Minor Injury Assessment Module (Level 6 and Level 7)

Overview

These modules are offered at Introductory level (level 6) and Advanced level (level 7) for those undertaking autonomous practice. They have been designed for nurses working in emergency departments and walk-in centres who are developing their role towards emergency nurse practitioner, who will see, treat, refer and discharge patients with minor injuries and fractures.

These modules act as an introduction (level 6) as well as more advanced (level 7) management of patients with minor injuries. The aim is to enable you, as the experienced emergency/first contact care practitioner, to develop your proficiency in the assessment, treatment and management of minor injuries and apply this to your clinical context. As the autonomous practitioner, you will be equipped with the advanced knowledge base, communication skills, and safe clinical examination skills to make confident autonomous, effective and evidence-based patient care decisions.

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in holistic patient assessment, management, and referral of minor injuries, incorporating inter-professional working
• Synthesise findings from a physical examination/ assessment, relating this to underlying patho-physiological processes, in order to develop a differential diagnosis
• Critically analyse clinical decision making skills utilising evidence based knowledge and reflective frameworks
• Critically appraise current nurse practitioner practice and research to enable the development of minor injury protocols/guidelines, and health education initiatives as well as risk management issues.

Course content

These modules will cover the following:

• Physical assessment techniques and approaches
• Examination skills
• History taking and documentation
• Consultation styles, and interpersonal skills
• Overview of anatomy and physiology, mechanism of injury, common injuries seen, examination technique, management, referral and discharge advice for the following minor injuries:
  • Sport injuries of the upper and lower limb
  • Upper limb fractures and soft tissue injuries
  • Lower limb fractures and soft tissue injuries
  • Minor head injury management
  • Minor back and hip injury management
• Neurological system review and assessment skills
• Paediatric minor injury management.
• Management of minor eye injuries
• Clinical decision making for differential diagnosis
• Evidence-based practice Reflective practice
• Health promotion and injury prevention for minor injuries.

Learning and teaching

Teaching will have a problem orientated focus through guided study, and case scenario development to develop and reinforce a life long learning perspective for clinical skills. Peer assisted inter-professional teaching and learning, integrated with medical students and the medical school will enable team work and development of peer support.

Students will be given the opportunity to practice clinical assessment under supervision with teacher and peer feedback. This will be complemented by the use of simulation aids and on line video material. Students will then be given the opportunity to develop their skills in the practice setting. It is essential that students have secured a clinical mentor/supervisor and clinical practice time in a relevant area prior to applying.

Study days provide opportunity for development, application and reflection of clinical and diagnostic skills. Most study days will be in a workshop design to encourage student led learning and critical enquiry

Assessment

A mix of OSCE (observed structured clinical assessment) and clinical portfolio is utilised to consolidate knowledge.