This module enables the student to develop health assessment skills appropriate for clinical practice and clinical decision making. Provider-patient interaction and subjective and objective data collection is emphasised. The module provides planned clinical laboratory experience where students learn and refine health assessment skills consistent with the prescribing role. Participants develop and practice interviewing and physical assessment skills. Skills will be taught and assessed in the Clinical Skills Laboratories at the Department of Nursing and Midwifery

Steps of prescribing process. Principles of patient/client assessment, history taking and physical examination. Consultation skills. Clinical reasoning, assessment of global symptoms-fever, fatigue and functional ability etc.; Abdominal examination, assessment of gastrointestinal system, physical assessment of heart and great organs, assessment of respiratory system; Cardiovascular and peripheral vascular examination; examination of respiratory system; neurological assessment; musculoskeletal system, assessment of tendons/joints and soft tissue; Assessment of the endocrine system: assessment of hair, skin and nails. Focus will be on clinical skills practice on assessment of above systems, practice of head to toe examination, head, eye, ear, nose and throat, peripheral vascular system examination and assessing the unconscious patient and vulnerable populations. Interdisciplinary sharing of patient/client medical records-documentation. Collaborative relationships with allied health professionals. Prescription writing and documentation of plan of care including patient/client response. Patient/client education and preventative healthcare advice regarding medicinal products and disease management issues. Use of non-pharmacological interventions.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Apply the steps of prescribing process to determine appropriate, safe prescribing Discuss physical examination and associated anatomy, physiology and pathology. Demonstrate understanding of history taking and physical examination. Select appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests. Interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests and communicate findings orally and in writing. Analyse findings arising from assessment of patient/client and document proposed plan of care and prescription.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate a professional commitment to safe, ethical prescribing practice.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Perform skillfully appropriate assessment of patient/client, through history taking using interviewing technique. Demonstrate proficiency at performing patient/client physical examination under faculty supervision. Modify history taking and physical examination processes as appropriate to patient/client needs.

The module is delivered through a blended delivery format, utilising a virtual learning environment (VLE). Teaching and learning strategies will include e.g., lectures, class presentations, self-directed and recommended reading, clinical skills labs teaching, appraisal of specific audio-visual learning materials, demonstration and guided practice of examination techniques and skills, videotaping and analysis, practice and test of skills with direct guidance from experienced faculty and clinicians. Reflection on learning and performance through self-recording of skills and self and/or peer evaluation. Groupwork, case scenarios, logbooks, VLE resources e.g. wikis, quizzes, discussion boards and chat forums. Adult learning theories underpin the module, with a focus on active engagement, social constructivism and self-directed learning, enabling students to become knowledgeable responsible, articulate, proactive, creative and collaborative university graduates.