Monash University

Leader(s): Ms Andrea Wyatt

Offered

Peninsula First semester 2009 (Day)
Peninsula Second semester 2009 (Day)
Peninsula Summer semester A 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 provision of
emergency care to the obstetric patient and the paediatric and neonatal population. The student's previous clinical experience is used as the basis for identifying key differences in the advanced life support measures appropriate to the management of obstetric complications or the pregnant patient who has experienced physical trauma or is suffering from a medical emergency..

Objectives

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

1. demonstrate the skills and knowledge to manage obstetric emergencies and care for the pregnant patient who has experienced physical trauma or is suffering from a

medical emergency;

2. relate the pathophysiology of common paediatric conditions to the identification of

those with the potential to result in an emergency presentation;

3. recall the pharmacology of relevant drugs used in the emergency management of

the paediatric and obstetric conditions;

4. demonstrate the clinical skills required to manage paediatric emergencies;
5. integrate the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills to the management of

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

6. discuss the psychological and physiological responses of children to illness and

injury;

7. identify the common patterns of paediatric and obstetric injury and related

emergency management;

8. discuss the epidemiology of paediatric and obstetric conditions;
9. describe the ongoing management of patients with emergency obstetric or paediatric conditions;
10. discuss how community emergency health practitioners might relate to and coordinate with hospital paediatric critical care units and maternity departments;
11. demonstrate the characteristics of an interactional professional within the context

of managing patients with paediatric and obstetric emergencies; and

12. implement evidence-base practice to the management of emergency paediatric and obstetric conditions.

Assessment

Examinations (75%)
Paediatric and obstetric emergencies simulation (25%)
Professional development (Pass/Fail)

Contact hours

104 hours comprising lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and clinical scenarios, self-directed learning materials and WebCT; 20 hours supervised hospital clinical practice in a paediatric intensive care unit and paediatric operating theatre; and 32 hours including reading, research, preparation of assessments.

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.