Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

As a paramedic you will be required to manage patients with acute and life threatening diseases. This unit covers many of the medical and surgical emergencies seen in ambulance practice. In the early phases of your clinical experience it is important that you engage in these clinical problems enabling you to develop your patient care abilities.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop clinical skills for the management of patients suffering genitourinary, gastrointestinal, metabolic, endocrine, toxicological, toxinological and emergencies relating to certain types of pathology in preparation for your practice as an advanced care paramedic. You will be able to adopt the clinical reasoning skills that underpin the management of such patients, and also consider the impact of ageing in relation to paramedical care.

Objectives

On the successful completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate:

1. An understanding of national and international epidemiology of toxicology, toxinology, genitourinary, metabolic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal emergencies.
2. An appreciation of preventative and rehabilitative strategies used for toxicology, toxinology, genitourinary, metabolic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal emergencies.
3. Understanding of integrated and definitive care for patients suffering toxicology, toxinology, genitourinary, metabolic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal emergencies.
4. A pathophysiological understanding of toxicology, toxinology, genitourinary, metabolic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal emergencies.
5. Clinical pharmacology and patient management strategies for toxicology, toxinology, genitourinary, metabolic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal emergencies.
6. A wider appreciation of pathology as it relates to paramedic care
7. A developing reasoning approach to your patient care in association with effective communication and leadership styles.

Content

1. Epidemiology and an appreciation of pathology as it relates to paramedic care.
2. Integrated and definitive care
3. Anatomy and physiology of the toxicology, toxinology, genitourinary, metabolic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal emergencies.
4. Pathophysiology of the anatomy and physiology of toxicology, toxinology, genitourinary, metabolic, endocrine, and gastrointestinal emergencies.
5. Appraisal/Evaluation of patients with conditions related to this unit.
6. Clinical management.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Core theory will be presented by QAS and QUT personnel all of whom are experts in the topic areas. Your learning will be assisted by:

• Lectures and tutorials;


• Small group activities using problem based learning (PBL) strategies;


• Clinical practical skills will be developed with the support of experienced clinical educators;



• Simulation and scenario based activities will allow you to transfer knowledge, skills and clinical problem solving skills into the simulated clinical environment.



• On-line problem based scenarios

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed throughout the semester.

Assessment name: Presentation (Written & Oral)
Description: Marked piece of work for submission

You will be required to produce a written piece that demonstrates problem based learning as well as present orally to support the aforementioned piece.
Relates to objectives: 2-6
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: During week 5

Assessment name: Examination (practical)
Description: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

This will combine scenario based assessment as well as an oral component.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: Written exam

There will be a variety of questions using objective and short answer assessment techniques.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

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

Text

Cameron P [et al] (2009) Textbook of adult emergency medicine 3rd edition New York; Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone

References and Recommended Supplemental Text Books

Tintinalli J E [et al] (2012) Emergency medicine a comprehensive study guide (7th edition) New York McGraw-Hill Medical Pub. Division

Gregory Pete & Ward Aidan (2010) Sanders' Paramedic Textbook Mosby Elsevier

Queensland Ambulance Service (2011) Clinical Practice Manual, Brisbane, Queensland Government

Risk assessment statement

You will be required to undertake simulated exercises as part of your practice and Appraisal/Evaluation. This will involve exposure to medical sharps, defibrillators and may involve lifting. Before commencing this unit you should review and practise the industry occupational health and safety guidelines that protect qualified staff and students in day-to-day practice.

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: 24-Oct-2012