MFM1005 - Preventive care in clinical practice

Leader: Dr M Sewell

Offered

Clayton First semester 2007 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This elective covers the history and scope of prevention, the role of the GP: individual vs population, principles of behaviour change, stress management, risk assessment and evaluation of preventive strategies, prevention of cardiovascular disease, prevention of cancer, organising the practice, osteoporosis and prevention in the elderly and community resources and organisations.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Trace the history and scope of preventive medicine and appreciate the important role of public health organisations in provision of health education and health promotion;
2. Define the differences between the population/public health approach to prevention and the individual/high risk approach, and the potential role for the GP in both these domains;
3. Exercise the skills necessary to evaluate and critically appraise health promotion strategies within the practice and the community;
4. Understand the principles of behaviour change and how to apply these in the consulting room;
5. Appreciate the place of stress management in facilitating lifestyle change as well as preventing a range of clinical disorders;
6. Understand the importance of preventative care in several clinical areas, e.g. cardiovascular disease, cancer, women's health and the elderly;
7. Recognise the importance of practice organisation in facilitating preventive care;
8. Apply the knowledge and skills gained in this unit to successfully carry out medical audits which may result in implementing changes to the way you practice prevention;
9. To enhance your role as a health educator in your community.

Assessment

Essay (25%), Clinical Audit 1 (25%), Clinical Audit 2 (25%), Journal (25%)