Advancing Practice in Long Term Conditions

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

• Critically analyse and evaluate key national and international policies and priorities, current research and evidence in relation to patients with long-term conditions and apply to practice 
• Critically evaluate the effects of life transitions and illness/disability on the patient, their families/ carers and on the practitioner-patient relationship 
• Lead, promote and influence comprehensive knowledge of the contribution of other professionals and agencies to the care of service users and carers and work in effective collaboration. 
• Demonstrate critical appreciation of a range of models of working with people of all ages, families, communities and populations
• Critically appraise relevant models of care and service delivery.

This module invites you to review your knowledge, skills and understanding of the management of long term conditions and reflect on how care is provided for people and their families/carers. This will be achieved through analysing key concepts and models of care and by challenging existing practices. You will explore and debate new and contemporary ways of managing long term conditions which could deliver improvements in the care of this client group.

You will engage in active debate, focused on critically applying knowledge and understanding to support person-centred service development for babies, children, young people and adults with long-term conditions. You will explore in depth the impact of long-term conditions on the individual, their family and carers based on best practice discussed within current national and international policy and guidelines. This approach encourages new practice initiatives using knowledge and understanding to support service development for people with long term conditions’ that is person centred; promoting self-management and collaborative working.

The module covers:

• Effective communication strategies and relationship management skills
• Decision making in the context case management, risk analysis and risk assessment
• Psychological impact of LTCs including depression, loss & grief
• Models of empowerment, patient education and therapeutic interventions
• Working in partnership, shared pathways in care and transition in care
• New and emerging science and technology, including genomics, E-health including digital technologies, informatics, telemedicine, telehealth & telecare
• Safeguarding
• Agreeing opportunities for supported self-care and treatment interventions 
• Leading and promoting care provision that is person-centred, anti discriminatory, culturally competent and inclusive
• Social prescribing.

Formative assessment

Scenario based profession specific workshops will be used during the module to enable you to reflect on the evidence based knowledge you have gained and assist you in developing a clear rationale on how this may be applied in practice. This will enable you to prepare for the summative assessment.

Summative assessment

Submission of a 10 minute audio/visual digital recording. Within the recording, you will reflect upon a scenario from your practice area. This could include: an overview of a condition and the challenges it presents to individuals, their families, health and social care and society; an evaluation of relevant policies, theories and evidence related to different management approaches; a critical reflection on practice; and reasoned justification for how they might change a practice or service. You will be able to apply this to your area of practice, giving flexibility to all types of learners.

The recording will be supported by a 1000-word critical analysis commentary of practice in relation to the management of long-term condition(s) that has been discussed in the audio/visual digital recording.

In line with Professional and Regulatory body, Codes of Practice/Standards of Proficiency, if there is evidence of unsafe practice or any breach of confidentiality, the assessment will not meet the criteria to achieve a pass.

Take a look at the module reading list.