Module information
Details
- Title
- Presentation and Management of Cough
- Type
- Stage Two
- Module code
- HPS163
- Requirement
- Compulsory
Module objective
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST, with respect to the diagnosis, presentation and management of the patient with cough, will be able to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply their knowledge, to be competent to carry out specialist assessment and form a structured differential diagnosis of causes leading to appropriate further investigation and management, within the scope of a Consultant Clinical Scientist.
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will analyse, synthesise, evaluate and critically apply their expert knowledge required with respect to the:
- causes of cough with:
- Normal CXR
- Abnormal CXR
- respiratory causes of cough.
- ENT causes of cough.
- upper GI causes of cough.
- formulation of an appropriate differential diagnosis.
- appropriate investigation of cough, including specialist studies.
- management/treatment of cough linked to underlying diagnosis.
- pharmacology of drugs used in cough.
- relevant guidelines.
Technical and clinical skills
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to critically reflect and apply in practice a range of clinical and communication skills to advise and communicate effectively with patients, relevant clinicians, patients and the public and other healthcare professionals and will:
- gain informed consent.
- take a thorough, focused history.
- elicit relevant and appropriate physical signs within Consultant Clinical Scientist scope of practice.
- plan appropriate investigations in collaboration with medical colleagues where necessary.
- formulate an appropriate differential diagnosis and management plan.
- interpret appropriate Lung Function Tests.
- interpret Chest Radiology.
- perform and / or interpret special investigations.
- use inhaled and nebulised drug therapy
Attitudes and behaviours
By the end of this module the Clinical Scientist in HSST will be expected to evaluate their own response to both normal and complex situations. They will also demonstrate the professional attributes and insights required of a Consultant Clinical Scientist working within the limits of professional competence referring as appropriate to senior staff and will:
- consider most important and serious causes first and seeks to exclude them.
- show understanding of the patient’s anxiety and be sympathetic.
- explains the possible causes to patient and relatives where appropriate and within the scope of practice for a Consultant Clinical Scientist and outlines the investigation and management plan.
- involves the multi-disciplinary team when appropriate.