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

This unit completes clinical optometric practice in the primary care area within the Optometry Clinic of the School of Optometry. Through clinical practice, students will exhibit specific problem solving strategies in clinical practice, and problem specific examination techniques, illustrating a consolidation and integration of their theoretical knowledge base and clinical skills developed through the previous units. Students will demonstrate significant responsibility for clinical decision making and management, demonstrating independence in decision making and problem solving as final preparation for their 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 a level commensurate with that of an independent primary health care practitioner.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, the student will be able to:
1. plan, implement and appraise problem specific examination strategies
2. formulate, review and revise treatment and management plans for patients
3. identify and differentially diagnose visual disorders
4. provide effective advice to, and counseling of, patients
5. apply effective communication skills in a range of situations

Postgraduate capabilities addressed in this unit include:

• Advanced knowledge and understanding in optometric practice


• Professional knowledge and skills in optometric practice


• Mastery of clinical skills commensurate with entry level practice


• Ability to act independently

Graduate capabilities additionally reinforced 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 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 demonstrate your ability to assume the primary role in patient care, and illustrate your readiness to practice without supervision in the health care environment as a primary care practitioner

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 independence, and in a summative way toward the end of the unit.

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. Main emphasis is placed on clinical diagnostic and management skills in this final clinical practice unit, with the expectation that you will display the primary role.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5
Weight: 70%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout semester

Assessment name: Presentation
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, evaluating these against the scientific base of clinical practice.
Relates to objectives: 2,3 and 5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout 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 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