Managing the Acutely Unwell Patient
Introduction
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to provide rapid, effective care for adult patients who are acutely unwell. Examining the assessment and interventions that can have a significant impact on the patient's initial management, subsequent morbidity, length of admission and care.
Who the module is aimed at
This module is designed for health care professionals who work across all healthcare settings and undertake the initial assessment and management of patients who are acutely unwell.
Benefits of taking the course to the individual, the organisation and the patient
The module prepares you to assess, monitor and manage a variety of unscheduled care events for acutely unwell patients. The module enhances your clinical decision making and promotes independent practice to ensure that interventions are judiciously and rapidly applied to improve patient outcomes and provide cost effective services.
What you learn
The module aims to develop your critical reasoning skills and decision making, using a systematic approach when assessing the needs of a variety of acutely unwell patients. Exploring current literature and practice so that interventions are evidence based and provide you with sound reasoning to underpin the early diagnosis and clinical management of this patient group.
General areas covered
Respiratory/Cardiac emergencies
Electrolyte imbalance
Neurological emergencies
Metabolic emergencies
Sepsis
Abdominal pain
Paediatric emergencies
Skills gained for the workplace, technical skills or academic skills
You will learn through the use of seminar-based teaching and discussion and simulated patient scenarios the practical skills required for the application of evidence-based theory. Reflectivity is encouraged which reinforces principle-based practices and ensures the transferability of knowledge and skills.
Unique or interesting features
This module provides you with the opportunity to develop and evaluate your specialist skills. Critiquing your developing role, reviewing current research and synthesising this into the context of your work setting enabling you to provide quality outcomes for each individual patient.
Professional recognition
This module is an elective component within the MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice award.
For further information please contact the module leader Anthony Walker (A.Walker1@shu.ac.uk) or contact the student experience team.
Fees and Funding for 2025/26
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £1,770 EU / International students: £2,955 - this is part-time study and therefore cannot provide sponsorship for Tier 4. |
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| How to apply |
To apply for a self-funded place, please complete and return the application form below: To apply for a Workforce Development / Workforce Transformation funding WDF/WTF funded place, please complete and return the relevant application form below Further information and Workforce Development Funding / CPD Funding online application form |
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Entry requirements
• Relevant professional qualification
• Relevant work experience
• Normally an honours degree recognised in the UK, 2:2 or above in a related health care subjectThe above must be evidenced in the applicants application form
This module is designed for health care professionals who work in the secondary care setting and undertake the initial assessment and management of patients who are acutely unwell.
This module can be taken as an elective component in the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice award (subject to validation).
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent. If the your level of English language is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider an appropriate Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve the required level of English.
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Attendance
Delivery Method:
This module is delivered at our Collegiate Crescent Campus
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
The September intake for this module is planned to commence delivery from 9th October 2025 to 5th February 2026.
Attendance is required at 8 mandatory teaching sessions which take place on a Thursday.
Day 1 09/10/25
Day 2 23/10/25
Day 3 06/11/25
Day 4 20/11/25
Day 5 04/12/25
Day 6 18/01/26
Day 7 09/01/26
Day 8 22/01/26
The January 2026 intake is due to commence on 29th January 2026 and will end 4th June 2026. -
Assessment
Module assessment is made up of one or more assessment tasks. The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Presentation
- Case Study
Successful completion of this module will earn you 30 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leaders Tony Vesuvio (T.Vesuvio@shu.ac.uk) and Anthony Walker (A.Walker1@shu.ac.uk)