PAC2412 - Integrated therapeutics: Introduction and cardiovascular

Leader(s): Dr Jennifer Marriott

Offered

Parkville Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides an introduction to disease state management. It will cover concepts that span the range of diseases such as issues related to the management of paediatric and geriatric patients and the use and interpretation of laboratory tests for diagnosis and monitoring. This unit provides a foundation of basic knowledge required for the diagnosis and management of patients with cardiovascular diseases. It will relate the pathophysiology of these disorders with the rational design and clinical use of drugs. The chemistry, pharmacology and clinical aspects of medications associated with each area are presented in detail in an integrated fashion. Drug therapy principles for particular conditions and patient groups will be emphasized enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to provide clinical pharmacy services within these areas. In particular, this unit will teach the chemistry, pharmacology and clinical applications of drugs used to treat disorders including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, cardiac dysrhythmias, dyslipidaemias, ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, thromboembolic disorders, angina and cardiomyopathy.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the concepts of disease state management;
2. Describe the major concepts affecting the management of various types of patients (e.g. paediatric and geriatric patients);
3. Evaluate a patient's laboratory test results to assist with the diagnosis or management of disease;
4. Describe the normal function of the cardiovascular system;
5. Describe the epidemiology of the cardiovascular diseases covered;
6. List any environmental or genetic factors which may affect the onset or progress of the disorders;
7. Describe the signs and symptoms likely to be seen in patients with the disorders;
8. Recognise when referral for medical assessment is required with a particular emphasis on cardinal symptoms;
9. Relate modifications of physiological and molecular mechanisms to the observed disorder;
10. Describe the chemistry of the different types of drugs used to treat these disorders;
11. Describe the structure activity relationships and pharmacology of the drugs used to treat these disorders;
12. Describe the chemical and biological principles behind the development of a range of drugs used to treat these disorders;
13. Describe drug and non-drug therapy options and complementary and alternative therapies for the management of cardiovascular disease;
14. Evaluate a patient's disease state and the use of appropriate medications;
15. Describe primary and secondary prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease;
16. Identify any drug therapy problems and recommend appropriate resolutions of those problems;
17. Formulate a medical management program for specific patients based on their medical, medication and psychosocial histories and laboratory.

Assessment

group case-based assignment: 10%; group assignment: 10%; on-line quizzes: 10%; final exam: 70%

Contact hours

36 1 hour lectures and six 2 hour practical classes

Prerequisites

PAC2171 Basis of drug action I

Co-requisites

PAC2182 Basis of drug action II

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.monash.edu.au/muso/support/