Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

The rising life expectancy of the Australian community is associated with an increased prevalence of various forms of dementia. Dementia is characterised by the progressive destruction of organic brain tissue, eventually resulting in the complete loss of a person's cognitive and functional abilities, and eventually in death. Whilst the palliative care needs of people with terminal malignancy are well-recognised in Australia, people dying of non-malignant diseases such as dementia might not receive the same level of care. This situation can be addressed by educating health care practitioners to take on this specialised role, and to work collaboratively within an inter-disciplinary team. This unit is designed to promote competence, confidence and capability in health care practitioners who care for clients with severe dementia and their families. This care is highly-specialised and requires learners to engage in analysis, synthesis and application of evidence-based research in order to provide optimal clinical management of a range of physical conditions associated with severe dementia; as well as psychological and emotional support to the person dying from dementia, and their family. Additionally, because dementia may affect individuals from all groups in the community, an understanding of cultural safety for clients with dementia and their families, for example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, will also be explored.

Aims

The aim of this course is to enable you to develop and/or enhance your knowledge and clinical skills in order to provide evidence-based care for an individual with severe dementia, and their family.

Objectives

On completion of the course it is expected that you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a palliative approach for those people with severe dementia.



2. Describe the clinical features of severe dementia, common physical care problems and the role of inter-disciplinary team members in caring for individuals with severe dementia.



3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of strategies to facilitate communication with families regarding the trajectory of severe dementia.



4. Integrate evidenced-based practice and ethico-legal principles to selected problems in the care individuals with severe dementia.



5. Reflect critically on your learning with regard to caring for individuals with severe dementia and their families.

Content

The modules that make up the content this unit are as follows: Contextualising palliative care; the trajectory of severe dementia; promoting the physical care and quality of life for the person with severe dementia and promoting a positive culture of care.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

A variety of approaches will be used to encourage a broad understanding of the practice concepts associated with the unit. You will be encouraged to think critically about key issues through analysis of literature, case studies and assessment items. A range of flexible approaches will be used for students studying by internal mode, which may include lectures, seminars and on-line inter-active tutorials. External students will receive a Study Guide on Blackboard that includes a program of selected readings and student learning activities. On-line discussion groups are also available.

Assessment

There are two assessment items specified in this unit, including the development of a workplace resource that can be presented in a variety of media forms. Each student will confirm with the unit coordinator of their chosen topic and media type by due date specified in the unit document.Assessment items are spaced throughout the semester to provide an opportunity for feedback on your learning at key points as you progress through the unit. A structured approach to grading that provides detailed feedback will be used.

Assessment name: Critical Analysis
Description: You are required to critique a scholarly article related specifically to a palliative care approach and dementia care. Length: 1,500 - 2,000 words.
Relates to objectives: 1-5.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Workplace-based supp. resource
Description: This assignment consists of two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A, comprising approximately 1500 words, forms a background paper that explicates your choice of topic for resource development. Part A is weighted at 30%. Part B (2000-2500 words) comprises the education resource developed from this background paper. Part B is weighted at 20%. The total weighting of this assessment is 50%. The topic of this assignment is negotiated between you and your Unit Coordinator. This will ensure it reflects your professional background and current area of interest. Length: maximum of 3,000-3,500 words.
Relates to objectives: 1-4.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

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

Readings and other resources will be posted on Blackboard.

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: 05-Jul-2012