Clinical judgement and decision making in healthcare (HEAE308)

Use your existing knowledge and experience to develop your clinical reasoning ability
CPD for healthcare professionals
Front view of hospital bed isolated on blue background.

Key features

This 20 credit degree-level module will enable you to develop your accountability and decision making skills. It will encourage you to draw on your existing knowledge, skills and experiences gained through your work as a registered healthcare professional to build on your systematic and critical thinking skills and further develop your clinical reasoning ability.
This is an opportunity to enhance your existing clinical decision making skills through the application of relevant theories within the context of clinically based discussions. 
Medical/health equipment in ICU - Image courtesy of Shutterstock (210538477)
A young male nurse stands in a busy hospital ward. Image courtesy of Getty Images.
Module code

HEAE308

Credits

20

FHEQ level

Level 6 – bachelors degree

Location

Blended learning approach with face to face delivery in Plymouth

Course details

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate safe practice, an awareness of scope of practice, and work within NMC regulations within the context of safe clinical reasoning, judgement and decision-making. 
  • Critically analyse, evaluate and apply evidence to support the process of applying clinical judgement and decision making.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of professional practice underpinning the application of clinical judgment and decision making.
  • Contribute to the promotion of a culture which enhances patient / client safety.
Assessment
Is via a written assignment. 

Module dates

9, 23 January, 6, 20 February and 6 March 2025. 
These dates may be subject to change. 
Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers. In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date. Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.
This module can be studied as a standalone module, as a core module for our BSc (Hons) Professional Development in Nursing or an optional module towards some of our other BSc (Hons) Professional Development pathways. 

MSc level

This module is also available to study at masters level 7. Follow the link below for full details. 

This module will support you in developing your clinical judgement and decision-making skills while ensuring you are demonstrating safe practice within the context of safe clinical reasoning and NMC regulations. Via clinically focused discussions we will explore how clinical decision-making theories, human factors, ethics, and legalities influence your clinical reasoning while considering the reality of the challenges faced when decision-making in practice. A reflective assignment will allow you to demonstrate your learning and development in your ability to think critically and improve your clinical reasoning. With 5 taught days there is plenty of opportunity to explore your emotional intelligence and situational awareness within the context of clinical-decision making. This is an excellent opportunity to develop and showcase your critical thinking skills and gain 20 credits within your degree pathway, within a concise and succinct timeframe.

Daniela FlorindiDaniela Florindi
Lecturer in Adult Nursing

Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms. 
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for this module you must be either a registered health and social care professional or a health and social care worker in possession of previous study at level 5 or a foundation degree.
Each student will be considered and advised individually (where required) by the programme team and Professional Development Unit. Please contact the PDU or programme lead if you have any queries regarding your situation. 

Fees and funding

Fees
Funding
Funding for this module may be available through your employing trust. To apply please contact your Trust’s Educational Co-ordinator who will guide you through the application process.
If you work in the private, independent and voluntary sector, please contact your employer who will advise you.
Green figure with heartbeat image

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries:
Current student enquiries:
Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
Monday – Thursday 8:30–17:00 and Friday 8:30–16:30.