CSB601 Introduction to Clinical Therapeutics for Health

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

Health practitioners play a variety of roles in relation to drug therapy for improved health outcomes in patients. Depending on your scope of practice with patients you care for, you might prescribe, dispense, administer or review and evaluate the effects of medicines. In order to assume these roles and responsibilities consistent with clinical, professional, organisational and legislative requirements, knowledge of the pharmacology, clinical therapeutics and the principles of Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) must inform the health practitioner's medication decision-making. This unit forms a foundation for further clinical practice and will draw upon and expand your knowledge of body systems, physiology and disease processes that was taught in previous units.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of basic drug actions (pharmacology), pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts, and drug interactions in the context of patient care for improved health outcomes i.e. clinical therapeutics.
2. Source and apply up-to-date pharmacotherapeutic and clinical knowledge from key evidence-based resources.
3. Apply knowledge of safe, effective, appropriate and judicious use of medicines to promote QUM as an individual health practitioner, and in interprofessional healthcare teams.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is delivered in a flexible blended learning mode, with all teaching and learning activities delivered online. A range of interactive activities will provide context to online content and further develop your knowledge in clinical therapeutics, its underpinning elements and  principles of QUM, and to develop your skills in using evidence-based resources.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Assessment is spaced throughout semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on learning. A structured approach to assessment and marking will be applied to provide you with detailed feedback on your progress. Self and Peer assessment feedback is provided via an online anonymous survey, following group submission of the Assessment 2 case study.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment is designed to measure your achievement of the unit learning outcomes. There are three assessment items in this unit, each build upon the other through your learning journey in this unit.  All assessment items contribute to your final mark and grade. Assessment 1 tests basic knowledge of theory in short online quiz questions. Assessment 2 involves your ability to effectively collaborate in a group, demonstrate your knowledge of theory, use your research skills and your ability to problem-solve your group's patient case study. Assessment 3 evaluates your knowledge and understanding of learning objectives across the entire unit in an on campus in person invigilated MCQ Theory Exam, including MCQ patient case scenarios.

The unit may use online web based text matching software that assists students to develop the academic skills required to correctly use and cite reference material as well as to check citations to determine and avoid possible instances of plagiarism.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Quiz

Two online quizzes will assess your ability to source and apply knowledge from key evidence-based resources; and your knowledge and understanding of safe, effective, appropriate and judicious use of medicines to promote QUM, basic drug actions (pharmacology), pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts, and drug interactions, in the context of patient care.

Assessment: Patient Assessment

You will research and identify any actual/potential medication issues and create an interprofessional plan to solve these issues using a selected framework that assesses the safe, effective, appropriate and judicious treatment within a comprehensive approach of the patient case to provide an action plan. This assists you to promote QUM in the context of patient care, both as an individual health practitioner, and also as part of an interprofessional healthcare team.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Examination

This invigilated on campus in person theory exam will assess your knowledge and understanding of safe, effective, appropriate and judicious use of medicines to promote QUM, basic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts, and drug actions and interactions, in the context of patient care for improved health outcomes. The questions are all Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) format.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

MIMS Online [Internet]. St Leonards (AU): MIMS Australia Pty Ltd; current edition.

Rossi S, editor. Australian Medicines Handbook [Internet]. Adelaide (AU): Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd; current edition.

eTG complete [Internet]. Melbourne (AU): Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; current editions.

Recommended text(s)

Bryant B, Knights K. Pharmacology for Health Professionals. Elsevier Health Sciences; Current edition.

Neal, M.J. Medical Pharmacology at a Glance. West Sussex (UK): Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd. current edition.

Waller DG, Sampson T, Renwick AG, Hillier K. Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Edinburgh (UK) Elsevier UK Ltd; current edition.

Other

To enable your full participation in the virtual learning environment, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required.

Risk Assessment Statement

It is recommended that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work, and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

If distressed by issues explored in this unit, you should approach staff or consult the University counselling service.
There are no other out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus. More information on health and safety can be obtained from https://qutvirtual4.qut.edu.au/group/student/health-and-wellbeing/health-safety-and-environment

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Registered Nurse Standards for Practice

1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice.

1. The RN accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality practice
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
2. The RN complies with legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination

3: Maintains the capability for practice.

1. The RN considers and responds in a timely manner to the health and wellbeing of self and others in relation to the capability for practice
   Relates to: Patient Assessment
2. The RN uses a lifelong learning approach for continuing professional development of self and others
   Relates to: Patient Assessment

4: Comprehensively conducts assessments.

1. The RN conducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate
   Relates to: Quiz, Examination

5: Develops a plan for nursing practice.

1. The RN uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
   Relates to: Quiz, Examination

6: Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice.

1. The RN uses the appropriate processes to identify and report potential and actual risk related system issues and where practice may be below the expected standards.
   Relates to: Quiz, Examination

Course Learning Outcomes

CS43 Bachelor of Paramedic Science

1. Apply scientific knowledge and skills from paramedicine and related disciplines that focus on the needs and holistic care of the individual.
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
2. Perform reflective and safe evidence-based paramedic practice, that informs clinical decision-making across diverse paramedic care settings.
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
3. Access, evaluate, and utilise digital health information that informs holistic paramedic care and assists in intra- and inter-professional communication and clinical decision-making.
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
4. Develop and apply critical thinking and clinical reasoning and evaluation skills, that promote and achieve person-centred care.
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
5. Practice and promote the qualities of ethical conduct, social inclusivity, reflexivity and reflection, and bearing responsibility for risk management and quality assurance across a range of community settings.
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment

CS47 Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

1. Understand and apply knowledge of the health care consumer: person-centred care promoting wellness, person and societal good, prevention of poor health outcomes and harm, treating disease.
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
2. Demonstrate expertise in knowledge of medicines, including knowledge of the drug substance and drug action: sources, properties and actions of medicinal substances.
   Relates to: ULO1, Quiz, Examination
3. Understand and apply knowledge of health care systems and wider contexts, including legal, ethical, professional frameworks and economic systems and work in interprofessional teams.
   Relates to: ULO3, Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
4. Promote and advocate for cultural safety, respect and responsiveness, particularly in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
   Relates to: ULO3, Patient Assessment
5. Demonstrate quality use of medicines including actions and recommendations for safe, rational and cost-effective use and management, prescribing, and medication reviews.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
6. Demonstrate skills as a role model, facilitator and/or mentor.
   Relates to: ULO3
7. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in research and inquiry through questioning and critique, appreciating the complexity and ambiguity of professional practice, using research processes and synthesis to disseminate and apply outcomes in practice.
   Relates to: Patient Assessment

NS42 Bachelor of Nursing

1. Apply scientific knowledge and skills from nursing and related disciplines to the provision of safe, person-centred, evidence-based nursing care across the lifespan
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
2. Apply critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and digital literacy skills to make evidence- based decisions and evaluate outcomes
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
3. Enact and sustain effective communication skills, therapeutic relationships, and professional capabilities to practice independently and in inter and intra professional teams, to ensure safe, person-centred care
   Relates to: Patient Assessment

NS89 Master of Nursing - Entry to Practice

1. Analyse and apply scientific knowledge and skills in context of nursing and related disciplines to the provision of holistic, person-centred, evidence-based nursing across the life span
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
2. Evaluate practice outcomes drawing upon critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to examine person-centred nursing care and make evidence-based decisions
   Relates to: Quiz, Patient Assessment, Examination
3. Enact and sustain effective communication skills, therapeutic relationships and professional capabilities to practice independently and in inter and intraprofessional teams, to ensure safe person-centred care
   Relates to: Patient Assessment