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

A significant proportion of calls for ambulance assistance relate to mental health concerns. As a practicing health care professional you will require a contemporary understanding of mental health issues and the range of services available to people experiencing acute and chronic mental health issues. Students will have already completed clinical practice placements which will assist to contextualise the myriad of mental health issues encountered in pre-hospital practice.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to equip you with an understanding of the spectrum of mental health issues you will confront as a paramedic and facilitate an understanding of the links between mental health theory and practice in the out of hospital environment. Students will examine key mental health issues across the life-span and will develop an understanding of both acute and chronic presentations. This Unit will emphasise the importance of understanding mental health issues from the perspective of the patient, their carers' and other health care providers.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Understand the function of the mental health system in the Australian community;


2. Describe the epidemiology of mental health in the Australian and international community;


3. Examine and analyse the aetiology, clinical manifestations, treatment and research surrounding key mental health conditions across the life-span;


4. Describe the co-morbidities of mental health and developmental disorders, substance abuse and acquired brain injuries and their implications for out-of-hospital practice;


5. Understand the intersection between mental health and social, cultural and religious affiliations;


6. Demonstrate appreciation of both consumer and carer experiences of mental illness;


7. Demonstrate understanding of strategies for appropriate and compassionate short term clinical care, advice, support and assistance to people with acute/chronic mental health issues and their carer's in the out of hospital environment; and


8. Demonstrate understanding of the role of the interdisciplinary team in mental health.

Content

The Unit is divided into seven modules:

Module 1: Introduction to mental health and inter-agency collaboration; epidemiology and structure of the mental health service system
Module 2: Post-partum mental health issues; childhood mental health issues and developmental disorders
Module 3: Substance abuse and mental health
Module 4: Geriatric mental health issues
Module 5: The socio-cultural interface
Module 6: Consumer/individual and carer experiences
Module 7: Suicide

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode only. Your learning will be assisted by:

1. A study guide which will include directed readings


2. Weekly lectures and tutorials (small group activities using problem based learning (PBL) strategies).


3. Clinical communication skills will be developed with the support of experienced clinical educators in a laboratory environment.


4. Face-to-face simulation and scenario based activities.


5. On-line problem based scenarios.

Assessment

Three summative assessments will be undertaken during the semester, as per below assessment items.Feedback after the completion of summative assessments will be provided in written format on assessment cover sheets.

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: Students will be required to examine an actual ambulance case involving a person experiencing an acute or chronic mental health issue (cases will be provided by lecturer). The assessment item will require the student to research the mental health condition (which will include aetiology, incidence, treatment (pharmacological and/or therapy) and how this impacts on individual and collective quality of life.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Reflective Journal
Description: The reflective journal will enable the student to examine their thoughts, feelings and experiences of mental health and associated complex social issues during their clinical placement.
Relates to objectives: 2, 6, 7
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 11

Assessment name: Examination
Description: An examination paper including short and long answer questions.
Relates to objectives: 1-7
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 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

Mental Health Intervention Project, Queensland Ambulance Service, 3rd Edition (students should already have a copy of his resource from past units of study).

Risk assessment statement

There are no exceptional risks associated with this Unit.

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: 10-Dec-2012