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 optometric practice in the primary care area within the Optometry Clinic of the School of Optometry. Through further clinical practice, students will refine specific problem solving strategies in clinical practice, and problem specific examination techniques, reinforcing and refining clinical skills developed in the previous units. Students will take on a greater responsibility for clinical decision making and management, demonstrating early independence and responsibility in decision making and problem solving, beginning the transition to professional practice.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to further develop clinical experience in optometric practice in a clinical primary health care setting, to increase the necessary skill base in developing independent practitioners.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1. design and implement problem-specific eye examinations in a technically competent manner in optometric practice
2. formulate and revise treatment and management plans for patients under your care
3. differentially diagnose 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 clinical practice
· Professional knowledge and skills

Undergraduate capabilities reinforced by 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 encompasses patient care in primary care optometry, including clinical problem solving and clinical decision making; the differential diagnosis of vision disorders; the development of management and treatment plans in vision disorders; spectacle and lens dispensing; case management; intra- and inter-professional communication and referral; and communication with patients. You will be expected to increase your responsibility for the patient, placing less reliance on the input of the clinical supervisor, and demonstrate development of initial independence and responsibility .

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Clinical practice in the primary care clinic under supervision of qualified and registered optometrists. Clinical practice 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.

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 will be provided during clinical practice sessions on your patient management and decision making, and this will be reinforced through case 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 5
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

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: 07-Oct-2011