Course description

This session explores management of gastrointestinal disorders in primary care and use of a structured approach to diagnose, treat, and provide comprehensive care for common GI issues, enhancing patient outcomes. Ideal for healthcare professionals seeking to improve their expertise in minor illness management.

Aims:

The primary aim of this session is to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess, diagnose, and manage patients presenting with abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disorders in minor illness clinics. This includes understanding the range of conditions that may cause these symptoms, appropriate diagnostic strategies, and the implementation of evidence-based management plans.

This session will develop your skills in:

1. Identify the wide spectrum of gastrointestinal disorders that can present with abdominal pain, including acute and chronic conditions, and understand their pathophysiology.
2. Demonstrate the ability to take a comprehensive patient history and perform a physical examination tailored to identifying the cause of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.
3. Understand and apply the appropriate use of diagnostic tests, including laboratory tests, imaging studies, and when to refer for specialized investigations.
4. Recognise signs and symptoms that indicate serious underlying conditions requiring urgent referral to specialist care or emergency intervention.
5. Demonstrate the ability to provide holistic, patient-centered care, taking into account the patient’s preferences, needs, and values in all decision-making processes.
6. Commit to ongoing learning and adaptation of practice in line with emerging evidence, guidelines, and best practices in the management of gastrointestinal disorders in primary care settings.

What will i learn?

• Understand how the GI system works
• Develop clinical decision-making and management skills in identifying red flags
• Recognise symptoms of common abdominal complaints and disorders
• Recognise common disorders and life threatening conditions.
• Use case based scenarios to understand common pathologies in abdominal pain

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