Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Patients present with foot conditions which require treatment under local anaesthesia . This invasive procedure demands knowledge of the appropriate use of the anaesthetic of choice, its characteristics and possible systemic consequences. You will conduct an appropriate client interview and collect information relevant to both the health of the patient and their consent for the clinical procedure. You will also be made aware of the need, when appropriate, for additional examinations, tests and referrals to be initiated. Sterilisation standards at a national/international level will be implemented.

Designated unit
This is a designated unit. Designated units include professional experience units, units requiring the development of particular skills, and units requiring the demonstration of certain personal qualities, and are deemed to be critical to progress in your course. At the end of each semester, if you fail to achieve a passing grade in this unit you may be eligible for a period of probation or exclusion.

Aims

The aim of the PU43 course is to meet the needs of the community by preparing graduates with the contemporary knowledge, skills and attributes expected of independent health practitioners in podiatry

The aim of this unit is for students to achieve a level of competency commensurate with the use of local anaesthetics in clinical practice.

Objectives

At completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Administer an anaesthetic safely and effectively in accordance with legal requirements and ANZPC standards.
   
2. Communicate with patient/carers, the treatment plan and expectations of outcomes.
   
3. Conduct a clinically appropriate history and physical examination.
   
4. Choose the appropriate drug for the presenting complaint.
   
5. Differentiate between actual findings and expected findings in patient care.

These learning outcomes address elements of the National Podiatry Competencies from the Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council:

• PC 1. Practise podiatry in a professional manner
  
• PC 2. Continue to acquire and review knowledge for ongoing clinical and professional practice improvement
  
• PC 3. Communicate and interrelate effectively in diverse contexts
  
• PC 4. Conduct patient/client Interview and physical examination
  
• PC 5. Analyse Interpret and diagnose
  
• PC 6. Develop a patient/client-focused management plan
  
• PC 7. Implement and evaluate management plan
  
• PC 8. Provide education and contribute to an effective health care system.

These learning outcomes support the development of students towards demonstrating QUT graduate capabilities:

• knowledge and skills pertinent to the professional area
  
• critical, creative and analytical thinking, and effective problem-solving
  
• the ability to work independently and collaboratively
  
• effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes
  
• social and ethical responsibility and an understanding of Indigenous and international perspectives
  
• characteristics of self-reliance and leadership
  
• the capacity for life-long learning.

Content

This unit has both a theoretical and clinical component. Lectures provide the pharmacological understanding of the use, actions and interactions associated with the administration of local anaesthetics. The possible medical emergencies and their recognition and treatment are also discussed. The clinical component provides you with the experience of how to administer an anaesthetic, the quantity of anaesthetic required, sterilisation procedures, and the assessment of patient suitability to receive an anaesthetic.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. Lecture component applicable to the safe use of the local anaesthetics available to the podiatrist based on legislative and legal affirmation. You will be provided with readings and case notes applicable to anaesthetics, their clinical use and possible side effects. A theoretical examination will be based on the lecture program. You will gain clinical expertise to administer the anaesthetic, use the appropriate sterilisation techniques and develop the communication skills necessary for a good practitioner/patient rapport.

Assessment

There are two assessments to be completed by the end of the semester.Throughout the semester you will have the opportunity for an informal assessment of your progress.

Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on all your assessments.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: You will be assessed on your ability to clinically administer a local anaesthetic. You will be required to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the administration of a local anaesthetic, the relevant sterilisation requirements, and the application of a tourniquet.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will be required to complete a multiple choice examination. Questions are derived from both the book of readings and the lecture content.
Relates to objectives: 3, 4, 5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

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

You will be required to purchase the course CD ROM which includes lectures, required readings and interactive case studies.

Risk assessment statement

Blue card
The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act (2000) requires that students undergo a criminal history check and be issued with a blue card by the Commission prior to undertaking field experience in a school or centre, or undertaking activities in any unit which may involve contact with children. You will require a blue card for clinical placement/practicum in this unit. You should apply for a blue card at least 12 weeks before any clinical placement/practicum. Current blue card holders must register their card with QUT. For more information visit www.bluecard.qut.edu.au

This unit involves clinic based sessions. You will receive instruction on the safety requirements involved in the preparation and administration of local anaesthetics and the injection equipment required to do so. Risks associated with clinical practice e.g., Hepatitis B and needle stick injury are outlined in the unit documentation and Podiatry Clinical Protocols documents. You will have completed your Hep B vaccination prior to commencing the unit. You must wear protective surgical gloves when administering an injection. The risk management process for the practical sessions will be explained during the induction sessions for this unit. Attendance at the induction sessions is compulsory.

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: 19-Dec-2012