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

This unit begins clinical practice in the specialist areas of contact lens practice and binocular vision and low vision. Through clinical practice, students will develop at an initial level specific problem solving strategies in these specialist areas of clinical practice, and also develop problem specific examination techniques, reinforcing and refining clinical skills developed in the previous units in these areas.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop clinical experience in optometric practice in a clinical health care setting in specialist areas of optometric practice

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1. plan under supervision problem-specific eye examinations in areas of specialist optometric practice, and implement these in a technically competent manner

2. design treatment and management plans for patients under your care

3. differentially diagnose binocular visual disorders

4. give advice to patients in a caring and ethical manner

5. communicate efficiently with other health care professionals

Postgraduate capabilities addressed in this unit include:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding in a specialized field


• Professional knowledge and skills in a specialist area of practice



• Engagement in new skill areas of specialized clinical practice

Undergraduate capabilities also reinforced within this unit include:

• knowledge and practical skills pertinent to the practice of specialist areas of optometry



• effective communication skills



• ability to work independently and collaboratively



• social and ethical responsibility



• critical and analytical thinking



• effective problem-solving skills in applied clinical contexts

Content

This unit introduces patient care in the specialist areas of contact lens practice, binocular vision assessment, vision rehabilitation. You will undertake contact lens pre-fitting evaluation, contact lens fitting and aftercare. You will also begin to differentially diagnose binocular vision disorders and develop management and treatment plans for binocular disorders. You will be introduced to low vision assessment and visual rehabilitation. Management of patients may also include spectacle and lens dispensing, contact lens dispensing; problem solving in contact lens practice, binocular vision assessment, vision rehabilitation intra- and inter-professional communication and referral.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Clinical practice in contact lens clinic, binocular vision clinic, paediatric optometry and the vision rehabilitation clinic under supervision of qualified and registered optometrists. Clinical practice in these areas will be supported by tutorials with emphasis placed on case management and problem solving, differential diagnoses, with reference to current and developing clinical management strategies in these areas of practice. As this is your first exposure to patient interactions and the provision of patient care in these areas, this will be performed under close supervision and guidance by your clinical supervisors.

Assessment

Patient encounters are assessed in both a formative way to provide feedback regarding development of clinical skills, and in a summative way toward the end of the unit. Clinical skills competency assessments and summative assessment of patient consultations must each be passed to complete the unit, and repeat (supplementary) assessment will be undertaken until the required competency is demonstrated. Skills competency assessment and assessment of patient consultations may include an oral examination component. Feedback on your development of skills in designing problem orientated routines and solving clinical problems will also be provided through case discussions in tutorials.

Assessment name: Demonstration
Description: Clinical skills competency assessments
Individual core clinical skills will be examined, assessing technical ability and the ability to communicate instructions in a patient care setting. Skills examined will be techniques of investigation and/or treatment in specialty areas, performed on patients presenting for care in the Optometry Clinic.
Relates to objectives: 1,2 and 5
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout semester

Assessment name: Performance
Description: Assessment of patient encounters
A number of patient encounters will be assessed throughout the semester, concentrating on ability to solve clinical problems through a problem oriented clinical routine, and the ability to communicate effectively with a patient. Clinical management skills are assessed as a lesser component in this initial specialist clinical practice unit, although you will be expected to demonstrate awareness of appropriate management philosophies.
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3,4 and 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout semester

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: Assignment: case reports and case presentations:
You will be required to present both written and oral case presentations of patient encounters, with critical analysis of your investigation and management of the patient in each of the specialist areas.
Relates to objectives: 2,3 and 5
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of 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

TBA

Risk assessment statement

This unit will involve practice of clinical techniques on fellow students and on people from the general public who present as patients to the QUT Optometry Clinic. High standards of hygiene and safe practices are required. You are required to be proficient in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first-aid. You will be informed of relevant Standard Operating Procedures of the School of Optometry as they pertain to 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: 15-Nov-2012