DO0146, Complex care needs and clinical nutrition, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-VH, 2024-11-14
Valid from : Spring semester 2026 (2026-01-19)

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Veterinary Nursing

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The aim of the course is for the student, by science and best practice, to acquire in-depth theoretical knowledge and some practical knowledge in veterinary nursing for patients with complex care needs and clinical nutrition, with main focus on dogs and cats.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to

• propose and motivate appropriate nursing for patients with complex care needs related to medical conditions/nutritional physiology,
• critically evaluate nursing and feeding routines within veterinary health care and propose and motivate changes from patient- to organizational level as a basis for development work,
• describe and conduct well-grounded reasoning regarding the veterinary nurse's role and responsibilities in quality work and research regarding activities within the veterinary health care sector,
• independently perform certain calculations and assessments in clinical nutrition,
• apply effective communication with the aim of promoting animal health and welfare,
• critically review and evaluate current trends within veterinary nursing/feeding.

Content

Subject-related content

The course contains the two parts "veterinary nursing for patients with complex care needs" and "clinical nutrition", partially integrated and separately. Veterinary nursing of patients with complex care needs means that knowledge of medical conditions, nutritional physiology and nutrition are interwoven. In addition, cooperation, communication and the condition of the animal and the ability of the animal owner, individualized nursing and nursing routines for different patient groups are taken into account.

The course includes principles for systematic risk identification, documentation and follow-up in the nursing of patients with complex care needs. The student trains to work independently in areas such as weight problems, stress reduction and implementation of nursing plans. This also includes quality work and research within veterinary health care.

The student trains to independently perform certain calculations and assessments in clinical nutrition, for example energy calculations and assessments of fat and muscle mass. The student practices different aspects of effective communication, with the aim of promoting animal health and welfare. Independently searching for, critically reviewing and evaluating, as well as balanced use of scientific information are important parts of the course and are practiced both orally and in writing. The course includes applying a sustainability perspective and making ethical decisions related to nursing/feeding of patients with complex care needs.

Teaching formats

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used lectures, seminars, exercises and project work

*The course focuses on the following generic competencies
*

Information competence, critical thinking, problem solving, scientific methods, oral and written communication as well as ability to work autonomously.

The following components are compulsory

Project work, some seminars and some exercises.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written project work, approved oral presentation and opposition. Approved participation in compulsory components.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Clinical Sciences

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Masterprogrammet Djuromvårdnad

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Mandatory components	7.5	0101
Project	7.5	0102