Leader: A/Prof R King

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Clayton Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This elective covers the following: introduction-the nature of the problem, the need for medication, history, the pharmaceutical industry, philosophy, marketing, assessment of rational prescribing, theoretical pharmacology, clinical pharmacology, prescribing in practice specific clinical problems, safe prescribing in special categories, methods of improving prescribing - formal medication review, education, sources of information and their evaluation, regulation, limited lists, prescribed drug dependence, doctor pharmacist relations, science and legal issues, drug trials and the future of clinical pharmacology.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Recognise the context of therapeutics today, with regard to its historical development and its relationship to government and industry;
2. Recognise the psychosocial issues involved in the prescription of medicine;
3. Analyse and select the most appropriate therapy for any particular diagnostic situation, using specific criteria;
4. Apply the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to clinical situations;
5. Discuss the factors involved in patient compliance;
6. Critically appraise different forms of drug information, including promotional items;
7. Conduct a patient medication review;
8. Conduct an audit of prescribing; and
9. Apply the knowledge and skills gained in this unit to implement changes in their practice.

Assessment

Assignment 1 (25%)
Assignment 2 (25%)
Assignment 3 (20%)
Assignment 4 (30%)