Monash University

Leader(s): Ms Andrea Wyatt

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2009 (Day)
Peninsula Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will cover the theoretical underpinnings required to develop in the student an
appropriate level of knowledge, understanding and skill related to the management of
patients with chest pain. Specific topics include cardiac anatomy and physiology, the
natural history of ischaemic heart disease, cardiovascular pathology, interpretation of
electrocardiographic rhythms and waveforms and pharmacology of drugs used in the
treatment of acute myocardial infarction. This unit also provides the student with
supervised hospital clinical placements.

Objectives

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

1. describe the structure and function of the heart through the application of their

knowledge of normal cardiac anatomy and physiology;

2. describe the natural history of ischaemic heart disease and cardiovascular pathology

related to acute myocardial infarction;

3. interpret common electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythms and waveforms;
4. recall the pharmacology of relevant drugs used in the emergency management of

cardiac conditions;

5. integrate the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the management of cardiac

emergencies in 'real time' work simulation using a clinical problem solving and
clinical decision making model;

6. describe the benefits of pre-hospital advanced cardiac life support and the related role of the MICA Paramedic;
7. discuss the epidemiology of cardiac disease;
8. describe the role of coronary care units in the management of patients with

emergency cardiac conditions;

9. discuss how community emergency health practitioners might relate to and coordinate

with hospital coronary care units;

10. demonstrate the characteristics of an interactional professional within the context

of managing patients with cardiac emergencies; and

11. implement evidence-based practice to the management of emergency cardiac

conditions.

Assessment

Examinations (75%)
Advanced cardiac life support simulation (25%)
Professional development assessment (Pass/Fail)

Contact hours

104 comprising lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and clinical scenarios, self-directed learning materials and WebCT, 20 hours supervised hospital clinical practice, 32 hours independent work;

Prerequisites

This unit is only available to students sponsored by Ambulance Victoria, and the
Alfred Hospital Emergency and Trauma Centre, or other industry sponsored
students.