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 further allows 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 the primary responsibility for clinical decision making and management, demonstrating independence in decision making and problem solving. This unit further consolidates the students 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 in real world situations and to develop independently acting practitioners with diagnostic and problem solving skills commensurate with entry level professional practice.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1. conduct problem-specific eye examinations in a proficent manner in optometric practice, demonstrating independence in thought and action
2. synthesise clinical information to create treatment and management plans for patients under your care
3. identify and differentially diagnose visual disorders
4. display effective communication skills in patient care situations and in dealing with health professionals and support staff

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

Undergraduate capabilities are further reinforced in this unit including:

• 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

  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 the primary role in determining appropriate problem specific examinations and develop treatment plans as the final step in development as a primary health care practitioner.

  Approaches to Teaching and Learning

  Clinical practice in the real world clinical environments under supervision of qualified and registered optometrists or ophthalmologists.

  Assessment

  Formative assessment:
  Feedback on your readiness to assume a primary health care role will be given throughout your clinical placement.

  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 to 5
  Weight: 70%
  Internal or external: Internal
  Group or individual: Individual
  Due date: Throughout semester
  

  Assessment name: Reflective Journal
  Description: Reflective journal on your analysis of patient care in a real world environment, with analysis of applications of knowledge gained throughout the course and its relevance to real world practice.
  Relates to objectives: 2, 3 and 5
  Weight: 30%
  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 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