Biological Science for Nursing the Adult with Major Illness

The aim of this module is to provide the student with an in-depth examination of human pathophysiology and related treatment. The module will take a systems-based approach, focusing on common chronic prevalent diseases in the context of prevention of deterioration and acute exacerbation. The module is designed to build on the content covered within "Biological Science for fundamental nursing knowledge and skills" year 1 and to dovetail with and underpin the content covered in the "Nursing Care of the Adult with Major Illness" module year 2.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the pathophysiology and manifestations of common chronic illness.

2. Demonstrate understanding of the common clinical investigations, diagnostics and pharmacological treatments of major illness.

3. Demonstrate understanding of risk factors and evidence-based therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing disease/deterioration and maximising patients' quality of life. 

4. Demonstrate understanding of the demography of prevalent major illness.

5. Analyse how knowledge of pathophysiology informs holistic assessment skills and clinical decision-making, i.e. medical history taking, physical assessment skills and cultural considerations.

6. Describe evidence based non-pharmacological treatments and alternative strategies that may be used to optimise patient outcomes in prevalent major illness'.

7. Describe the pathophysiology of acute illness and injury and main effectors.

8. Demonstrate understanding of how national integrated care pathways, clinical programmes and slaintecare reforms aim to enable patients to live longer, healthier lives and improve experiences and outcomes.