Postgraduate - UnitPOM5002 - Acute perioperative medicine

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

Synopsis

The focus of this unit is for the participant to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills in managing the trauma patient in the acute setting, as well as the chronic patient with an acute exacerbation of their disease.
It will focus on strategies to improve the outcome for these patients.
Participants will gain practical knowledge of airway management, ventilation strategies and circulatory support strategies.

Outcomes

1. Diagnose and treat patients with a range of chronic medical diseases, with a focus on the perioperative period.
2. Identify the patient who may require acute airway management and apply basic airway management principles to maintain and secure the airway.
3. Explain various ventilation strategies that assist in improving respiratory outcomes in the acute trauma patient, as well as the patient with chronic lung disease.
4. List and justify the rationale for using various fluids (including blood products) to maintain circulatory and nutritional support.
5. Explain the pathophysiological mechanisms that occur to a patient in the setting of acute trauma. This includes neurotrauma, chest and abdominal trauma, as well as burns trauma. Correlate these with the patient's clinical signs and symptoms.
6. Competently examine the respiratory patient and formulate a perioperative management plan.
7. Discuss issues relating to retirueval of the acutely ill patient.
8. With appropriate collaboration formulate and effectively execute/deliverly a defensible/appropriate management plan for an acutely unwell patient

Assessment

Four short answer questions (500 words each= 2 points)
Online case discussions (10x 400 words=4 points)
Group case discussions on block days and airway simulation= 6 points

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Paul Myles

Contact hours

24 hours per week