Illness in Older People - Diagnostics, Treatment and Care, 7.5 credits

Registered nurse certified by the National Board of Health and Welfare. A Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing of at least 180 hp. Furthermore, knowledge in Swedish and English is required, corresponding to Svenska B/Svenska 3 and Engelska A/Engelska 6 (with at least the grade Passed/E).
 

The general aim of the course is that, based on the area of responsibility of the specialist nurse, the student develops the abilities to independently and in close cooperation with other medical professionals diagnose and treat illness in the elderly and to consider the family around the individual.

The course consists of two modules:
1. Diagnostics and treatment of disease in the elderly 5.5 credits
2. Scientific theory and methodology with a focus on interventional studies 2 credits

Module 1
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• explain the aetiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnostics, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of the most common and most serious diseases for the elderly.
• identify and remedy drug-related problems within the area of responsibility
• identify and evaluate IT-based support related to diagnostics and treatment,
• together with other professionals participate in dignified terminal care based on a palliative attitude.

Skills and abilities
On completion of the course, the student should:

• be able to collect, analyse and communicate medical information for diagnostics, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment.
• demonstrate the ability to assess and act in sudden disease in the elderly,

Judgement and approach
On completion of the course, the student should:

• demonstrate empathetic ability and be able to reflect on ethical situations in the final stages of life.

Module 2
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• critique and evaluate different designs for interventional studies,
• account for commonly occurring concepts within intervention research.

Skills and abilities
On completion of the course, the student should:

• be familiar with statistical methods commonly occurring in interventional studies in care of the elderly

Judgement
On completion of the course, the student should:

• be able to evaluate strengths and weaknesses in knowledge compiled through intervention research and be able to evaluate how the knowledge can be used in nursing
• demonstrate the ability to apply research ethics principles and guidelines and evaluate research ethics aspects in research and development

The course consists of two modules:

The education is based on a problem-oriented (examining) and collaborative view on learning. This approach implies that the student is an active participant in the learning process and is encouraged to take responsibility while learning takes place through close cooperation between students, teachers within and between the courses and the programs. Different educational working methods such as individual study assignments, work in groups, discussions and seminars and lectures occur. Field study with study visits is included.

Activity-integrated learning can take place at the student's workplace or at geriatric clinic in Stockholm county.

Study assignments, seminars and timetabled group meetings are compulsory. The course coordinator decides whether, and if so how, absence from compulsory course elements can be made up. Study results cannot be reported until the student has participated in compulsory course elements or compensated for any absence in accordance with instructions from the course coordinator. Absence from a compulsory course element could mean that the student can not retake the element until the next time the course is offered.

The course includes two examinations:

Module 1. Individual written examination that is mainly based on a case/situation description.
Module 2. Written assignment that is carried out in pairs.

Students who do not pass a regular examination are entitled to re-sit the examination on five more occasions. A student without approved results after three completed examinations may be offered the opportunity to retake a module or course once more. This is subject to availability If the student has failed six examinations/tests, no additional examinations are given. Each occasion the student participates in the same test counts as an examination. Submission of a blank exam paper is regarded as an examination. In the case a student is registered for an examination but does not attend, this is not regarded as an examination. A home examination that has been opened via the learning management system counts as an examination session even if the examination is not submitted. Late submissions of examinations are not accepted. Students who have not submitted on time are referred to re-examination.

Course evaluation is carried out according to the established guidelines of the Board of Education.