VCW1111

Alternative therapies ( 3 points, SCA Band 3, 0.063 EFTSL)

Leader: Robyn Wright

Offered:
Parkville First semester 2005 (OCL)
Parkville Second semester 2005 (OCL)

Synopsis: An increasing number of people are turning to alternative therapies to improve the condition of their health and quality of life. Although alternative therapists administer many of these therapies such as biomechanical devices, light therapy, laser treatment, electrical stimulation, hyperbaric treatment, systemic herbal treatment, an increasing number of healthcare professionals are compelled to administer/dispense these products. This subject will provide the participant with the necessary knowledge and skills to make sound clinical judgement regarding the use and benefit of alternative therapies in the healing process of wounds

Objectives: At the completion of this unit students will be able to: 1. Identify a number of alternative therapies in wound management; 2. Describe the mechanism of action for each modality; 3. Determine the plausibility of therapies with no proven mechanism of action; 4. Describe the level of evidence to support the use of each modality; 5. Describe wound types or conditions that may be suitable for various modalities; and 6. Critically evaluate other modalities not described in this module based on the level of evidence and plausibility of the mechanism of action.

Assessment: Minor assignment (40%), Major assignment (1500 words)(60%)