Units
Clinical Externship 9
Unit code: OPN364
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit introduces clinical optometric practice in real world clinical learning environment by clinical placement in optometric practices, ophthalmology practices and other health care settings. Through clinical practice, students will develop specific problem solving strategies in clinical practice, and develop problem specific examination techniques, reinforcing and refining clinical skills developed in the previous units. Students will take on increasing responsibility for clinical decision making and management, demonstrating beginning independence in decision making and problem solving. This unit additionally fosters the transition to professional practice by placing the student in the real world environment of optometry and ophthalmology practices.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to further develop clinical experience in optometric practice in a clinical primary health care setting in real world situations.
Objectives
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1. implement problem-specific eye examinations in a technically competent manner in optometric practice, addressing both primary care and specialist care in a real world environment
2. design and appraise 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 specialized field
- Professional knowledge and skills in a specialist area of practice
- Engagement in professional real world practice
- 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
Undergraduate capabilities addressed and reinforced withinhis unit include:
Content
You will participate in the provision of patient investigation, diagnosis and management in clinical settings outside the University, under the supervision of optometrists or ophthalmologists in private practices or other health care settings, to further develop skills in clinical investigation, differential diagnosis and management on a wider range of patients. You will be expected to undertake a significant role in determining appropriate problem specific examinations and develop treatment plans.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Clinical practice in the real world clinical environments under supervision of qualified and registered optometrists or ophthalmologists. Whilst this is done under supervision, you will be required to demonstrate progression towards the ability to act independently in provision of care and decision making.
Assessment
Formative assessment
Feedback will be regularly provided on your skill set development and knowledge base growth by you placement supervisors, as well as through case presentations and case discussions
Assessment name:
Demonstration
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:
60%
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:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Throughout semester
Assessment name:
Performance
Description:
Assignment:
Reflective journal on your analysis of patient care in a real world environment.
Relates to objectives:
2,3 and 5
Weight:
20%
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 clinical optometric practice on people from the general public who present as patients to optometry or ophthalmology practices. High standards of hygiene and safe practices are required. You are required to be proficient in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first-aid. Externship sites will identify their particular risk management protocols to you at commencement of externships
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
