Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to:
• Appraise philosophy and principles of rheumatology nursing as applied to individualised patient centred care
• Apply a critical perspective to the scientific basis of rheumatic diseases; the immune response, the inflammatory response, immunogenetics and the haematological and biochemical changes associated with rheumatic diseases.
• Evaluate the difference between inflammatory, non-inflammatory and soft tissue rheumatological disorders and discuss the clinical features and progress of the main rheumatic disorders in adults and children, with reference to radiographic findings associated with rheumatic diseases
• Organise and demonstrate the ability to carry out a rapid musculoskeletal joint assessment and display an awareness of methods of joint examination, with the ability to differentiate between joint effusion, bony or soft tissue swelling or mechanical deformity