategies and techniques for effective patient engagement
- Fostering shared decision-making and collaborative approaches to care
- Active Support for Self-Management in LTC:
- Empowering clients to take an active role in managing their own care
- Developing and promoting self-monitoring skills for individuals with chronic illness
- Facilitating access to self-help and peer-support resources for sustained behavior change
Structure:
The course will consist of a series of interactive lectures, seminars, group work, case studies analysis, and individual research assignments.
Schedule:
The course is typically offered over five consecutive full-days, running every Thursday from May 9th to July 4th, 2024. In the context of Covid-19, the program may be delivered as a hybrid format, combining face-to-face sessions with online modules. The exact format and schedule will be confirmed closer to the program commencement date and based on government guidelines.
Individual Modules:
Each module within this course will delve deeper into specific topics mentioned in the content section, providing students with a comprehensive and critical analysis of the subject matter. The modules are designed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and practical tools for confidently addressing complex challenges and making informed decisions within their professional roles in an evolving primary care landscape.
Assessment:
The course assessment will comprise of:
- A clinical protocol development project: Students are required to create a comprehensive protocol outlining their approach to the management of a specific long-term condition.
- A supporting essay of approximately 1,500 words: This essay should showcase the student's ability to critically evaluate published evidence and apply their theoretical understanding of LTC management in the context of their chosen clinical protocol, demonstrating a strong grasp of contemporary knowledge within the field.
Grading System:
The coursework is graded based on a 15 credit point scale aligned with Level 6 qualifications within the United Kingdom's credit framework for higher education. The assessment criteria will focus on students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their practical application in real-world clinical settings, along with the ability to analyze research evidence, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to collaborative team-based care.
Teaching:
The course is taught by a team of academic experts and experienced practitioners in chronic illness care, who are actively engaged in research, clinical practice, and education. The program utilizes a variety of interactive and collaborative teaching approaches to create an engaging learning experience for studentparticipants, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to equip them for effective practice.
Teaching Strategies:
- Interactive lecture sessions: The lectures are designed to introduce key theoretical concepts, provoke discussions, and encourage active participation among students, promoting a deeperunderstanding of complex issues and innovative solutions in chronic disease management within primary and community care.
- Small-group work and discussions: Students will engage in collaborative learning through small-group activities, allowing them to explore real-life scenarios, discuss various perspectives, and refine their practical application skills within the complexities of multi-agency and multidisciplinary healthcare settings.
- Group presentations and seminars: These sessions will provide opportunities for participants to present their research, clinical project findings, or critical analyses to peers and faculty members. This format encourages active discussion, constructive feedback, and the development of effective presentation and communication skills for effective professional interaction within healthcare teams and client-focused environments.
- Practical exercises: The course will incorporate a variety of hands-on exercises, such as case study analyses, role-play scenarios, or simulation-based learning activities, to enhance students' understanding of real-world challenges, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills within the dynamic and individualized context of chronic illness care and management.
Faculty:
- The course will be taught by:
- Kat Millward: Lecturer in Nursing at the School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City University of London. Kat brings extensive clinical experience as a District Nurse and Non-Medical Prescriber, having also earned the prestigious Queen's Nurse designation in recognition of her outstanding contribution to community healthcare. She currently leads the District Nursing program within City's public health offerings, providing invaluable support to nursing students in their journey towards professional practice and leadership in primary and community care settings.
