This module introduces the student to the complex aetiology and epidemiology of leg ulceration. It focuses on the holistic assessment and management of people with lower limb ulcers and discusses the controversies and evidence base surrounding effective leg ulcer management services. In addition, the student will have the opportunity to demonstrate competence in skills to effectively clinically assess and manage a person who has a leg ulcer, or is at risk of developing one. 

Students must be working in an environment with access to people with leg ulceration. For the practice competency elements the student must have access to people requiring assessment and management involving hand-held Doppler and compression bandaging. The student must also have a practice assessor with skills in Doppler and bandaging and who is willing to support the student.

Applicants will normally need a degree in a health-related discipline. Applicants with evidence of professional development or academic proficiency equivalent to level 6 (degree level) study will be considered but will first need to meet with the admissions tutor, Aileen Wilson, to discuss their application. Applicants with no previous level 6 study, or equivalent, will be required to complete a level 6 bridging module.                                                                       

If you have non-UK academic qualifications you will need to supply evidence of comparability. The organisation ECCTIS will supply this for a reasonable fee https://www.enic.org.uk/Qualifications/SOC/Default.aspx.

You should also have current professional registration (e.g NMC) and be employed as a health care professional in an appropriate setting. 

The assessment for this module comprises a piece of coursework, a practical (assessed presentation) and practical competencies.  

An aggregate score of the course work and practical is given as a combined score of both weighted components for the module grade. A pass is also required on the Practical (P/F) practice competencies.  

Knowledge and Understanding:

Successful students will typically:  

• Demonstrate a systematic in-depth understanding of the impact of leg ulceration on health services
• Critically analyse and evaluate the provision of services for the management of people with leg ulcers
• Critically analyse and evaluate research evidence for the effective care of people with leg ulcers

Intellectual, Practical and Transferable Skills:

Successful students will typically:

• Implement and evaluate effective clinical assessment and management plans for people with leg ulcers based on correct interpretation of underlying pathophysiological changes
• Articulate in-depth understanding of the principles of Doppler assessment of the lower limb and demonstrate use of the hand-held Doppler device
• Demonstrate effective communication of research outcomes for a complex and specialised area of lower limb management

Students are advised to come suitably dressed for practical sessions which will involve Doppler assessment and compression therapies for the lower limbs.