The aim of this coursework is to show evidence of an understanding of critical thinking,
clinical reasoning and evidence based practice, with the focus being on imaging used for
diagnosis.
You are asked to produce a fictitious case study of a patient presenting with a suspected
pathology.
The coursework should be structured using the following headings (bold) & subheadings
(underlined):
Introduction
A general introduction informing the reader of the content of the case study.
Background
Based on your research, this section should contain a brief paragraph giving a fictitious
account of the patients’ history prior to attending for imaging, ending with the suspected
pathology.
Heading of your chosen pathology (i.e. Heart Failure)
Aetiology (The science of the cause of disease)
Information about your chosen pathology, including symptoms.
Diagnosis – This section should form the main body of your work
In this section you are expected to use evidence from research to discuss the
advantages and disadvantages of any relevant imaging modalities / procedures that
can be used in the diagnosis of the chosen pathology. It is important that you critique
the evidence that you are presenting.
Prognosis (A forecast of the course & duration of a disease)
Treatment options
Case
A fictitious account of your patient’s pathway, this should show evidence of clinical
reasoning by taking into account the information already presented on methods of
diagnosis and linking this with your fictitious patients circumstances (i.e. age / stage of
disease etc.) and also the fictitious practice context (i.e. availability of modalities).
Reference to published patient pathway guidelines (e.g. SIGN guidelines) are expected.
Conclusion
A fictitious account of your patient’s journey since diagnosis, based on your research into
the effects of the pathology on those who suffer from it.
Access databases and use reference material from a Pubmed and Medline library.
Use the Harvard system of referencing.
Ensure that work does not exceed the stated word limit.
- The word count should include all text, references and quotations in the text but exclude diagrams appendices, reference lists and bibliographies.
