Module: Chronic Skin Conditions

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Chronic Skin Conditions
Module Code	NUR1132 (ITS: NS5077)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module aims to enhance knowledge and skills in the management of people with chronic skin disorders. It is suitable for practitioners with a special interest in dermatology who want to consolidate their professional competencies and diagnostic skills. It will examine the best available evidence to support treatment of a variety of commonly occurring chronic dermatological conditions. The module focuses on managing the delivery of appropriate dermatology care in acute, primary and secondary care settings and promoting health and self help for patients with skin conditions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of aetiology, histopathology and clinical features of chronic skin conditions.
2. Conduct a comprehensive patient assessment to determine therapeutic interventions warranted.
3. Critically examine relevant epidemiology, screening, prevalence and risk factors for chronic skin conditions.
4. Critically analyse the evidence base for contemporary treatment regimes for chronic skin conditions
5. Critically appraise the psychological impact of chronic skin conditions including quality of life and symptom management considerations.
6. Critically evaluate the role of evidence-based practice, clinical audit, research and quality improvement initiatives to inform clinical decision-making.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Face to face contact
Online activity	16	Synchronous and asynchronous engagement with module tasks
Professional Practice	210	Learning within the student's own work context including engagement with module tasks/assessment requirements.
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	21144	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator		Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Evidence-based case study on a patient with a Chronic Skin condition.	40%	n/a
Loop Quiz	Dermatology focused multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ).	20%	n/a
Report(s)	Undertake comprehensive clinical assessments on two separate patients presenting with dermatological conditions. Provide a full patient history including current complaint, clinical examination and tests warranted, results / outcomes of interventions undertaken, plan of care going forward. Document findings in ‘SOAP' note format [Subjective, Objective, Assessment and Plan] . SOAPs are a structured format to document patient information for any condition. They will be used in a teaching and learning capacity for the module.	30%	n/a
Reflective journal	Reflective exercise documenting how practice has been influenced by learning on the module (approx. 200 words).	10%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Topics will include:
Psychology of skin conditions; connective tissue disorders & skin manifestations systemic disease; urticarial, psoriasis, eczema, Supprativa hidradentitis, epidermolysis bullosa (EB); pemphigoid/pemphigus; dermatology patient assessment; psoriasis; vitilgo/hair & nail disorders; lower limb ulceration; lichen sclerosis; lichen planus.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Bickley, L.: 2020, Bates' guide to physical examination and history-taking, 13th Edition, Wolters Kluwer., Philadelphia,
Jarvis C: 2019, Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 8th Edition, Elsevier, Missouri,
Bobonich M & Nolan M: 2015, Dermatology for Advanced Practice Clinicians., Lippincott Williams and Wilkins., Philadelphia.,
Moore T and Cunningham S (Eds.): 2017, Clinical Skills for Nursing Practice, Routledge., Oxford,
Doughlas G, Nicol F and Robertson C (eds): 2014, Macleod’s Clinical Examination., 13th Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier., Edinburgh,
McCance, K. & Huether, S.: 2014, Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in adults and children, 7th Edition, Elsevier Mosby., St.Louis,
Wallace,M., Wray, A.: 2021, Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates, 4th Ed, Sage (Student Success), London, 368, 9781529727647
Hart,C. Bell, PL.: 2022, Advanced Practice Nursing (int Ed), Wolters Kluwer, 9781975172800

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None