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

Effective response by the health system to major incidents and disasters requires individuals who can help such organisations prepare, respond and recover. Individuals responsible for planning, preparation and management of health services during a major incident should be knowledgeable of the principles of disaster health management, the disaster management arrangements in place internationally, nationally and locally and should possess the knowledge and skills necessary to advise or lead health organisations during such events.

Upon completion of this unit, you should be better equipped to plan and prepare health services for major incidents and better understand and contribute to the management of a major incident should it occur.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of major incident management and thus enable you to contribute to improving the health system's ability to effectively manage such incidents.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to
1. Provide evidence of a detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles of major incident and disaster management.
2. Describe organisational and operational arrangements for management of major incidents and disasters.
3. Apply your knowledge and understanding to the process of planning, preparation, response and recovery and thus contribute to the preparedness of the health system for disasters.

Content

This unit is divided into four modules.
Module 1: The Conceptual Basis for Disaster Health Management
This module explores the historical and conceptual context within which health disaster management occurs. This module addresses the history, epidemiology and impact of disasters as well as the concepts and principles that underpin health disaster management.
Module 2: Pre-event management
This module addresses the development of preparedness of health services for the management of disasters. The module includes risk management (including risk reduction and mitigation), planning and resource identification and preparation.
Module 3: Incident Management
This module addresses the management of incidents during the acute phase. In includes the principles and practice of incident management including on-site and within health facilities as well as the continuity of health services and community functionality.
Module 4: Rehabilitation, recovery and development
This module examines the post-event aspects of disaster management required to support communities recover and grow as a result of major event. This module addresses the human-social aspects of disaster management including mental health, restoration of community function and evaluation and reporting to inform community resilience.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in both external and internal mode. Written material will be reinforced through lectures, interactive tutorials, scenarios and case based exercises. There is a focus on application of principles to real situations. You will be provided with access to extensive reading materials including: case documents and reports, research papers, model plans, and government documents.
NB: The lectures and tutorials for this unit will be delivered during an intensive block program in the second week of Semester 2. Students are strongly encouraged to attend this program

Assessment

There are two assessment items for this unit.Lectures and tutorials will include formative assessment through quizzes on selected topics. You will work in small groups on the application of principles to case situations. Feedback will be given to the group as a whole.
Assessment items will be spaced to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on all your assessments as you progress through the unit.

Assessment name: Log/Workbook
Description: Description: You will be required to complete a workbook to test initial concepts and knowledge of the material.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Case Study Assignment
Description: Description: You will be required to complete a case study to demonstrate analytical ability as well as an understanding of the basic issues and the ability to address these issues.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

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

Resource Materials
There is no specific set text for this unit. References to case studies, readings and other materials will be provided for students. Online access will be provided to databases, case documents and research papers as per topic requirements. If you would like to locate the following resources, they may assist in your studies.

• Koenig K and Schultz C. Koenig and Schultz's Disaster medicine. Comprehensive principles and practices. Cambridge Medicine. 2010.


• Ciottone G, Anderson P, auf der Heide E et al. Disaster Medicine. Mosby Elsevier. Philadelphia US 2006.


• Hogan D & Burnstein J. Disaster Medicine 2nd Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2007

Reference journals:

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Text
There is no set text for this unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks with this unit, apart from those associated with substantial computer-based work. You should refer to the guidelines for safe work at VDUs contained in the SPH Guidelines to Students. Also ensure that your workstation is adjusted in accordance with these guidelines and that regular rest breaks are taken.

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: 12-Nov-2012