Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives In this subject students are expected to understand the lifestyle challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, and chronic mental or physical illnesses; examine the services and support that are necessary to promote home based management of these challenges; explore the issues that affect funding and provision of services for these individuals across the lifespan; demonstrate increased interpersonal, teaching and care planning skills by creatively and expertly catering for the needs of individuals and groups in these situations; develop an awareness of the need for, and management of, interdisciplinary interventions; expand knowledge and understanding of ethical and legal questions in health care provision; examine the nurse's role in rehabilitation and palliative care.
Synopsis The impact of chronic health impairment on individuals and families. Social, psychological, economic and cultural factors which contribute to chronic health impairment. Chronicity both from an epidemiological and experiential perspective. The subject aims to foster an awareness that the home is the primary centre of care for individuals who experience chronic illness. The unique function of the nurse in caring for individuals and families. Developing and promoting the creative use of rehabilitation, palliative and community services. The life situation of individuals with physical and intellectual disability. The subject is taught by lectures, lecture/demonstration, tutorials and nursing skills laboratories, using the exploration of concepts central to nursing as the organising principle. Attendance at nursing skills laboratories is mandatory. Application of theory and skills will be facilitated by the use of scenarios and learning packages. Clinical practice as a teaching and learning method will be arranged at intervals throughout the subject. The student will encounter individuals with chronic health impairment both in the community and in the acute hospital setting by rotating through a range of placements. Attendance at clinical practice is mandatory. The student is expected to demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge and skills in order to deliver care safely in the clinical setting. Where a student's skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate access to the clinical component of the subject will be denied.
Assessment Written (2000 words): 50% + Project (2500 words): 50% + Lab/Clinical assessment: pass/fail + Successful completion of the subject requires a pass in the theoretical examination + Participation in debriefing and documentation of care in the clinical setting form part of the assessment in clinical + Students must demonstrate proficiency in nursing practice in order to complete the subject successfully + Students who do not pass the clinical component are deemed to have failed the subject