Advanced assessment and communication skills in public health nursing practice

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth awareness of how to conduct, interpret and evaluate health assessments in partnership with people utilising a life course approach. 
• Critically evaluate the evidence base in relation to validated tools used to deliver holistic assessments and reviews specific to the field of practice.
• Critically explore culturally appropriate, evidence based approaches and issues of equality and diversity when conducting holistic assessments.
• Demonstrate autonomy when making professional judgements and decisions in complex and unpredictable environments.
• Critically analyse the use of a range of advanced techniques, communication and interpersonal skills to develop trusting and respectful relationships with clients.
• Critically appraise the use of digital and other modalities and a variety of formats when communicating with clients within the field of practice.
• Demonstrate critical awareness of the need for role modelling and compassionate leadership when communicating with clients and colleagues.

Indicative module content includes:

• The use of validated assessment tools and the evidence supporting them.
• The theory related to approaches to undertaking holistic assessments and decision making in partnership with clients.
• The application of communication skills when undertaking assessments.
• Culturally competent practice when undertaking assessments.
• Consideration of equality, diversity and inclusion when communicating with clients using a variety of formats.
• Facilitators and barriers to communication.
• Difficult conversations with children and young people and their families and carers.
• Consideration of the impact of attitudes, values, beliefs, expectations, faiths and cultures on communication.
• The importance of role modelling and compassionate leadership when communicating with clients, colleagues and interagency partners.

Learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures
• Online – learning materials/ discussion board
• Classroom discussions to link theory to practice
• Problem based learning
• Simulation role play with actors
• Group work to include scenario-based workshops.

Summative assessment

3000 word essay based on a scenario from practice. Critically reflect on how an assessment of need was undertaken utilising a specific assessment tool exploring how clinical decisions were made. Critically analyse facilitators and barriers to communication within this scenario. 

Formative assessment:

The use of role play with actors and additional formative activities and feedback will be used during the module to enable you to reflect on your practice and apply the evidence-based knowledge you have gained.

Take a look at the module reading list.