Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

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.

This will involve:

• Introduction to Disease state management
• Epidemiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease
• Chemistry of drugs used in cardiovascular disease
• Pharmacology of drugs used in cardiovascular disease
• Cardiovascular disease state management

Objectives

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Describe the epidemiology and concepts of disease state management of cardiovascular diseases including the concepts affecting the management of various types of patients (e.g. paediatric and geriatric patients).
2. Evaluate a patient's laboratory test results to assist with the diagnosis or management of disease.
3. Describe the normal function of the cardiovascular system and the signs and symptoms likely to be seen in patients with the disorders .
4. Recognise when referral for medical assessment is required with a particular emphasis on cardinal symptoms.
5. Relate modifications of physiological and molecular mechanisms to the observed disorder.
6. Describe the chemistry of the different types of drugs used to treat these disorders and the chemical and biological principals behind the development of a range of drugs used to treat these disorders.
7. Describe drug and non-drug therapy options for the management of cardiovascular disease and primary and secondary prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease.
8. Evaluate a patient's disease state, identify any drug therapy problems and recommend appropriate resolutions of those problems.
9. Formulate a medical management program for specific patients based on their medical, medication and psychosocial histories and laboratory test results.
10. Apply basic counselling strategies that optimize behavioural change support for patients with chronic conditions

Assessment

practical assessments: 15%; Assessment of self-directed learning: 15%; final exam (3 hour): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Kevin McNamara

Contact hours

36 1 hour lectures one 2 hour practical class and two 3 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/