Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Obstetric and paediatric emergencies represent an important component of emergency ambulance practice. However these patient care groups are specialised in respect of their physiological and anatomical variances. There is also an additional emotional burden surrounding the management of these patients which will need to be given consideration. The growing aging population has also placed an added burden on emergency services and the management of these patients will be discussed.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop clinical management skills and underpinning knowledge of patients with normal and abnormal obstetric presentations and a broad range of emergent and life threatening paediatric clinical problems. The unit will build on the other paramedic clinical subjects in reviewing the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the elderly patient by reviewing their medical, social and environmental needs. In addition to this, the student will develop clinical reasoning skills which underpin the management of these groups of patients.

Objectives

On the successful completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate:
1. An understanding of national and international epidemiology of obstetric and paediatric morbidity and mortality.
2. An understanding of preventative strategies of paediatric emergencies.
3. Clinical skills and appropriate paramedic management strategies for paediatric and obstetric patients including those patients suffering severe illness and injury.
4. Knowledge of integrated and definitive care for paediatric and obstetric patients and those patients suffering behavioural emergencies.
5. Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology relating to obstetric and paediatric emergencies.
6. Identify the medical, social and environmental needs relating to the geriatric patient in the out of hospital setting.
7. Identify the emergency health trends in the elderly population ad discuss contemporary out of hospital management relating to trends.

Content

1. Obstetric emergencies
2. Paediatric emergencies
3. Management of the elderly patient including assessment of the patient's medical, social and environmental needs.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

On Campus:
Core theory will be presented by QAS and QUT personnel, and visiting medical specialists all of whom are experts in the topic areas. Your learning will be assisted by:

• Lectures and tutorials;


• Small group activities using problem based learning (PBL) strategies;


• Clinical practical skills will be developed with the support of experienced clinical educators;


• Simulation and scenario based activities will allow you to transfer knowledge, skills and clinical problem solving skills into the simulated clinical environment.


• On-line problem based scenarios

Assessment

Formative Assessment:
On Campus
This will involve the completion of on-line problem based scenarios that are designed to assist you with the development of clinical decision making skills including drug and fluid administration.
Regular opportunities will be made available for you to practice your clinical skills in both supervised (weekly clinical sessions) and unsupervised settings. You will have to demonstrate a satisfactory level of competence in all skills practiced in this unit.Feedback will be provided during tutorial and formative assessments of skills by your tutors.

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Case study
Relates to objectives: 6-7
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Week 8

Assessment name: Examination (practical)
Description: Objective Based Clinical Examination

You will be required to demonstrate an understanding of patient care in a simulated environment such as a skill station and/or in a Viva Voce.
Relates to objectives: 1-7
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: A variety of multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.
Relates to objectives: 1-7
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

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

Required Textbooks:

Sanders' Paramedic Textbook. Gregory P, Ward A, editors. London: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2010.

• This text will be utilised throughout the course.

Gregory P, Mursell I. Manual of Clinical Paramedic Procedures. Chicester: John Wiley and Sons Ltd; 2010.

• This text will be utilised throughout the course.

Queensland Ambulance Service. Obstetrics, gynaecology and neonatal paediatrics. (Lecturer will provide details on version required) ed. Brisbane: Queensland Ambulance Service.

Queensland Ambulance Service. Clinical Practice Manual. Brisbane: Queensland Ambulance Service; (Lecturer will provide details on current version required).

Queensland Ambulance Service. ACP Pocket Book. Brisbane: Queensland Ambulance Service; (Lecturer will provide details on version required).

Queensland Ambulance Service. Drug Therapy Protocols. Brisbane: Queensland Ambulance Service; (Lecturer will provide details on current version required).

Recommended Text:

Cameron P, Jelinek G, Kelly A-M, Murray L, Brown AF. Textbook of adult emergency medicine. 3rd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2009.

• This text is recommended and is utilised for this and other paramedic subjects.

Equipment and personal protective clothing:

The following equipment is required:

• Stethoscope;


• Watch with second hand or display.

A5 ring binder and plastic inserts - students will be required to compile a living reference of current prehospital skill sheets, drug therapy protocols and clinical guidelines based on QAS practice. This resource will be required at every tutorial.

Personal protective equipment will be available as required during tutorials.

Risk assessment statement

The role of student paramedic can be hazardous. You will be required to undertake simulated exercises as part of your practice and Appraisal/Evaluation. This will involve exposure to medical sharps, defibrillators and may involve lifting. Before commencing this unit you should review and practise the industry occupational health and safety guidelines that protect qualified staff and students in day-to-day practice.

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: 24-Oct-2012