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 leading the response and recovery of health services in the event of a major incident should have extensive knowledge and understanding of the principles of disaster management, the disaster management arrangements in place internationally, nationally and locally and the principles and practice of disaster response and recovery. They should also possess high level skills necessary to lead health organisations to effectively respond to and recover from major incidents and disasters.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop a high level of capability in the management of major incidents and disasters and in the recovery of the community and health services from such events.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Identify and analyse issues that may be encountered during response and recovery.


2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles and practice disaster health response and recovery


3. Demonstrate ability to manage the response and recovery phases.


4. Evaluate the outcomes of a major incident in all aspects, for optimal recovery mechanisms and future analysis

Throughout this unit sensitivity to, and understanding of, cultural and gender related issues will be demonstrated as appropriate.

Content

This unit will examine a number of topics. These include policy and planning for disasters, risk analysis, preparedness in the Emergency Medical System and Health System, community resilience, special events and pandemics, remote response, rehabilitation and recovery and exercise designs.

Module 1: Emergency Management Systems
The module examines the legislative and policy environment, the role of government and non-government organizations in response and the Emergency Management System.
Module 2: Emergency Health Systems
This module explores the emergency healthcare systems, surge strategies and health system resilience and continuity.
Module 3: Clinical Aspects of Disaster Health
This module explores the clinical principles of disaster healthcare including triage.
Module 4: Special Considerations in Disaster Health Response
This module addresses special considerations that apply in circumstances such as pandemics, mass gatherings and floods as well as the special aspects of response management such as logistics and transport.
Module 5: Community Recovery
This module will address the recovery phase of disaster including the psychosocial aspects.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in both external and internal mode.
Written material will be reinforced through interactive tutorials, scenarios and case based exercises. There is a focus on application of principles to real situations.
Students will be provided with access to extensive reading materials including
- Case documents and reports
- Research papers
- Model plans
- Government documents
- Websites

Course Materials:
The Unit Information document provides all the administrative details associated with the unit, including schedule of study and contact details.
The Study Guide provides structured points for study by defining or highlighting important concepts that should emerge from your readings, and by offering you activities to help reinforce these concepts. It is not intended as a complete set of notes.The Readings are intended to be read in conjunction with the Study Guide and lecture notes, and will often be the basis for the activities in the modules and may also be the basis for tutorial sessions for internal students.
In addition, Podcasts offering a brief summary of each topic will be provided and will be downloadable. The podcasts will be only a brief guide to each topic and will not provide a substitute to the study guide and lectures. Teleconferences and online discussions may be organised also if required.
In this unit the on-line teaching site (Blackboard) will be used for posting of lecture notes, study materials, readings and other materials for internal students. All students are encouraged to access these materials also.

Assessment

There are two assessments to be completed by the end of the semester.You will work on case-study questions posed during lectures and tutorials and receive feedback and peer-based review on their responses.
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 as you progress through the unit.

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: Description: Students will undertake an examination of a case study. A commentary of the event should be prepared.The assignment should demonstrate your analytical abilities, an understanding of the basic principles and the ability to address the issues. You may select and event or seek advice from the Unit Coordinator on an event of your choice.
Relates to objectives: 1-3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Report
Description: Description: You will be required to complete a written report on a real/virtual event. This report will focus primarily on incident response evaluation and review of planning related to the event. This will be done utilising knowledge of response and recovery principles and practice developed throughout the unit, primarily through the study guide and module questions.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
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

There are no materials or resources required to be purchased for this unit.
Pre-reading learning materials will be developed as part of the preparation for the unit. There is no specific text for this unit. References to case studies, readings and other materials will be provided for you. You will be provided with directions on access in week 1, the majority of this will be on-line cases and articles.

For those wanting other perspectives on response and recovery the following references may be useful. Students should examine the relevant sites which provide background information as well sources of evidence or summary standards that may be of use to health professionals. You may find one of the following to be a useful adjunct to the other information presented to you. There may also be a number of texts in the library you may find useful

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


• Ciottone, G, Disaster Medicine, Mosby Elsevier 2006


• Hogan, D & Burntein J, Disaster Medicine, Second Edition, Lippincott 2007


• Antosia, R & Cahill, J, Handbook of bioterrorism and Disaster Medicine, Springer NY 2006

Journals
The following journals will help identify some of the common issues.

Websites
These websites will also be helpful sources of information that will assist you with location of information:

Students are expected to use the campus libraries but can also access the resources electronically through the blackboard site on the internet.

Texts
There is no prescribed text for this subject.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks in this unit apart from those associated with substantial computer-based work. Students should refer to the guidelines for safe work at VDUs contained in the SPH Guidelines to Students. Students should ensure that their workstations are adjusted in accordance with these.

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: 07-Nov-2012