6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL
Postgraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit
Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Unit guides
Co-requisites
Must be enrolled in one of the following course codes: 3876, 3877, 3878, M6015
Synopsis
This unit aims to extend the knowledge of students as it relates to the foundation principles of pharmacology and clinical toxicology.
Specifically, students will be challenged to integrate the fundamental concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics as the basis for devising pharmacotherapeutic regimes as an advanced care practitioner.
Clinical decision pathways for patients will be explored using the contemporary evidence base to support and justify management plans, whilst incorporating available drug options for advanced care practitioners.
Students will be required to evaluate and justify their clinical decisions utilising a risk/benefit framework as the basis for formulating pharmacotherapeutic treatment regimes for patients.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to;
- Apply the principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and clinical toxicology to clinical practice
- Distinguish between the indications, actions, adverse reactions and contraindications for commonly prescribed medications in the advanced care paramedic environment;
- Formulate appropriate clinical decisions as they relate to pharmacotherapy within the advanced care paramedic context;
- Devise and communicate an appropriate education strategy for patients, based on their individual medication/drug regimes factoring in social and political influences on drug use;
- Identify and select appropriate medication regimes for specific clinical conditions in the pre-hospital advanced care clinical environment;
- Evaluate the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities associated with prescription and administration of drugs/medications in the paramedic's jurisdiction
Assessment
- Concept Map Series (20%)
- 4 x Evidence Based Practice Forums (10% each, 40% overall)
- Final Exam (MCQ, SAQ) (2 hours) (40%) (hurdle)
Off-campus attendance requirements
Students will be expected to complete at least 6 hours of distance education directed learning and a minimum of 6 hours of private study and self-directed learning per week.