Small Animal Advanced Clinical Practice – Dermatology

Code

VETS4066

School

Veterinary Medicine and Science

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Full Year UK, January Full Year UK

Summary

This module considers: 
•    Introduction to dermatology 
•    Approach to pruritus 
•    Approach to alopecia 
•    Approach to ear disease 
•    Approach to scaling and crusting 
•    Endocrine disorders 
•    Miscellaneous skin diseases
 

Target Students

UK registered veterinary surgeons who meet the entry requirements contained in the supplementary regulations.

Classes

Content will be delivered through webinars, e-learning, two attendance days, directed reading, and self-directed tasks. Resources to facilitate and support candidate self-directed and optional learning are also available. Attendance is non-compulsory. Hours of Activity: Tutor led hours: 30 hours, Self-Directed Study:20 hours, Assessment preparation and assessment: 50 hours

Assessment

• Coursework: Chronological case log: Relevant cases recorded to demonstrate continual engagement with the area of practice throughout the module. Cases to demonstrate breadth of understanding within the subject area and how the majority of module learning outcomes have been addressed. Content should be factually accurate, with appropriate and justified case outcomes. (20 cases)
• 20% Coursework: Skills audit and reflection: Candidates to perform a skills audit at the start of the module, reflecting on their current clinical competence and establishing personal learning objectives by identifying at least 5 skills relevant to the subject area they would like to target.  These skills should be graded from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong).  At the end of the module, these skills should be graded again and the candidate should reflect on their development during the module.  If skills haven’t improved, they should consider why not and demonstrate a clear plan to continue clinical progress in this area.  Candidates should reflect critically on their case log, providing evidence of their learning within the subject area, and their professional development in the context of their own working environment.  Candidates should demonstrate an ability to reflect on broader areas and concepts relevant to the profession and subject matter.(800-1000 words)
• 80% Coursework: Case reports: Candidates to select two cases (one orthopaedic and one soft tissue) to write as a detailed case report.  Cases to have a clear and coherent structure, including where relevant, signalment, case presentation, problem list and differential diagnoses, investigations, diagnosis, case management and outcome/follow up.  All cases to include a discussion with appropriate referencing.  Critique of evidence referred to should also be included.  All cases to include a reflective element, so that areas of learning and professional development are clearly evident.  Cases will demonstrate factually accurate content and be of sufficient depth of knowledge to demonstrate attainment of the core skills and achievement of the relevant module learning outcomes.  (1500 words each excluding references)
• Coursework: Journal review: A critical review of a published paper relating to the relevant discipline, comprising an oral presentation and a short written submission.  The critique should enable the candidate to determine the paper’s relevance to their practice (500-1000 words).

Assessed by end of designated period

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Intellectual
•    Enhance the depth and breadth of the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of dermatology disorders affecting dogs and cats including pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnostic approach and rational therapy. 
•    Use available resources to achieve optimum results in their practice circumstances in relation to dermatological cases

Professional
•    Critically appraise and reflect on current working practices within the discipline of dermatology
•    Recognise when a case is truly unusual or beyond their personal or practice capabilities, and provide an effective channel of referral where appropriate

Transferrable
•    Review and constructively criticise current literature relating to the discipline to enable them to determine its relevance to their current practice
•    Reflect on the outcomes of their clinical work, using this process to improve performance
 

Conveners

• Miss Alyson Quieros