Course Map

Module Code: HS4301

Module Tutor: Academic Framework staff

School: School of Health and Social Care

CAT Points: 15

Level of Study: 4

Brief Description:

The module aims to introduce students to the distance learning concepts required to undertake the course. It will provide a guide to the qualification, how to identify and access information. It will look at the evidence and methods of study required for the course. Students will complete basic study in diabetes and in understanding risk factors, treatment and complications for people with diabetes

Indicative Syllabus:

Introduction to the course and distance learning including accessing online distance learning lectures, reading materials, completing web searches, navigating online system, accessing self-assessment tests and other study aids, accessing the dedicated help line and completing induction material.

Introduction to the different types of Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2), and the epidemic of Type 2 diabetes in the world

Introduction to the role of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels in the reduction/ prevention of diabetic retinopathy.

Learning Outcomes

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the methods of study required to complete the qualification and the ability to engage successfully with distance learning
2. Identify sources of information and evidence appropriate for study of this programme
3. Define the different types of Diabetes, identify the risk factors associated with each and describe the treatments currently available
4. Demonstrate understanding of microvascular and macrovascular complications and analyse how they affect the patients daily lives
5. Describe the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for diabetic retinopathy progression and possible development of sight threatening diabetic retinopathy

 

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled learning and teaching activities: 20 hours

Guided independent study: 130 hours

Assessment (for further details see the Module Guide):

001: Pass/Fail – In class, multiple choice test – 1.5 hours

Special Assessment Requirements: None

Indicative Resources: The current reading list can be found in the Module Guide.

Module Code: HS4302

Module Tutor: Academic Framework staff

School: School of Health and Social Care

CAT Points: 15

Level of Study: 4

Brief Description

The module aims to introduce students to the principles of screening for diabetic retinopathy, the importance of screening for all people with diabetes and the problems associated with covering entire populations, for example why people may not attend for eye screening. The module will also introduce learners to technologies commonly used in diabetic eye screening and the need for accurate information management.

Indicative Syllabus

• 1968 Who principles of screening described by Wilson & Jungner and their relevance to screening for diabetic retinopathy
• Digital retinal photography and variations between programmes
• Factors affecting the success of screening programmes including diabetes information management systems, population coverage and appointment systems

 

Learning Outcomes

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Identify and understand the WHO principles that apply to screening for sight threatening diabetic retinopathy
2. Identify the limits that apply to a screening programme for Diabetic Retinopathy.
3. Recognise the importance of population coverage in a screening programme for sight threatening diabetic retinopathy
4. Provide details of the different technologies that are commonly used in population-based diabetic retinopathy screening and describe the advantages and disadvantages of dilation and the different number of fields
5. Identify and evaluate reasons why people do or do not attend for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
6. Assess the importance of the information management systems used within screening programmes

 

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled learning and teaching activities: 20 hours

Guided independent study: 130 hours

Assessment (for further details see the Module Guide):

001: Pass/Fail – In class, multiple choice test – 1.5 hours

Special Assessment Requirements: None

Indicative Resources: The current reading list can be found in the Module Guide.

Module Code: HS4303

Module Tutor: Academic Framework staff

School: School of Health and Social Care

CAT Points: 30

Level of Study: 4

Brief Description:

The module aims to introduce students to the steps required to prepare for Diabetic Retinopathy screening. Students will learn how to receive patients who attend for appointments; how to correctly explain the procedures and gain consent; how to prepare equipment needed for diabetic retinopathy screening and how to measure visual acuity correctly.

Indicative Syllabus:

• Equipment used for screening and how to prepare the equipment for appointments.
• Patient liaison (how to discuss the need for screening with an individual with diabetes, explain the process of screening so the patient understands and can give consent at the appointment).
• ‘Common’ acuity measurements and the importance of correct illumination of the charts.
• How to take the visual acuity levels of a person being screened in their screening programme.

 

Learning Outcomes

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Outline in detail the important stages in preparing the equipment for a retinal screening encounter
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of retinal screening for a person with diabetes.
3. Outline the patient’s journey through the entire screening process
4. Compare and contrast the different charts and systems used to measure distance visual acuity (e.g. Snellen, Decimal, log MAR and those for illiterate patients)
5. Demonstrate the importance of adequate chart illumination as it applies to (supervised) visual acuity measurement in patients within their own screening programme
6. Demonstrate understanding of local consent procedures for screening

 

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled learning and teaching activities: 200 hours

Guided independent study: 100 hours

Assessment (for further details see the Module Guide):

001: Pass/Fail – In class, multiple choice test – 1.5 hours
002: Pass/Fail – Practical Exam: Observed structured clinical examination – 2.5 hours

Special Assessment Requirements: A pass is required in both elements to pass the module

Indicative Resources: The current reading list can be found in the Module Guide.

Module Code: HS4304

Module Tutor: Academic Framework staff

School: School of Health and Social Care

CAT Points: 30

Level of Study: 4

Brief Description:

The module aims to introduce students to the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the eye and its relevance to diabetic retinopathy screening. Students will be introduced to the correct method of eye drops instillation to dilate the pupil prior to image capture, how to recognise side effects of eye drops and how to operate camera equipment correctly so as to obtain good images of the retina.

Indicative Syllabus:

• Within this module, students will be encouraged to develop knowledge of the anatomy of the eye and of pathology that affects the retina that might be seen on a photograph taken at diabetic retinopathy screening.
• Students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of the mechanism of action of drops to dilate the pupil, the drops commonly used in screening programmes for diabetic retinopathy and the possible side effects of those drops.
• They will be made aware of the importance of providing information to the person being screened about what they should do in the circumstances of a reaction to the drops and taught how to take adequate images of patients with diabetes using the method that is used in their own screening programme

 

Learning Outcomes

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Locate relevant major anatomical structure on a diagram of the eye to demonstrate their understanding of the basic ocular anatomy.
2. Identify the lesions commonly associated with each broad category of increasingly severe diabetic retinopathy
3. Demonstrate understanding of the mechanism of action of Mydriatic drops commonly used in screening programmes
4. Identify the side effects of Mydriatic drops and describe the action to be taken should side effects occur
5. Demonstrate the ability to instil drops, and to develop and maintain accurate records for patients within their own screening programme where drops are used for dilation
6. Demonstrate safe handling and operation of the screening camera to obtain good quality images of patients using relevant screening methodology

 

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled learning and teaching activities: 200 hours

Guided independent study: 100 hours

Assessment (for further details see the Module Guide):

001: Pass/Fail – In class, multiple choice test – 1.5 hours
002: Pass/Fail – Practical Exam: Observed structured clinical examination – 2.5 hours

Special Assessment Requirements: A pass is required in both elements to pass the module

Indicative Resources: The current reading list can be found in the Module Guide.

Module Code: HS4305

Module Tutor: Academic Framework staff

School: School of Health and Social Care

CAT Points: 30

Level of Study: 4

Brief Description:

The module aims to show students how to assess images of the fundus for evidence of disease and how to assess images of the fundus to establish the degree of Diabetic Retinopathy or other abnormalities which may be present.

Students will be encouraged to assess their current level of knowledge and ability, identify areas for further development and consider ways to develop existing skills and acquire new competences.

Indicative Syllabus:

During this module, learners will be taught how to grade a series of images of the retina to assess the presence or absence of diabetic retinopathy and to assess the severity of any lesions of diabetic retinopathy, grade images of the retina to assess the presence or absence of pathology of lesions other than diabetic retinopathy and to assess the severity of common lesions that might be present.

In addition, they will be encouraged to assess their current level of ability, identify areas for professional development and identify how to achieve further development if required.

Learning Outcomes

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Provide evidence of their current knowledge and ability and reflect on areas for further development and training
2. Competently grade a series of images of the retina to demonstrate an ability to distinguish the presence or absence of lesions of diabetic retinopathy
3. Competently grade a series of images of the retina to demonstrate an ability to distinguish the severity of diabetic retinopathy
4. Competently grade a series of images of the retina to demonstrate an ability to distinguish other abnormalities of the retina and blood vessels of the retina that may be seen on diabetic retinopathy screening images  
5. Identify other pathology that commonly affects the retina and/or blood vessels that may be seen on diabetic retinopathy screening images and show an understanding of the risk factors associated with them

 

Learning and Teaching Activities

Scheduled learning and teaching activities: 150 hours

Guided independent study: 150 hours

Assessment (for further details see the Module Guide):

001: Pass/Fail – In class, multiple choice test – 2 hours

Special Assessment Requirements: None

Indicative Resources: The current reading list can be found in the Module Guide.