MED6001

Community medicine

Professor J Murtagh

5-week rotation

Objectives On completion of this subject, students will have a sound understanding of the important and distinctive features of community-based medical practice in contrast to hospital-based practice, with emphasis on diagnostic and patient management issues; the concept of holistic care of patients and their families; the illness content of general practice; the early presentation of clinical illness and the influence of psychosocial factors on this; the role of the general practitioner in relation to other specialised medical personnel and other health professionals and the community resources used; the importance of health education in screening techniques and their application; the application of preventive measures in health care; the practice management skills required for effective general practice, including staff management; the contribution of interviewing and communication skills to patient management, emphasising potential for both positive and negative impact of these on the therapeutic process; the specific aspects of rural community practice.

Synopsis Five-week rotation including two weeks of attachment to a rural general practice, and one week to an urban clinical practice; problem-based, self-directed learning computer packages covering a full range of common presenting problems; communication skills tutorials utilising video feedback; written assignments focusing on diagnostic and management problems occurring in individuals and families in the community; rostered attendance at community service facilities relevant to medical practice in the community.

Assessment Continuous assessment: 20% · Written exam: 30% · OSCA: 50%

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