Spring School in Clinical Assessment
Structure & Content
Structure
The Spring School takes place at the Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) in Salzburg.
After successfully completing the basic course, participants will be awarded a "University Certificate in Clinical Assessment for Nursing Practice" worth 3 ECTS credits. The program includes four intensive days of instruction, totaling 32 hours of in-person teaching and practical training, along with self-study to prepare and review the course material. To successfully complete the course, participants must conduct and document a clinical assessment and pass a 20-minute online multiple-choice exam.
Participants who successfully complete the advanced course will receive a "University Certificate in Clinical Assessment for Nursing Practice" worth 2 ECTS credits. This part of the Spring School includes three intensive days, totaling 24 hours of in-person instruction and practical training, along with self-study to prepare and review course material. Students must conduct and document a clinical assessment and pass a 20-minute online multiple-choice exam, to receive their qualification.
Content
The elements of clinical assessment involve systematically gathering clinical data through patient history (both self-reported and obtained from others) and performing a physical examination (inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion). This data is then validated and organized to support relevant clinical interpretations, which are used to establish appropriate nursing priorities, followed by proper documentation and communication.
The following topics are covered through lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises during the 4-day basic course:
Fundamentals and models of clinical assessment
Symptom-focused assessments of:
- Chest and lungs
- Heart and major vessels
- Peripheral vessels
- Central and peripheral nervous systems
- Abdomen
- Diabetes mellitus
The 3-day advanced course covers the following topics through lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises:
Day 1
- Review and further exploration of basic course content
- Clinical Assessment focus: fever/hydration
Day 2a
- Clinical assessment of the musculoskeletal system/fall risk
- Clinical assessment of the head, neck, nose, and ears
Day 3
- Mental health conditions, dementia/delirium
- Emergency assessment/visual diagnosis
- Case study integration
- Clinical assessment of mental health conditions, dementia/delirium