University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This module stems from the overarching aims of the national acute medicine programme (HSE, 2010) - standardised safe patient care using detailed guidelines, algorithms, care pathways and patient information material aimed at the most common acute medical presentations. This module addresses the clinical assessment and management of specific medical conditions not covered in the “Recognising and responding to client deterioration” module – respiratory, cardiovascular, oncological, wound care. An evidence based approach to the nursing and medical management of these conditions as well as pharmacologic and other therapies will be emphasised. Understanding of common diagnostic procedures, routine haematology and biochemistry results and early recognition of abnormalities to avoid potential life threatening situations will be a key tenet. An in-depth examination of the unique operational policies required of acute medical units in terms of targets, discharge planning, streaming, referrals and patient handover shall also be provided.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically discuss the evidence-based guidelines which determine the assessment and management of patients with COPD, Asthma, Pneumonia
  2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care to meet the needs of clients with an acute respiratory problem.
  3. Give a detailed description of an evidence-based approach to the care and management of patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes, Angina, and Myocardial infarction
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of standardised care of acutely ill medical patients based on agreed care protocols and guidelines
  5. Analyse challenging acute care episodes and evaluate the appropriateness of different clinical interventions.
  6. Understand the best delivery of acute medical services in the context of an integrated service area (ISA), case management, and appropriate pathways of care and transfer protocols.
  7. Critically analyse the concept of an acute floor and the operational/clinical governance issues that may occur at the interface between acute medicine, emergency medicine and critical care
  8. Discuss the importance of links with internal and external support services - GP liaison nurse, Bed manager, public health nurses, practice nurses, General Practitioners, community intervention team, discharge planner, bed management/case co-ordinator
  9. Recognise the importance of implementing appropriate clinical care pathways e.g. asthma, acute coronary syndrome, stroke
  10. Discuss the needs of complex discharge patients and methods of instigating early involvement of appropriate teams and liaison personnel
  11. Discuss how best practice resources contribute to the quality care of the acute medical patient – care pathways, algorithms, care bundles, policies, protocols, and evidence based guidelines
  12. Assess monitor and record acute medical patient’s response to nursing and medical interventions using the appropriate tools
  13. Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care to meet the needs of older people.
  14. Identify the major factors that contribute to reduced patient flow through AMU/AMAU and the inpatient pathway
  15. Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care to meet the needs of clients with an acute oncology related problem
  16. Understand common diagnostic procedures, routine haematology and biochemistry results and their importance in early recognition of abnormalities
  17. Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of nursing care to meet the needs of clients with an acute endocrine problem
  18. Examine critically and evaluate the evidence base for the care and management of clients with acute and chronic wounds and be able to predict likely outcomes of treatment based on such evidence
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU606: "Principles & Practice of Acute Medical Nursing" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.