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

Alzheimer's disease accounts for about 70% of those diagnosed with dementia and is associated with protracted disability. In the absence of significant prevention or treatment strategies for dementia, it is likely that the prevalence of dementia will continue to increase in line with an ageing population.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to allow you to explore a range of health service delivery and community care issues associated with dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Articulate the hallmark cognitive, behavioural, functional and social changes that individuals diagnosed with dementia will experience and how to assess, and evaluate them across the trajectory of dementia;



2. Critically examine the evidence base for current theoretical and therapeutic approaches to working with people with dementia and their families;



3. Appreciate the rationale for a triad approach to care of the person with dementia, and their family and fundamental skills in negotiating support and care; and



4. Describe major initiatives in dementia research, education and consumer support.

Content

Major topics in this unit include:

• Introduction to dementia, diagnostics, aetiology, incidence prevalence and risk factors


• Impact on health care services


• Initiatives, policies and programs in place for dementia care


• Recognising and responding to changes in the individual with dementia


• The dementia trajectory


• Dementia related behaviours


• Person centred care


• Communication and compassion as the foundations of care giving


• Dementia related behaviours


• Nutritional (and swallowing) issues


• Depression, anxiety and dementia


• Current theories of dementia care


• Evidence base for interventions


• The caring triad: the person with dementia, their family and you


• Grief and loss issues


• Support services (government, medical, community)


• Research ethics, decisional capacity and the future of decision making.

Successfully completing this unit will contribute to your attainment of these graduate and Australian Nursing and Midwifery (ANMAC) capabilities:

• Access the knowledge and skills pertinent to your clinical practice


• Think critically, creatively and analytically


• Undertake effective problem solving


• Use effective communication in a variety of contexts and modes


• Work independently and collaboratively with colleagues in the health system


• Responsibly practice within a social and ethically responsible frame of reference


• Display characteristics of self-reliance and leadership in your nurse practitioner practice.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is delivered flexibly in both internal and external mode. You are encouraged to be engaged in your own learning and become independent thinkers about key issues in the study of dementia. Analysis of multiple information sources e.g. scholarly literature, case studies, personal accounts, interviews and assessment tools will be used. All students will receive a comprehensive study guide which directs them to selected readings on the unit's QUT Blackboard page and encourages engagement with the material, with their peers, teachers and in critical analysis.

Assessment

There are two assessments to be completed throughout the semester. Your assessments are designed to evaluate your knowledge and application of knowledge in stable and challenging situations.Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points. You will be provided with feedback on each assessment item as you progress through the unit. A structured approach to assessment and marking will be applied to provide you with detailed feedback on your progress.

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: This assessment involves an experience that you will be asked to describe and reflect on. You will be provided with a selection of materials to choose from - e.g. films, books, music, art, blogs, personal testimony - some created by persons with dementia or carers, some not. You will choose one item from the list to engage with.
Relates to objectives: 1-3.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Assessment Item 2. Essay
Description: This assessment will comprise a synthesis of the evidence base (state of the science) relating to your topic and include an identification of weaknesses and limitations in the evidence base and suggestions for further required research. You are not limited in your selection of a dementia-related topic and you will be assisted to refine your topic to be able to meet the requirements of the assignment.
Word Limit: 3000-3500.
Relates to objectives: 1-4.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

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

There is no set text for this unit. An extensive list of resources will be posted on the Blackboard page.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with 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: 21-Nov-2012