Students will apply their skills as practically and culturally safe clinicians. They will build on and consolidate their theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained from previous units, in relation to complex yet commonly experienced patient conditions. Topics of interest will include cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and endocrine conditions, using contemporary and evidence-based best practice. The unit will focus on pre-hospital assessment and management of these patients, through to hospital procedures. This includes pathophysiology, the safe use of pharmacotherapies and incorporating relevant aspects of the National Safety and Quality Health Service standards. Students are encouraged to participate in effective written and verbal communication and critical, self-reflection throughout the unit, to allow for continued student development.

Unit details

Location:
St Albans
Study level:
Undergraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
HFB2117

Prerequisites

HFB1213 - Paramedic Clinical Practice 2

HFB2121 - Paramedic Clinical Science 1 (Medical Emergencies 1)

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Articulate and demonstrate competency in safely assessing and managing patients with a range of complex conditions;  
  2. Demonstrate the correct administration, usage and analysis of cardiac monitoring devices;  
  3. Articulate and demonstrate the mechanism of action and the safe and correct management of appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological agents, including evaluation of use and outcomes; and  
  4. Develop evidence-based clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills through a case-based learning approach.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Portfolio Clinical Workbook Pass/Fail
Practicum OSCE - Skills (30mins) Pass/Fail
Practicum Self-directed Learning Pass/Fail
Practicum OSCE - Scenario (30mins) Pass/Fail
Knowledge, skills and values developed in this unit will be assessed through a knowledge test, skills Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), SDL and a scenario OSCE. Throughout SDL the observation of satisfactory skill performance in accordance with the HBPD skills matrix, is required. To obtain a Pass grade, all components of assessment must be attempted and skills and values developed in this unit will be assessed through a knowledge test, skills Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), SDL and a scenario OSCE. Throughout SDL the observation of satisfactory skill performance in accordance with the HBPD skills matrix, is required. All components of assessment must be attempted and passed. This ensures students can demonstrate evidence of safe practice, including medication management. Additionally, clinical practical (laboratory) classes require mandatory attendance of at least 80% attendance, except under extenuating circumstances. This is due to the unit containing a significant competency component, enabling students to acquire and demonstrate essential skills to meet threshold graduate capabilities for a paramedic graduate (VU Standards for Assessment Procedure (HE) Policy clause 25, 26, 29).

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As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following courses. Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course.

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