PAC4451 - Integrated therapeutics: Dermatology and pain - 2018

This unit aims to provide the foundations for the:

• Management of dermatological conditions to ensure optimal treatment for patients.
• Management of pain arising from a variety of sources and to ensure optimal treatment for patients
• Management of musculoskeletal disorders - rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis arthritis and gout.

The unit also integrates detailed information concerning chemistry and pharmacology with the clinical aspects of medications associated with dermatology, pain management and various musculoskeletal disorders.

Drug therapy principles for particular conditions and patient groups will be emphasized enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to provide clinical pharmacy services within these areas.

Students will perform a number of tasks that will help foster the development of critical thinking and oral and written communication skills, leadership and teamwork.

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

1. Describe the pathophysiology of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions;
2. Compare the structural features and mechanism of action of the various classes of drugs used in the management of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions;
3. Describe and compare the structure-activity relationships of drugs used in the management of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions ;
4. Explain the pharmacology of the drugs used in the management of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions;
5. Debate the clinical utility and deficits of a therapeutic substance used for the control of pain
6. Describe how pain is detected and explain the pathways that transmit pain signals to the brain and their modulation by therapeutic substances;
7. Explain what is current best practice for the management of dermatological disorders, as well as pain and musculoskeletal conditions (including drug and non-drug therapies), with an emphasis on the role of the pharmacist.
8. Identify and categorise the usual symptoms of pain and a range of musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions encountered in the pharmacy and be able to determine when the patient requires referral to a medical practitioner.
9. Evaluate and critically analyse simulated patient information together with any associated treatment regimes, to develop appropriate recommendations for therapy to optimise health outcomes.

Final exam: 60%; workshops: 10%; problem-based exercises: 30%.

Contact hours for on-campus students:

• Thirty 1-hour lectures
• Two 2-hour workshops

See also Unit timetable information

http://www.monash.edu/pharm/current/