Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Contemporary Approaches to Care of Older Persons
Valid From:: Semester 2 - 2022/23 ( January 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 10
Module Owner::
  • Myles Hackett
  • Geraldine O'Connor
Departments: Nursing Midwifery & Early Years
Module Description: This programme aims to increase the knowledge, skills and competence of nurses caring for older people enabling them to recognise and respond to the deteriorating health and /or functional status of the person in a timely and proactive manner.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Critically examine the physiological changes associated with the ageing process.
MLO2 Critically evaluate the impact of these changes on the health, functional ability and wellbeing of the older person.
MLO3 Critically evaluate and synthesise the signs and symptoms indicating a deterioration in the health and /or functional ability of the older person.
MLO4 Demonstrate competence in performing an holistic physical health assessment of the older person.
MLO5 Critically evaluate and synthesis the findings from clinical assessments to inform decision making and actions taken for appropriate patient outcomes.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Physiology of ageing
Physiological process of ageing and age related physiological changes. The impact of these changes on the health and functional ability of the older person. Physiological changes of the following systems will include cardiac, respiratory, endocrine, neurological, renal and musculoskeletal.
National Early Warning Score
Vital signs measurement, temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and ACVPU. Identify deterioration of the older person and use the ISBAR communication tool to escalate care when necessary.
Assessment of functional ability
Assessment of the musculoskeletal system, assessment of mobility using screening tools e.g. timed get up and go. Falls risk assessment. Assessment of the skin for pressures ulcers. Assessment of hydration and nutrition e.g. MUST. Assessment, and management of urinary and bowel function e.g. incontinence and constipation. Polypharmacy and review of medications.
Assessment of cardiac and respiratory systems
Assessment of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Assessment of symptoms associated with acute and chronic cardiac and respiratory system e.g. congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive lung disease, respiratory tract infection. Evidence based management of dyspnoea and oxygen therapy.
Cognition- Dementia and delirium
Assessment of cognition and delirium using appropriate cognitive assessment tools, such as MiniMental/ MOCA/ 4AT. Use recommended evidence based algorithims to assess and manage delirium ( HSE & National dementia office 2021 Version 2.1 )
Pain
Review of pain in the older person, types and causes of pain. Assessment of pain in older people with cognitive impairment and in advanced dementia. Use of appropriate pain assessment tools. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of pain in older person.
Communication, ethical and legal issues
Communication and interpersonal skills for professional nursing practice in relation to care of older people. Review ethical and legal concepts of advocacy, consent and assisted decision- making capacity Act (2015).
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work70.00%
Practical30.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 70
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Case Study: The learner will demonstrate the application of theory, knowledge and skills to their
clinical practice, through the use of case study or scenario.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Objective Structured Clinical Assessment (OSCE)

Demonstrate physical assessment of the older person and the use of relevant assessment tools.
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

This module has no Full-time workload.
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Practical Contact Face to Face sesions in the clinical skills lab Every Month 2.00 8
Online (non-contact) Non Contact on - line Every Week 3.00 3
Online (non-contact) Non Contact Directed Study Every Week 5.00 5
Independent Study Non Contact Student responsibility to organize and manage own study space and time and commitment to supplement classroom input with additional reading and interpretative reflectio Every Week 9.00 9
Total Weekly Learner Workload 19.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Josephine Tetley, Nigel Cox ,Kirsten Jack, Gary Witham. (2018), Nursing Older People at a Glance, John Wiley & Sons, p.120, [ISBN: 978-1-119-04388-1].
  • Buurman, B., Martin, F. & Conroy, S.. (2021), Silver-Book 11, Holistic-assessment-of-older-people, https://www.bgs.org.uk/resources/resource-series/silver-book-ii.
  • Conroy, S.,Carpenter, C. & Banerjee, J.. Silver Book 11 Quality Care for Older People with Urgent Care Needs, online. https://www.bgs.org.uk/resources/resource-series/silver-book-ii.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources