Managing Acute Illness in Primary Care

Everything you need to know

• Start date: September 2026, January 2027
• End date: January 2027, March 2027
• Module leader: Alison Subramanian, Soumya Elhose
• Level: 7
• Credits: 30
• This module compliments our Managing Clinical Complexities in Primary Care | Sheffield Hallam University module.

Suggested Route

• This module can be done as standalone or part of the MSc Professional Practice in Health and Social Care primary care route. Please note if doing both primary care modules managing acute illness should be done first before clinical complexities. 

Introduction

It is expected that students will be working in a patient facing role that requires them to be involved in the assessment and management of acute illness within a primary care setting. The student should be working towards an advanced practice qualification.

Prior knowledge and experience of advanced clinical examination and assessment is recommended. Therefore, it is suggested that students complete the Advanced physical assessment and consultation module (APACS) prior to commencing the management of acute illness in primary care (MAI) module.

Who is this course/module for?

• This module is aimed at Qualified registered allied health professionals who are working towards an advanced level qualification at level 7.
• Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years post registration experience.

• For the duration of the module you will require a clinical supervisor such as a qualified ACP or GP who will support and verify the gathering of your required clinical hours and portfolio.

• Students need to have knowledge of advanced assessment skills prior to embarking on this module.

• Preferably students will have already completed the Advanced Physical Assessment & Consultation Skills (APACS) module prior to starting this module. If this is not the case, students will be expected to do some of their own reading around the assessment and examination of: The abdomen, respiratory and cardiovascular system, neurology, head eyes ears nose and throat and the musculoskeletal system. Geeky medics and bate’s guide to clinical examination are useful resources.  

Background

• The new primary care modules are written to support the employer and their supervisors to map the student to the Core Capabilities Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice (Nurses) Working in General Practice / Primary Care in England ensuring that the training is robust and supports safe practice. 
• The applicant will be following appropriate course content which should equip them to manage their work in primary care safely and fulfil the role in view of today’s changing health landscape.

What you’ll learn

Learners will explore the complexities of acute illness across diverse patient populations, considering both physiological and psychosocial factors that influence presentation and outcomes. The module also addresses the challenges of uncertainty, risk management, and appropriate escalation of care, equipping practitioners to respond confidently and competently in fast-paced primary care environments.

Skills you’ll gain

By the end of this module, students will be able to critically evaluate assessment strategies, implement appropriate management plans, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary care, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes in acute care scenarios.

How you’ll learn

This module is delivered face to face on campus. The sessions will include a variety of teaching methods including group work, formative assessment and online resources.

Students will be expected to attend all 12 study days.

The clinical study days occur every Wednesday.

The OSCE will be carried out on a Wednesday or Thursday depending on your preference.

Fees and Funding for 2026/27

Further details

For further information please contact the module leader Alison Subramanian and Soumya Eldhose - Alison.Subramanian@shu.ac.uk or Soumya Eldhose

Related course(s)

• MSc Professional Practice in Health and Social Care
• Managing Clinical Complexities in Primary Care