Undergraduate - UnitBEH1011 - Clinical concepts of paramedic practice

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

Synopsis

This unit explores the foundation of the paramedic clinician and introduces the roles expected of paramedics as clinicians. The unit will utilise a model of paramedic clinical competence as a framework to develop the foundations and skills of clinical approach, clinical problem solving, and clinical decision-making. The essential clinical skills will be developed in the clinical laboratory and simulation settings. A satisfactory level in all these essential clinical skills will be required before students can proceed with their course. The context of paramedic clinical practice will be provided by supervised clinical experience with emergency ambulance services.

Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate a standardised clinical approach to the assessment and care of patients in the community;
2. Develop and describe communication theories and models of relevance to paramedic practice;
3. Identify models of communication as they apply to language, interpersonal, non-verbal, intercultural and political context;
4. Recognise appropriate professional and teamwork behaviours in the health settings associated with this unit;
5. Describe the barriers to effective communication and patient assessment within paramedic practice and how emotions and culture can interfere with decision-making;
6. Reflect on their performance in the clinical setting to identify the internal and external factors influencing clinical decision making;
7. Demonstrate appropriate professional behaviours and provide peer review within simulated learning environments.

Assessment

Mid-semester test (1 hour)
Clinical portfolio (2000 words) Hurdle requirement
Written exam (2 hour)
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (Pass/Fail)

Hurdle requirements: To pass this unit the student must complete the clinical portfolio at the pass grade AND pass the written examination AND pass the Objective Structured Clinical Examination. 80% attendance at tutorials is mandatory to pass this unit.

Chief examiner(s)

Mr Brett Williams

Contact hours

6 hours per week involving lectures, tutorials, simulation, clinical laboratory and small group exercises.

Co-requisites

Must be enrolled in Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic) or the Bachelor of
Nursing/Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic)