Hypertension

Details

Title

Hypertension

Type

Stage One

Module code

HPS110

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST, with respect to Hypertension, will be able to critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge, and perform the specialist assessment and treatment of adult and paediatric patients with risk factors for vascular disease. They will also consistently demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for the role of a Consultant Clinical Scientist within a patient-focused service.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their expert knowledge of hypertension in adult and paediatric patients as appropriate, including:

• current guidelines for the diagnosis and management of hypertension and the evidence base underpinning the guidelines;
• epidemiology and public health issues;
• examination, investigation and management of patients with hypertension (both primary and secondary), including the role of office, home and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement;
• the causes of hypertension;
• assessment of patients with hypertension for end organ damage;
• investigation of patients with suspected secondary hypertension;
• non-pharmacological management of hypertension;
• the pharmacology of drugs currently used in the treatment of hypertension indications, actions, side effects;
• target blood pressure levels across the range of patients, including those with diabetes and/or renal disease;
• how to identify and manage a patient with resistant hypertension;
• when to refer a patient for specialist management;
• emerging treatments for hypertension, including surgical treatments.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current research and its application to the performance, adaptation and mastery of a range of clinical and communication skills and will:

• accurately measure blood pressure in accordance with current guidelines;
• implement protocols and management plans for hypertension;
• interpret appropriate biochemical investigations and imaging modalities in the diagnosis and assessment of hypertension;
• reflect on the challenges of applying research to practice in relation to the diagnosis and management of patients with hypertension and achieving target blood pressure control, building on a critique of available evidence.

Attitudes and behaviours

By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to critically evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations, consistently demonstrating the professional attributes and insights required of a Clinical Scientist in HSST working within the limits of professional competence,referring as appropriate to senior staff and will:

• appreciate the racial variation in hypertension and the varying response to pharmacological treatment;
• actively encourage patients to adopt a healthier lifestyle with specific emphasis on risk factors.