Leader: Professor Peter Cameron & B Gabbe

Offered

Alfred Hospital Second semester 2008 (On-campus block of classes)

Synopsis

Epidemiology of injury in Australia and Victoria and data and research that underpins current knowledge of major causes, risk factors and vulnerable population groups. Current initiatives (both government and non-government) to address major injury problems in Victoria, including a creative and critical focus on effective countermeasures, prevention programs, strategies and evaluation.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. understand the philosophies, principles and practices of injury prevention including:
1. basic definitions
2. the sources and shortcomings of injury data and the analyses useful for the development of prevention efforts
3. the epidemiology of injury in Australia and Victoria and government (health policy and program) and non-government responses
4. the research methods used to define and illuminate the nature and extent of injury problems and to evaluate injury prevention interventions, including their strengths and weaknesses
5. the predominant framework for countermeasure and strategy selection and methods of delivery
6. issues in evaluation;
2. understand how these are variously applied to different injury problems and in different settings (for example, road, sports, farm and home);
3. analyse a dataset for the purpose of guiding an injury prevention intervention;
4. confidently research and plan an injury prevention intervention and evaluation, which will include a critical appraisal of available countermeasures;
5. confidently lead a group discussion, report back on a workshop and present an issue to the class.

Assessment

Written assignments
Oral presentation

Contact hours

5 day intensive block.