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Managing the Acutely Ill Adult
Key information
Course Leader: Himadri Chauhan
Level: 7
Credits: 30
Mode of delivery: Blended
Learner Hours: Scheduled Hours - 44, Independent Hours - 256
Available places: 40
Dates
- 22/01/2026
Fees and Funding
£1830.00
The price quoted above is per 30 credits in this academic year. This price relates to self-funding students assessed as UK students for fee purposes. Prices may differ for students that are assessed as EU/Overseas, or for returning students that are on a course leading to an award. Click here for Fees and Funding information or email us.
Entry Requirements
Students must have studied the pre-requisite module '7HSK2081 - Physiology Based Assessment' or an equivalent course or module that meets the learning outcomes of this module prior to applying for Managing the Acutely Ill Adult. If you think you have studied an equivalent module to the pre-requisite at a different university, you must provide and upload the module transcript and a copy of the module handbook as part of your application so the admission tutor can assess the equivalence.
If you have non-UK academic qualifications you will need to supply evidence of comparability. The organisation ECCTIS will supply this for a reasonable fee https://www.enic.org.uk/Qualifications/SOC/Default.aspx.
You should be a qualified health care professional currently working in an appropriate area of practice and have current professional registration (NMC, HCPC etc).
Course Overview
This module is designed for students working within the acute setting. It aims to develop professional competence in managing the complex care of a variety of conditions. In order to maximise potential success students should be able to demonstrate prior understanding of relevant underpinning anatomy and physiology and therapeutic interventions for patients requiring acute care.
Drawing on relevant research-based evidence this module explores the planning, implementation and evaluation of care for a range of acutely ill clients. It also explores the physical, social and psychological implications of acute illness for both the patient and significant others and how these impact upon the patient post recovery.
Students will be supported through a range of classroom-based learning strategies together with group and individual tutorials. Students will be expected to enhance their understanding of theoretical concepts through further reading and use of technology to access material.
Learning and teaching strategies will normally address the following topics:
Pathophysiology of commonly occurring acute conditions, including:
Respiratory failure.
Cardiac arrest/MI.
Haematology (sickle cell, clotting, venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism).
Sepsis.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis.
Brain injury/stroke (Organ donation).
Acute Kidney Injury.
Allergic reaction/anaphylaxis.
Musculoskeletal conditions.
Hepatic conditions / oesophageal varices.
Gynaecological conditions.
Exploration of national and local policy initiatives.
Legal and ethical issues.
Psychological and social perspectives of care.
Patient and carer perspectives.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
Successful students will typically:
- Interpret the pathophysiological changes associated with a variety of complex medical conditions
- Critically examine the evidence for a range of investigations and potential interventions in the monitoring and management of acutely ill patients.
- Recognise the psychological and social impact of acute illness for patients and their families
Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:
Successful students will typically:
- Develop an effective management plan relating to the acutely ill patient
- Analyse the effectiveness of the management plan for an acutely ill patient and family.
- Compare the alternative management approaches that could have been used in the acute patient.
Assessment:
Students will produce a presentation to the group demonstrating an understanding of the pathophysiological changes of a condition and the treatment options, based on a patient from practice.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
Successful students will typically:
Interpret the pathophysiological changes associated with a variety of complex medical conditions
Critically examine the evidence for a range of investigations and potential interventions in the monitoring and management of acutely ill patients.
Recognise the psychological and social impact of acute illness for patients and their families
Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:
Successful students will typically:
Develop an effective management plan relating to the acutely ill patient
Analyse the effectiveness of the management plan for an acutely ill patient and family.
Compare the alternative management approaches that could have been used in the acute patient.
Assessment
Students will produce a presentation to the group demonstrating an understanding of the pathophysiological changes of a condition and the treatment options, based on a patient from practice.