BEH3021 - Paramedic management of health conditions at life stages

Leader: Ms Leanne Boyd

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit continues to develop the role of the paramedic as a clinician using the model of paramedic clinical competence developed in BEH2031. Foundation skills and knowledge developed in prerequisite units are employed to analyse and investigate the paramedic's role in the management of commonly encountered chronic, acute and life threatening clinical problems at various life stages. This unit will be case-based and will include clinical skills laboratory and simulation scenarios to develop essential clinical skills, clinical problem solving and decision making competencies. Field visits to selected community based facilities will provide a clinical context to the theoretical concepts.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit, the student will be able to: locate and evaluate the evidence-base that informs the paramedic management of acute health conditions at life stages; describe the epidemiology, population health, natural history, and pathophysiology related to acute and emergency health conditions at life stages commonly encountered in paramedic practice; describe the clinical highlights of selected acute health conditions at life stages commonly encountered in paramedic practice; discuss the lifespan implications of disability for individuals, their family and the community; analyse the cultural, legal and ethical issues related to death and organ donation across the lifespan; describe the changes that age and pre-existing health problems have on drug pharmacokinetics; using the model of paramedic clinical competence, demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the assessment and management of patients with selected acute and chronic health conditions at life stages; explain the range of potential behaviours of self, patients, their carers and bystanders in situations of acute health conditions at life stages in a sociological and culturally sensitive context; and demonstrate an understanding of the special features and trends in health systems relating to the prevention and management of injury and disease across the lifespan.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 40%
Written assignment (2000 words): 30%
Clinical education assignment: 30%

Contact hours

12 hours per week including contact time and private study, averaged over the 13 week semester - a total of 156 hours.

Prerequisites

BEH2041 or NUR1102

Co-requisites

Must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic)
or
Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic)