Module Specification
1. Factual information
Module title
Coronary Heart Disease
Level
NQF Level 5
Module tutor
Linda Edmunds
Credit value
Module type
Distance Learning
Optional module
Notional learning
hours
30 (CATS)
15 (ECTS)
300
2. Rationale for the module and its links with other modules
Almost 2.6 million people have heart and circulatory disease in the UK. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is
the most common cause of premature death in the UK, causing 105,000 deaths a year. The Government
is committed to reducing the death rate from coronary heart disease and stroke and related diseases in
people under 75 by at least 40%, it is therefore important that health professionals understand their
role in achieving this.
This module fits within the undergraduate long-term conditions programmes. It is underpinned by the
principles of evidence based healthcare and incorporates key concepts of the NHS Long-Term
Conditions agenda.
Its focus on a specific area of care complements and underpins the concepts of the compulsory modules
by enabling students to develop skills in a broad range of related subject areas. As such, the module has
strong links with the other optional disease focussed modules offered within the programme pathways.
3. Aims of the module
This module is aimed at any health care professional who participates in the delivery and management
of care of people with coronary heart disease (CHD), their families and carers The module will equip
student with a sound, comprehensive knowledge base in the prevention and management of CHD.
Successful students will demonstrate appropriate skills and knowledge in the diagnosis, treatment and
management of people with CHD and using current clinical guidelines and evidence will be able to
suggest, initiate and vary treatment in response to assessment of individual needs. It will enable
students to deliver holistic, evidence-based care to patients and will foster a multi-disciplinary approach
to care.
4. Pre-requisite modules or specified entry requirements
None specified
Coronary Heart Disease NQF Level 5
5. Intended learning outcomes
A. Knowledge and understanding
Learning and teaching strategy
At the end of the module, students will be expected to:
A1: Discuss the pathophysiology, anatomy and
physiology of the CHD and apply this to different
clinical presentations
Comprehensive distance learning materials
supported by interactive activities
Further support from student support
services including telephone & e-mail
support and a comprehensive student guide.
B. Cognitive skills
Learning and teaching strategy
At the end of the module students will be expected to:
B1: Evaluate current guidelines and evidence relating
to the pharmacological and non-pharmacological
management of
coronary heart disease to
underpin decision making in a range of clinical
situations
Comprehensive distance learning materials
supported by interactive activities
Further support from student support
services including telephone & e-mail
support and a comprehensive student guide.
C. Practical and professional skills
Learning and teaching strategy
At the end of the module, students will be expected to:
C1: Discuss the key issues in history-taking and
clinical assessment in relation to diagnosis and
ongoing management of people with coronary
heart disease and evaluate and modify care
appropriately in response to such assessment
C2: Discuss the psychosocial impact of having
coronary heart disease on the individual and their
family and suggest strategies to support patients
and families in supported self care
Comprehensive distance learning materials
supported by interactive activities
Further support from student support
services including telephone & e-mail
support and a comprehensive student guide.
D Key transferable skills
Learning and teaching strategy
At the end of the module, students will be expected to:
D1: Discuss the role of the multidisciplinary team in
the prevention, treatment and management of
CHD and evaluate their role within it
Comprehensive distance learning materials
supported by interactive activities
Further support from student support
services including telephone & e-mail
support and a comprehensive student guide.
6. Indicative content.
The subjects covered include:
• Epidemiology, anatomy and pathophysiology of coronary heart disease.
• Systematic assessment and diagnostics
• Treatment and management: Pharmacological and non-pharmacological
• Risk factor assessment and lifestyle management
• National and local policy and guidelines
• Organisation of care- care pathways, multi disciplinary working
• Supported self care –cardiac rehabilitation
• Communication to influence change
Coronary Heart Disease NQF Level 5
7. Assessment strategy, assessment methods and their relative weightings
Students are assessed by written assignment.
Part 2 – Assignment
Students are required to submit a fully referenced assignment of 4,000 words based on an extended
case study. This must provide evidence of knowledge and understanding of the management of CHD
in clinical practice.
The assignment component comprises 100% of the overall module mark.
Criteria for a pass
The pass mark for the module is 40%. Reassessment is as per the regulations in the Student Guide.
Learning Outcome
Assignment
(100%)
A1:
Discuss the anatomy and pathophysiology of the CHD and apply this to
different clinical presentations
B1:
Evaluate current guidelines and evidence relating to the pharmacological
and non-pharmacological management of coronary heart disease to
underpin decision making in a range of clinical situations

Discuss the key issues in history-taking and clinical assessment in relation to
diagnosis and ongoing management of people with coronary heart disease
and evaluate and modify care appropriately in response to such
assessment

Discuss the psychosocial impact of having coronary heart disease on the
individual and their family and suggest strategies to support patients and
families in supported self care

Discuss the role of the multidisciplinary team in the prevention, treatment
and management of CHD and evaluate their role within it

C1:
C2:
D1:

9. Teaching staff associated with the module
Tutor’s name and contact details
Contact hours
Linda Edmunds, Education for Health
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5:30 pm
E-mail: [email protected]
Coronary Heart Disease NQF Level 5
10. Key reading list
Author
Handler, C, Coghlan, G
Year
2008
Title
Publisher
Management of cardiac Radcliffe
problems in primary care
Publishing Ltd
Location
London
Clancy, J, Mc Vicar, A
2009
Anatomy and physiology for Hodder Arnold
nurses
and
healthcare
rd
practitioners 3 ed
London
Joint British Societies
2005
Joint
British
societies BMJ publishing
guidelines on prevention of
cardiovascular disease in
clinical practice [JBS 2]
London
11. Other indicative text (e.g. websites)
www.NICE.org.uk
www.escardio.org/guidelines
www.tsoshop.co.uk
www.SIGN.ac.uk
Coronary Heart Disease NQF Level 5