CSB353 Risk Management and Disposition of the Undifferentiated Patient

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

The unit explores multi-factorial and complex cases, where a clear provisional diagnosis in the paramedic care setting is improbable. Using a case-based learning approach and a mixture of medical/surgical cases (genitourinary, gastrointestinal, metabolic, haematological, non-traumatic musculoskeletal and infectious disease) this unit will explore the undifferentiated presentation, risk assessment and disposition planning. While completing this, students will apply knowledge of history taking, physical examination, clinical reasoning, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, social determinants of health and other biopsychosocial factors that impact health, risk, disposition planning and outcomes. 

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Evaluate the prevention, epidemiology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, pharmacology, management, definitive care and prognosis for patients with common and serious acute and sub-acute clinical presentations.
2. Appraise the impact of personal and professional limitations as well as cognitive biases on the delivery of reflexive and contemporary healthcare.
3. Assess biomedical ambiguity as well as socioeconomic and health system factors to formulate and perform risk assessment, risk stratification and disposition planning to patient presentations in a variety of care settings applicable to paramedic practice.
4. Investigate the principles of safety and risk reduction through evidence informed management plans which examine the social determinants impacting healthcare outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
5. Critique management planning in relation to professional and healthcare standards, to ensure safe and coordinated care in a range of complex clinical situations.

Content

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will learn by engaging with an array of case-based learning activities, online learning modules and group activities. 

The unit will develop your capacity for inquiry, critical thought and analysis, clinical problem solving, and teamwork through an emphasis on case-based learning, collaborative learning and communication. Sharing and applying the knowledge gained as collaborative learners builds confidence while developing interpersonal and professional communication skills. Formative online quizzes will give you feedback on your grasp of the knowledge.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback is provided in the following ways:

• Opportunity to recieve formative feedback exist during all learning activities.
• Verbal, formative feedback is provided during and after clinical simulation activities.
• In addition to the assessment marking rubrics, specific feedback is provided on summative assessment items.
• General feedback on summative assessments is provided during learning activities and/or via Canvas.

Assessment

Overview

There are two assessments to be completed as part of this subject.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Portfolio

A series of increasingly complex case studies will be presented. You will be required to develop an evidence-informed, patient centric and culturally inclusive management plan and disposition or discharge plan for each patient. This will assess your knowledge, critical thinking, risk assessment, clinical management and disposition planning of the undifferentiated presentation. Your management plan should be underpinned by national safety and quality health service standards and professional capabilities of the registered paramedic.

Assessment: Examination (Practical)

As a newly graduated paramedic, you'll be tasked with responding to a case-based scenario. Here, you'll apply your knowledge of the undifferentiated patient to design a management plan, showcasing your skill and commitment to patient-centered care, while considering effective risk management, discharge planning and safety netting where appropriate. Following the case-based scenario imagine you are debriefing with a clinical team leader; you will justify your management with consideration of your professional and personal limitations and the role and necessity of clinical consultation in the circumstances of clinical ambiguity. 

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

Risk Assessment Statement

The role of a student paramedic can be hazardous. There is regular exposure to body fluids, medical sharps and defibrillators. During the on campus phase the risk is minimised and only simulated exercises are conducted. While undertaking this unit you should review the industry Occupational Health and Safety guidelines that protect qualified staff and students in day-to-day practice.

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: Portfolio, Examination (Practical)
2. Perform reflective and safe evidence-based paramedic practice, that informs clinical decision-making across diverse paramedic care settings.
   Relates to: Portfolio, Examination (Practical)
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: Examination (Practical)
4. Develop and apply critical thinking and clinical reasoning and evaluation skills, that promote and achieve person-centred care.
   Relates to: Portfolio
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: Examination (Practical)
6. Practice within a framework of human rights and cultural safety, acknowledging intersectionality, and the inalienable right to culture, values, and beliefs.
   Relates to: Portfolio
7. Communicate appropriately and with sensitivity to all persons, their families, carers, interprofessional teams and community leaders, to professional standards, both independently and collaboratively, to ensure safe and coordinated care, based on consensual agreement.
   Relates to: Portfolio