PHR2042 - Comprehensive Care: Endocrinology and Renal - 2019

This unit provides the knowledge and skills required for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of patients with various endocrine and renal conditions. Specifically, the unit will cover endocrine diseases and disorders/conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, as well as chronic kidney disease. The management of women's health will also be covered with an emphasis on contraception and pregnancy. This unit will relate the pathophysiology and epidemiology of these conditions with the rational design and clinical use of medicines. The chemistry, pharmacology, disposition, and clinical and therapeutic aspects of medicines associated with each condition are presented in an integrated fashion. This unit will involve the development of pharmacy relevant skills such as critical thinking and oral and written communication skills. Drug therapy principles for treating endocrine and renal conditions will be emphasised, enabling students to acquire the skills necessary to optimise patient outcomes in different cultural and clinical settings.

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

1. Describe the normal functions of endocrine systems and the kidney, and how they are affected by disease
2. Describe the epidemiology and clinical aspects of disease state management for endocrine and renal conditions, including primary and secondary prevention strategies
3. Describe the signs and symptoms, and diagnostic methods relevant to endocrine and renal conditions
4. Explain the chemistry and pharmacological mechanism of action of drugs used in treatment of endocrine and renal conditions, and predict how this leads to the treatment of these conditions and possible side effects
5. Evaluate a patient's endocrine and/or renal condition(s) and create an appropriate care plan which applies established clinical guidelines and a comprehensive clinical review of potential drug-related problems
6. Evaluate and justify when referral for medical assessment is required, with a particular emphasis on symptoms indicative of referral
7. Reflect on their communication and counselling skills with respect to the provision of medicines used for endocrine and renal conditions
8. Apply counselling strategies that provide support and optimise behavioural change for patients with endocrine and renal conditions
9. Using a multidisciplinary healthcare team approach, develop and articulate appropriate clinical and communication strategies to treat endocrine and renal conditions

Final examination 50%; in-semester assessment 50%

• Seventy-two hours of independent study
• Twenty-four hours of pre-learning activities (up to 4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• Twenty-four hours of active learning lectures (4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• Twenty-four hours of small group classes including assessment (4 hours per week for 6 weeks)
• One 2-hour written examination

See also Unit timetable information

https://www.monash.edu/pharm/students/undergrad/course-information/bpharm