Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Worldwide, the prevalence of chronic conditions and the range of factors contributing to their development are increasing and placing demands on communities and health care systems. This unit is designed to cover the effective prevention and management of these chronic conditions as well as contribute to an understanding of their significance, their determinants and the complex issues and factors involved. Being able to effectively address the prevention and management of these conditions requires the ability to critically examine and review recommended strategies and approaches in a variety of contexts and settings.

This introductory unit provides the opportunity for students to examine and critique a range of current policies, frameworks, strategies and approaches to the prevention and management of chronic conditions and then to contextualise and apply these findings to their particular area of practice.

Aims

The unit aims to broaden your understanding of the determinants and issues relating to many major chronic conditions and to critically examine and review the application of a number of currently recommended frameworks, strategies and approaches for their prevention and their management both internationally and nationally.

Objectives

1. Interpret and synthesise different types of data used to analyse and assess chronic conditions, their risk factors and determinants at population, sub-population and individual supported self-care levels.

Critically review frameworks, strategies and approaches recommended for the prevention of chronic conditions within a life course context.

2. Critically review frameworks, strategies and approaches recommended for the management and treatment of chronic conditions.


3. Review and apply chronic condition prevention and management strategies to a specific context or setting of relevance to your area of practice or interest.

Content

Content will cover:

Module 1: The current situation
This module sets the scene for the unit by investigation of current prevalence, significance, risk factors, the broad range of determinants (physical, social and emotional) and key issues affecting chronic health conditions. Major chronic conditions will be considered within a continuum of care with a particular emphasis on primary health care and the prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and management of chronic conditions in the Australian and International contexts.

Module 2: Overarching analysis of frameworks, strategies and approaches
Your knowledge and experience will be drawn upon together with extensive literature review and discussion to facilitate a critical examination and review of various frameworks, strategies and approaches to chronic health conditions. It examines interdisciplinary versus multidisciplinary practice and includes current international and national policies, frameworks and strategies in accepted reference resources and documents.

Module 3: Prevention frameworks, strategies and approaches
This module focuses on an in-depth review of key prevention focussed strategies and their application to major chronic conditions. It uses a life course and population-based approach to the prevention of chronic conditions and situates the prevention of chronic conditions in the context of where people live, work and play.

Module 4: Treatment and management frameworks, strategies and approaches
Contemporary treatment, management and rehabilitation strategies are considered in the context of a supported self-management framework. The focus of the module will be on strategies and approaches that are client/patient centered, that encourage supported self-management and that take account of the physical, social and emotional needs of the patient.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

A variety of approaches to teaching and learning will be adopted. The unit is developed around principles of adult learning theory and practice and open learning guidelines for its delivery in flexible mode online. These approaches will ensure each student can self-pace through each of the modules. The study guide will provide a framework for critical analysis and ongoing conversations between students and with academic staff. Guidance will be provided for you in terms of appropriate self-pacing of your study during the semester. You will be encouraged to read widely and to think critically about the nature and scope of chronic health conditions and their prevention, management and treatment across the continuum of care. This will be achieved through literature analysis, case study discussion and critique, contribution of class conversations using technology and through development and application of models and strategies for chronic condition prevention and care.

Assessment

There are three assessment items to be completed during the semester.During the semester assessment items will be spaced to ensure adequate opportunities for formative feedback on your learning. Each assessment item will include individual feedback on your progress as well as general feedback to all students about what a high quality assessment piece should include.

Assessment name: Review of evidence
Description: Review and analysis of the evidence related to the prevalence, significance, risk factors, the broad range of determinants (physical, social and emotional) and key issues affecting a prominent chronic health condition.
Relates to objectives: 1
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 5

Assessment name: Argumentative essay
Description: Analysis of the strategies and approaches to be used by an interdisciplinary team in either the prevention, management or rehabilitation of the selected chronic health condition identified in Assignment 1.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Action Plan
Description: Planning appropriate strategies in a selected context identified in assignments 1 and 2. Select appropriate strategies designed to meet needs of population, sub-population or individual in relation to chronic health condition prevention or management
Relates to objectives: 4
Weight: 45%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There are no materials or resources required to be purchased for this unit. Students will receive more detailed unit content information in the Week 1 document. There will be recommended and provided readings and links to various other materials as required. These will be available via the on-line teaching site.

Reference Text
Remington, P. L., Brownson, R.C., & Wegner, M. V. (2010). Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Control (3rd ed.). Washington, DC: APHA Press.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks in this unit except for those associated with substantial computer-based work. You should ensure that your workstation is adjusted and that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 17-Aug-2012