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

This unit continues clinical practice in the specialist areas of binocular vision, paediatric optometry and vision rehabilitation to broaden their clinical experience. Through clinical practice in these areas, students will refine their specific problem solving strategies for these areas of clinical practice, and develop problem specific examination techniques, reinforcing and refining clinical skills developed in the previous units in these areas. Specialist Clinical Practice in contact lenses is continued from the previous semester (Specialist Clinic 8)

Aims

The aim of this unit is to further develop clinical experience in optometric practice in a clinical primary health care setting in specialist areas of optometric practice (contact lens practice, binocular vision and vision rehabilitation)

Objectives

On completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
1. implement problem-specific eye examinations in a technically competent manner in areas of specialist optometric practice
2. formulate and revise 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 specialized fields of practice


• Professional knowledge and skills in a specialist area of practice


Undergraduate capabilities re-addressed in this unit include:

• knowledge and practical skills pertinent to the practice 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


• characteristics of self-reliance

Content

This unit continues 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 differentially diagnose binocular vision disorders and develop management and treatment plans for binocular disorders. You will be continue to provide 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. In this second unit of specialist clinical practice you will be expected to take on an increasingly self reliant role in managing patients, reducing your reliance on the supervisor.

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. Your input as the health care provider is expected to increase, taking on a more self reliant role as initial preparation for transition to professional practice.

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 progression towards independent practice and your continued progress in developing differential diagnostic and management skills will occur through clinical practice sessions and case based 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 not previously assessed in a patient centred environment
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. Greater emphasis is placed on clinical diagnostic and management skills in this later clinical practice unit, with the expectation that you will take on the primary role.
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 appraisal of your investigation and management of the patient.
Relates to objectives: 2,3 and 4
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of semester


Academic Honesty

Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.

Resource materials

TBA

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Risk assessment statement

This unit will involve practice of clinical techniques 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: 07-Oct-2011