Haematology MSc

Module Aims
To understand day-to-day blood test investigations in primary care and define the framework of referrals of haematological abnormalities to the appropriate specialists.

Module Content
Practical haematological knowledge with an emphasis on normal and abnormal results in a range of settings; also effective communication and accurate terminology to be applied, with a multidisciplinary approach, when referring patients to specialist haematology teams in secondary care.

Module Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the analysis and diagnosis of complex haematological disorders encountered in a variety of settings, considering the underlying causes, clinical manifestations, and relevant diagnostic criteria.
• Critically evaluate and adapt communication strategies to effectively collaborate and exchange information within multidisciplinary care teams regarding patients with complex haematological disorders.
• Critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence base relating to the relevance and diagnostic significance of conducting specific tests and investigations for haematological disorders in the primary care setting, before making appropriate and timely referrals to secondary care.

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the most common haematological disorders presenting in primary care to differentiate cases where appropriate investigations may facilitate diagnosis, versus urgent referrals to secondary care and specialist teams.

Module Content

• Individual cytopenias anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
• Pancytopenia

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the identification and potential investigations of the underlying causes of different cytopenias, considering a wide range of factors such as haematological disorders, systemic diseases, medications, and genetic abnormalities.
• Critically evaluate the need for specific tests to further investigate cytopenias or pancytopenia, demonstrating a systematic understanding of the risk of neutropenic sepsis, in a variety of settings.
• Synthesise and translate the critical knowledge into complex case scenarios relating to the early diagnosis and appropriate referral of common haematological disorders that may present within a variety of settings.

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the principles and pathophysiological mechanisms of the coagulation system causing bleeding of thrombotic episodes and implementation into everyday practice including surgery and obstetrics/gynaecology.

Module Content

• Haemostasis overview
• Thrombosis
• Bleeding problems and surgical procedures
• Obstetric haematology

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the application of clotting tests and thrombophilia screening in the evaluation and management of patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, considering their diagnostic value, limitations and implications for treatment decisions.
• Critically evaluate the facilitation of early management and ordering of specific investigations for these patients presenting with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the appropriate tests, their interpretation and their significance in guiding clinical decisions in a variety of settings.
• Critically evaluate and synthesise the evidence base relating to the process of ordering initial investigations for patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders, demonstrating a systematic knowledge of the principles of anticoagulation therapy in a variety of settings, including indications, initiation, monitoring, and complications.

Module Aims
To develop an in-depth knowledge of the clinical features and common causes of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly while elaborating on the most common lymphatic disorders presenting to healthcare professionals, ie Hodgkins and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Module Content

• Causes and specific investigations and management of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly
• Types of lymphomas presenting to primary care

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a critical knowledge of the systematic evaluation of patients presenting with lymphatic disorders, including lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and suspected lymphomas, integrating knowledge of clinical features, medical history and physical examination.
• Critically evaluate the process of ordering appropriate investigations and interpreting findings to establish a diagnosis in primary care settings, considering the specific characteristics and limitations of a range of appropriate tests.
• Demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach and advanced clinical reasoning skills to the process of implementing initial management strategies for patients with lymphatic disorders, including appropriate interventions, monitoring plans and referral pathways, ensuring timely and optimal patient care in a variety settings.

Module Aims
To develop a critical knowledge of the presentation of the main pathophysiological features of suspected haematological malignancies and the impact to patients, along with rapid referral pathways by recognising red flags and indications for urgent referral or hospital admission, therefore implementing appropriate, immediate interventions and coordinating timely specialist input.

Module Content
This module will address all haematological malignancies, and a non malignant disorder but with similar consequences to patients(aplastic anaemia).

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate the assessment of patients with suspected haematological malignancies, considering their clinical signs, symptoms, laboratory test results and imaging findings, to identify potential malignancies and their characteristics such as types, stages and prognostic factors.
• Critically evaluate the evidence and guidance relating to implementing appropriate, immediate interventions and coordinating timely specialist input with a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring the integration of specialist expertise and resources in the management of patients with haematological malignancies in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrate advanced diagnostic and management skills to confidently assess and appropriately refer patients presenting with suspected haematological malignancies in a variety of settings, adopting a multidisciplinary approach to optimise patient outcomes.

Module Aims
To develop a systematic knowledge of the different types of thalassaemia, sickle cell and their genetic basis by recognising clinical features, diagnostic criteria and interpretation of investigations; developing appropriate management plans for patients with thalassaemia in primary care; exploring the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease; recognising the acute and chronic complications associated with sickle cell disease; implementing a comprehensive care approach for patients with sickle cell disease in a variety of primary care settings.

Module Content

• Thalassaemia intermedia and thalassaemia major
• Sickle cell anaemia and its complications
• Principles of transfusion practice including exchange transfusion

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the diagnosis, complications and management of thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, integrating knowledge of genetic factors, clinical manifestations and laboratory testing to assess these presentations at an advanced level and in a range of settings.
• Critically evaluate referral pathways, including emergency referrals for patients presenting with thalassaemia and sickle cell disease in a range of complex scenarios, adopting a multidisciplinary approach across a range of primary and secondary care settings.
• Critically organise and communicate appropriate strategies for the delivery of a comprehensive care approach for patients with sickle cell disease in a variety of settings.

Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal

• To help students recognise, understand, interpret and apply methods used in healthcare research and critically appraise the various methodologies specific to research in the subject area.

Professional Project

• To develop students’ ability to critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and/or organisational practice and develop skills in independent research, study and writing for publication.

Content summary: Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal

• Terminology used in epidemiology and research studies such as prevalence, incidence, sensitivity, specificity, false positive and false negatives.
• Interpreting graphical representation of epidemiological and statistical data such as Kaplan-Meier curves, forest plots and meta-analyses.
• Calculations used in the assessment of research data such as relative risk, absolute risk and number needed to treat. Statistical tests and their applications including t-tests, ANOVA and chi-square.
• Qualitative research methods.
• Fundamentals of evidence-based practice and its application into the clinical setting.
• Principles of health economics, audit and quality improvement/assurance systems.
• Establishing patient registers and the value of disease-specific registers.
• Research into educational principles for both healthcare practitioner and patient.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
• Design and undertake a professional project related to the field of practice in order to produce an extensive piece of literature which may be suitable for peer-reviewed publication.
• Create evidence-based recommendations to add to the knowledge base of the subject area.
• Demonstrate critical evaluation skills enabling an in-depth critique of the academic literature.
• Demonstrate the ability to create academic work of a publishable standard.
• Evaluate ethical considerations in research and the process of engagement with ethical committees.