Diagnostics - HEA00169M
Module summary
You will explore the relevant biological process and relate these to the pathological processes which are relevant to your practice enabling you to gain a critical understanding of patient assessment and management. You will develop your diagnostics skills and reasoning through exploration of the relevant physiological and pathophysiological process.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Summer Term 2025-26 |
Module aims
You will explore the relevant biological process and relate these to the pathological processes which are relevant to your practice enabling you to gain a critical understanding of patient assessment and management. You will develop your diagnostics skills and reasoning through exploration of the relevant physiological and pathophysiological process.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
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Critically apply understanding of biological processes in patient investigation and diagnosis
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Evaluate pathophysiological processes in order to discuss how contemporary health care and/or other interventions may be able to alter the disease trajectory and alleviate signs and symptoms of illness.
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Articulate likely diagnosis and possible differentials related to patient presentation
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Plan evidence-based care in collaboration with the patient and colleagues as required and/or refer for further assessment/tests/treatment as appropriate.
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To consider the ethical and social implications that performing laboratory tests has on an individual, and be able to discuss these implications and the results with the patient.
Module content
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Applied biology and clinical life science with a focus on pathophysiology
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Major pathological processes and how they present in an individual
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The role of clinical testing within a consultation: history, examination, laboratory and imaging
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Near patient testing
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Genetic tests
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Haematological tests
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Biochemistry
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Blood gas analysis
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Virology/Microbiology
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Clinical testing: haematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, principles of imaging, pathology, functional measurement and cardiovascular investigations
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Using patient level and societal level data to contribute to contemporary healthcare
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Ethics in clinical practice
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Demonstrate understanding of the sensitivity and specificity of tests and how this influences decision making
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 100 |
Special assessment rules
Non-compensatable
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 100 |
Module feedback
Written feedback for the summative assessment is provided on the standard proforma, within the timescale specified in the programme handbook.
Indicative reading
Higgins C (2013). Understanding Laboratory Investigations: A guide for nurses and health professionals.
Kumar, P., & Clark, M. (Eds.) (2017) Clinical medicine (9th Ed.). London: Elsevier
Marieb, E.N. Hoehn, K. (2016) Human Anatomy and Physiology (10th edition) London:Pearson/Benjamin Cummings.
McCance, K.L. & Huether, S.E. (2010) Pathophysiology; the biologic basis for disease in adults and children (6th ed.) St Louis: Mosby Elsevier
Sox H, Higgins M, Owens D (2013). Medical Decision Making. Wiley Blackwell