Chiropractic Sciences 1 - History and Physical Examination Skills
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
Chiropractic Sciences 1 – History and Physical Examination Skills introduces students to the chiropractic clinical examination through medical history and general health indicators such as vital signs. The cultural appropriateness of the process of history taking and clinical practices will be explored with a focus on acknowledging how systemic issues have contributed to and continue to impact on the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Students will begin developing examination skills for the musculoskeletal system, head, chest, and abdomen and demonstrate the development of culturally responsive care Clinical reasoning is a focus of this unit and students are encouraged to begin articulating their clinical thinking in relation to important health indicators acknowledging socio-cultural factors. Chiropractic clinical observations are followed by group discussions and reflections to further enhance clinical reasoning. Students will also be required to complete 32 hours of observational placement. These hours will be completed across the semester.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Exhibit foundational skills and knowledge in obtaining and interpreting health and social histories in a culturally sensitive manner;
- Illustrate foundational skills and knowledge in safely conducting general physical examinations, gaining informed consent and interpreting examination results;
- Exemplify developing culturally responsive health care practice, with particular reference to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; and
- Reflect on a range of factors influencing on patient health and one’s own clinical reasoning.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Practical Demonstration | Grade: 20%
Case history - analysis and demonstration – 15 minutes
Assessment type: Practical Demonstration | Grade: 50%
Simulated case (history and physical examination) - 30 minutes (Hurdle)
Assessment type: Portfolio | Grade: 30%
Logbook of completed placement hours and reflection on learning and placement experience – 1000 words (Hurdle)
In the first assessment – case history, students will be required to demonstrate their awareness of the importance of culturally sensitive history taking, with particular reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The simulated case (history and physical examination) is a hurdle requirement for this unit. Students must pass this assessment, as it evaluates student competency in clinical skills essential for safe practice. In completing the simulated case, students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of the needs of diverse populations and delivery of culturally responsive care. The portfolio assessment will form part of an ongoing reflection of learning and placement experience which will occur in other units within the course.
To gain an overall pass in this unit students must attend a minimum of 80% of lab classes and complete all required placement hours. Lab and placement attendance is required to ensure the development of knowledge, competency and safety in practical clinical skills.
Required reading
Readings for this unit will be available on VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):