Leader: Ms Andrea Wyatt

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2008 (Day)
Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Day)
Peninsula Summer semester A to Semester one 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

This preliminary unit will introduce the student to the underpinning pedagogical framework and themes of the Graduate Diploma. To aid familiarisation to a new practice environment, the role requirements and attributes of a MICA Paramedic as an interactive professional within an integrated system of Emergency Medical Services will be explored. Students will also have the opportunity to gain familiarity with their future work environment by participating in work place experience under the guidance of a university appointed MICA paramedic clinical instructor. Students are expected to use this opportunity to build on their understanding of the range of reactions that patients, family, and co-workers in the health system experience in response to sudden illness and injury. Essential underpinning knowledge base will be developed.

This unit will be offered in multimodal form using a combination of lectures, tutorials and self-directed learning materials. WebCT will be used to supplement face-to-face sessions and support on-line discussion groups to facilitate MUCAPS staff and student interaction in informal tutorials.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit the student should be able to:

1. Describe the theoretical models and themes that support the development of a MICA Paramedic as an interactive professional;
2. Relate the desired personal and professional attributes of a graduate of Monash University and a MICA Paramedic to their own professional practice;
3. Discuss the importance of MICA Paramedic practice being evidence based;
4. Discuss the process by which the MICA Paramedic practice and Clinical Practice Guidelines are developed;
5. Discuss the ethical and professional frameworks within which MICA Paramedics practice;
6. Describe the required knowledge base and scope of practice of a MICA Paramedic;
7. Identify the legislative and supportive frameworks that support the role of the MICA Paramedic;
8. Describe the social significance of health and illness within society;
9. Identify the reactions of patients and family to acute illness and injury within a range of cultural contexts;
10. Discuss the historical evolution of the MICA Paramedic within the integrated Emergency Medical Services environment.

Assessment

Assignment 70%, reflection on personal journal 30%.

Contact hours

62 hours comprising lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and clinical scenarios, self-directed learning materials and WebCT, 14 hours workplace experience, 80 hours independant work.