Course overview
This course is developed with clinicians working at the forefront of heart failure care.
Build your evidence-based knowledge of heart failure and learn from clinicians with specialist experience in the field.
Develop the advanced knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care and improve outcomes for patients with heart failure.
You study online and fit your learning around full-time clinical practice.
Course details
What you study
Explore the epidemiology, causes and pathophysiology of heart failure, including cardiomyocyte biology, ventricular remodelling, haemodynamic changes and neurohormonal activation. Examine how these processes contribute to cardiovascular disease and the development of heart failure.
Develop the knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose and manage patients across the heart failure pathway, including taking a clinical history, interpreting examination findings and investigations, and managing patients with new-onset, acute, chronic and advanced heart failure in line with national and international guidance.
Learn about holistic heart failure management, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, optimisation of therapy, medication titration and monitoring. Explore the management of co-morbidities, prevention strategies, barriers to treatment adherence and factors associated with hospital admission.
Examine clinical stability and deterioration in heart failure, acute decompensated heart failure and the disease trajectory. Explore discharge planning, advanced heart failure management and the principles of palliative care.
A strong focus is placed on patient-centred care and multidisciplinary working. Consider patient education, counselling and behavioural strategies to support treatment adherence, alongside the assessment of quality of life and the psychological impact of heart failure.
How you learn
You learn through our online platform, giving you flexibility in accessing learning materials and completing self-directed assignments. Some sessions are delivered live on Monday afternoons, with recordings available if you’re unable to join.
Learning is delivered by a team of academic and clinical staff, including senior lecturers, consultant cardiologists, specialist nurses, general practitioners and physiotherapists.
You learn through a variety of methods including:
- online seminars
- presentations
- case studies
- quizzes
- self-directed reading
- group tutorials
- case-based discussions.
How you are assessed
You are assessed by a 3,000-word case study demonstrating a systematic and critical approach to clinical decision-making in relation to the management and holistic care of a patient suffering from heart failure.
Two group tutorials are held online to discuss the final assignment and provide feedback. You also complete preliminary assessments, such as quizzes and case-based discussions, and are expected to perform regular self-assessment to address your learning needs.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
You should be a registered healthcare professional who is involved in caring for patients with heart failure.
Employability
Career opportunities
Gain evidence-based knowledge within the field, which could increase your employability for a specialised or advanced role.