Paramedic Clinical Practice 5

Unit code: HFB3134 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
St Albans
Prerequisites
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

This unit will allow students the opportunity to apply their skills as practically and culturally safe clinicians. Students will have the opportunity to apply, integrate, consolidate and extend their theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained from earlier years, in relation to complex yet commonly experienced patient conditions. This unit will further student knowledge and understanding of airway and respiratory conditions, obstetric and newborn patients and advanced cardiology, using contemporary and evidence-based best practice. The unit will focus on safe, evidence-based 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 safe and 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:

  1. Describe and demonstrate competency in safely assessing and managing patients with a range of complex conditions;
  2. Analyse and interpret advanced ECG’s including the aetiology, clinical significance and pre-hospital management;
  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. Justify evidence-based clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills through a case-based learning approach.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Test – Multiple Choice & Short Answer Questions (60 mins)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
OSCE – Skills (30 mins)
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
Self-directed Learning
Assessment type:
|
Grade:
OSCE – Scenario (45 mins)

Knowledge, skills and values developed in this unit will be assessed through a knowledge test containing multiple choice and short answer questions, skills assessed within an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and within Self Directed Learning (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 passed. This ensures students can demonstrate evidence of safe practice, including medication management. Additionally, laboratory (clinical practical) 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: Cameron, P., Little, M., Mitra, B., & Deasy, C. (Eds.). (2019). Textbook of adult emergency medicine (5th ed.). Elsevier. Curtis, K., Ramsden, C., Shaban, R., Fry, M., & Considine, J. (Eds.). (2019). Emergency and trauma care for nurses and paramedics (3rd ed.). Elsevier. Inglis, D., & Kenneally, J. (Eds.). (2021). Clinical skills for paramedic practice. Elsevier. Wesley, K. (2022). Huszar's ECG and 12-lead interpretation (6th ed.). Elsevier.

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):

Bachelor of Paramedicine
HBPD | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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