Clinical Practice 3
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
HFB2002 - Medical Emergencies 1; and
HFB2003 - Medical Emergencies 2; or
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
In this unit, students will apply clinical skills relevant to paramedicine and demonstrate culturally safe practice. 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.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Articulate and demonstrate competency in safely assessing and managing patients with a range of complex conditions;
- Demonstrate the correct administration, usage and analysis of cardiac monitoring devices;
- 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
- Develop evidence-based clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills through a case-based learning approach.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Test | Grade: Pass/Fail
Test (3 tests consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions. 1 hour each)
Assessment type: Practicum | Grade: Pass/Fail
Self-directed Learning with skills sign-off
Assessment type: Practicum | Grade: Pass/Fail
OSCE - Scenario (45mins)
Knowledge, skills and values developed in this unit will be assessed through a clinical workbook knowledge test, self-directed learning (SDL) with skills assessment and a scenario OSCE. All three assessment items must be passed to pass this unit. Satisfactory completion of the self-directed learning skills sign-off assessment piece requires all assessed skills to be successfully demonstrated within an SDL session. This demonstrates competency of skills relevant to 2nd year of the HBPD skills matrix and supports safe student engagement with future clinical placement in the emergency health sector. 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).
Required reading
RECOMMENDED TEXTS : Curtis, K., Ramsden, C., Shaban, R., Fry, M. & Considine, J. (2019). Emergency and trauma care for nurses and paramedics. 3rd edition. Elsevier. Cameron, P., Little, M., Biswadev, M. & Deasy, C. (2019). Textbook of emergency medicine. 5th edition. Elsevier. Wesley, K. (2016). Huszar's Basic Dysrhythmias and Acute Coronary Syndromes. 6th edition. Elsevier. Inglis, D., & Kenneally, J. (2020). Clinical skills for paramedic practice ANZ 1st Edition Tintinalli, J.E., Ma, J., Yealy, D.M., Meckler, G.D., Stapczynski, S., Cline, D.M., & Thomas, S. J. (2020). Tintinalli’s emergency medicine: A comprehensive study guide, 9th ed.
Suggested further readings will be made via VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):