Module Code - Title:
GM3001
-
MANAGING HEALTH IN THE HOME AND IN THE COMMUNITY
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this module is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and competencies to manage health & well-being within their own home and within their communities. There is a particular focus on (1) maintaining health through lifestyle choices, activity and nutrition and (2) the factors that affect health in chronic illness, during and after pregnancy and in emergency care situations.
The graduate attributes developed through participation in this module include; 'proactive' and 'knowledgeable'. Students will have opportunities to consider and adopt a proactive preventative approach to lifestyle related health concerns. Students will develop expertise and practical skills in the management of physical health.
Syllabus:
Students will learn about lifestyle choices and health, including: diet, physical activity, smoking, and substance use. Specific issues affecting physical health for particular groups and at various life stages will be considered including: child health, adolescent health, women's health, men's health and aging. Factors that impact on the health of people with chronic illness and on their families and communities will be explored, including coping with reduced independence. Students will learn about the role and specific needs of the carer in managing someone with chronic illness. Students will develop skills in looking after an individual in an emergency situation (First Aid, Basic life Support/ Cardiac first response), injury prevention
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the relationship between lifestyle and health
Outline the principles underlying the carer/family's role in promoting health and chronic illness management.
Recognise the effect of social circumstances on lifestyle and health and identify creative solutions
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Demonstrate an appreciation of the value and contribution of health promotion in managing health in the home and in the community
Demonstrate confidence to take action and initiative and enquire into a specific health or social problem
Demonstrate an understanding of the complex nature of health as a concept and the various determinants of health
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Perform skilfully first aid and basic life support/cardiac first response procedures in accordance with international evidence based guidelines.
Undertake a comprehensive assessment of health related issues in the home and the community
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Experience
The teaching style will be interactive and problem-focussed. Students will participate in the learning environment through engagement in teaching learning and assessment strategies for example, lectures, discussions, group work, self-directed learning, recommended reading, reflection, enquiry/problem-based learning and case scenarios.
Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent and creative learning activities
Research
Demonstrate an appreciation of current literature and how it relates to managing health in the home and in the community.
Incorporate relevant national and international research findings and health policy
Prime Texts:
Marmot, M., Friel, S., Bell, R., Houweling, T.A.J, Taylor, S. (2008)
Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through the action on the social determinants of health
, The Lancet, 372, (9650), 1661-1669
Syme, S.L. (2004)
Social determinants of health: the community as an empowered partner
, Preventing Chronic Disease 1 (1) 1-5
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
DIPLOMA IN COMMUNITY, WELLNESS, EMPOWERMENT, LEADERSHIP AND LIFESKILLS
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
maura.adshead@ul.ie