Undergraduate - UnitBEH2131 - Paramedic management of cardiovascular conditions

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Synopsis

This unit continues to develop the role of the paramedic as a clinician by extending clinical examination and decision making skills that were introduced in previous clinical units. The unit covers commonly encountered chronic, acute, and life threatening cardiovascular problems across the lifespan. The unit will be case based, and will include clinical skills laboratories and simulation to develop essential clinical skills, clinical problem solving and decision making competencies. The scope of the unit includes the development of skills needed to provide general health care as well as care at an advanced life support level.

Outcomes

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

1. Describe the epidemiology, population health, pathology and clinical manifestations of acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions commonly encountered in paramedic practice across the lifespan;
2. Locate and evaluate evidence that informs paramedic care for patients with cardiovascular conditions;
3. Demonstrate systematic patient assessment and formulation of a statement describing the individual's alteration in health status;
4. Demonstrate the planning and implementation of care and accurately document and communicate the care provided;
5. Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration with patients, families and other members of the multidisciplinary health care team;
6. Evaluate the appropriateness and efficacy of care in relation to the special needs of patients across the lifespan and the needs of patients, family and carers from Indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds;
7. Relate the pharmacology of drugs used by paramedics for the management of cardiovascular conditions to drug indications and actions;
8. Reflect on the diagnostic reasoning, clinical problem solving and clinical decision making processes that influence the care of patients with cardiovascular conditions in order to evaluate and justify management decisions and identify threats to patient safety;
9. Describe the special features and trends in the Australian health system relating to prevention and management of cardiovascular disease;
10. Demonstrate appropriate professional behaviours and provide peer review within simulated learning environments.

Assessment

Mid semester test 1 (1 hour): 20%
Clinical Portfolio: 30% - Hurdle requirement
Written examination (2 hours): 50%
Case simulation (30 minutes): pass/fail (hurdle)

Chief examiner(s)

Brett Williams

Contact hours

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

Prerequisites

BEH1102