AC6712 - History Taking and Clinical Skills for Primary Care

What will I learn on this module?

On this module, you will develop an increased ability to assess, examine and manage patients with a wide range of clinical presentations across the age spectrum presenting in general practice. It is expected that this module will give you the knowledge to assess and manage the patient’s ability and appropriateness to receive health interventions and refer to other health care professional as required. Summative assessment will include the achievement of clinical examination skills via an OSCE, and a reflective academic assignment. This module aims to develop practitioners to undertake history taking and examination within contemporary primary care nursing. Students will be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to assess, and respond appropriately to health need, whilst working independently whilst working within legal, ethical and professional guidelines.

How will I learn on this module?

On this module, we will be using several learning and teaching strategies that are suitable for a variety of learners. Methods of teaching will include interactive lectures, seminars, and practical examination workshops. This module will be delivered at Northumbria University by lecturers with specialist experience of the skills and working in primary care settings. You will be expected to actively participate in your learning by formalising your goals with a named supervisor from your practice area, undertaking directed study. You will be expected to participate in class discussion, group work, share your own expertise, participate in practical sessions, develop debate and make recommendations about important practice issues.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by the module lead and lecturers who have specialist experience within examination and history taking to support their lectures. You will meet the lecturers at the scheduled study days and individual tutorials are available to you in preparation for your academic assignment with the module lead. Contact with the module lead is available in person, via telephone, email and the electronic learning portal. Support for your learning is also offered via a 24 hour IT Helpline, Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Skills Plus to support your academic work and an Ask4Help Service for other enquiries. These are all available in person at Student Central on Coach Lane Campus and online.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Conduct a concise, thorough history
and advanced assessment of the presenting health issue in the body systems;

2. Critically analyse the assessment
findings undertaken.

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:

3. Evaluate the necessity for clinical
investigations in support of the assessment process.

4. Define rationales for clinical decisions,
proposed management, and demonstrate the ability to analyse and apply results

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Communicate effectively their findings
to both patient and/or carer and to other Health Care Professionals.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment will take the form of in-class seminar discussion and practical sessions to assess your level of knowledge and understanding gained from course materials. (MLO 1,2,3,4,5)

Summative assessment of 2500 words will be via a reflective academic assignment and the achievement of clinical examination skills via an Objective and Structured Clinical Examination (MLO 1,2,3,4,5)

Pre-requisite(s)

Previous study at L5
“ To undertake this module you must hold a valid current professional registration” (i.e.: NMC / GMC / HCPC)

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module aims to develop you to undertake clinical histories and examinations within contemporary primary care settings. You will be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to assess, and respond appropriately to health need, whilst working independently within legal, ethical and professional guidelines. This module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and competence to recognise opportunities to provide interventions therefore preventing or identifying disease and preventing hospital admissions. The module is designed for health professionals working in primary care roles and will provide you with an increased ability to assess and manage patients across all of the age ranges of patients (except very young children) that present in primary care. Academic assessment is via undertaking a clinical OSCE examination and producing a reflective academic assignment outlining your application of consultation models and tools using the current evidence base, which will enable you to demonstrate the broad range of knowledge required when dealing with patients presenting in primary care for a range of health care conditions.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Part Time

Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or January 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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