Assessment Brief: Minor Ailments
My chosen subject: ‘Tension Type Headaches in the Emergency Department’
Title: A critical appraisal of the current theoretical discourse regarding the management of Tension Type Headaches in the Emergency Department’
Brief info that should be covered… relating to learning outcomes
- The ethical and legal – consent of patients and your indemnity and extended role and competence that you possess- are you better than your consultants at DHP ( dix)
- What makes it hard to manage TTH -patient expectation, red flags and review, restriction on resources to name a few..referral pathways…
- Pros and cons – by doing MRIs does this reduce or increase anxiety, are there better self-management strategies than pharmacologic interventions?
- MDT – what sort of multi disciplinary team do you work do they help or hinder- do they understand advanced practice, is CBT helpful or counselling or complimentary therapies? why- evidence or anecdotal or does it matter…
Summative Assessment
For this assignment, you are expected to present a critical appraisal of current theoretical discourse regarding the management of a chosen minor ailment topic explored in your formative presentation. An evaluative exploration of the evidence must demonstrate strategic awareness of policy drivers, guidelines and the research evidence that influences clinical decision-making processes when managing the chosen minor ailment. The word limit for the assignment is 3500 words, and the content presented must address learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, it accounts for 100% of your overall mark. Confidentiality must be maintained throughout the essay in accordance with HCPC Code (HCPC, 2018), so all names and locations must be omitted.
Assessment Guidance
- Introduction and rationale (Approximately 500 words)
Your introduction should include the following:
1.1. A brief overview of the scope of the essay and what areas you are going to address.
1.2. Identification and rationale for the minor ailment you have chosen to focus on.
1.3. A demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the prevalence and economic burden of the minor ailment. This should include background data related to incidence and demographics.
- Main body (Approximately 2800 words)
This section should address the module specific learning outcomes below.
Learning outcome 1. Demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of pathophysiology in the management of ailments
This requires you to identify the relevant pathophysiology related to the condition and analyse critically the way in which this influences the subsequent and ongoing management of the condition in practice. Link this to the clinical decision-making process. This section is not asking for physical assessment processes.
Learning outcome 2: Critically consider the ethical and legal issues influencing decision making in the management of minor ailments
This requires you to identify and discuss critically the ethical dilemmas and legal requirements, as they apply to decision making in practice, including professional body regulation, statute and civil and criminal Law requirements, related to the management of the condition of choice.
Learning outcome 3 Critically examine constraints in risk management for discharge planning or referral to other agencies
This requires you to identify and consider critically the concept of risk and the way that risk is managed in relation to the multidisciplinary and interagency care planning required for discharge planning.
Learning outcome 4 Synthesise and evaluate existing theoretical discourses and practices to develop evidence-based protocols.
This requires you to identify and analyse critically the evidence underpinning the care provided for the chosen condition. You should consider evidence for and evidence against interventions and critically discuss this in relation to the management of the condition.
Learning outcome 5 Critically explore multiprofessional working for effective management of minor ailments for hospital avoidance.
This requires you to identify and analyse critically a range of multi professional anticipatory strategies, linked to the available literature and evidence which can be mobilised to reduce the likelihood of exacerbation of the condition and so link to effective hospital avoidance strategies which reduce the likelihood and duration of inpatient care being required.
- Conclusion (Approximately 200 words)
Provide a summary of your main discussion points. Do not introduce any new ideas
- Academic skills:
Students must ensure their work reflects level 7 expectations as described in the Faculty’s grade criteria (Rubric). A range of contemporary and/or seminal references with accurate use of faculty system of referencing. Clear logical structure, academic presentation, accurate grammar and spelling, adheres to Faculty policy on word count, plagiarism and confidentiality.
