Course Title: Introduction to Clinical Practice

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Clinical Practice

Credit Points: 12.00

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COTH2123	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	150H Health Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2006, Sem 2 2007, Sem 2 2008, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 2 2011, Sem 2 2012

Course Coordinator: Suzi Mansu

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 7318

Course Coordinator Email: suzi.mansu@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 202.4.45

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

You must have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite course

Chinese Materia Medica & Formulae 2
Acupuncture Techniques

or equivalent before you commence this course.

Alternatively you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course. Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. For further information go to: www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit/he

Note it is a condition of enrolment at RMIT that you accept responsibility for ensuring that you have completed the prerequisite/s and agree to concurrently enrol in co-requisite courses before enrolling in a course.
For your information the RMIT Course Requisites policy can be found at: www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=twx09y07zi1c
 

Course Description

Introduction to Clinical Practice is one-semester course that will introduce students to the practice of Chinese medicine. It will cover clinical observations, case studies and introduction to ethics and Australian health system. This course will prepare the students for their future clinical practicum courses.

In clinical observation, students will have students will observe consultation and treatment of patients carried out by the senior students in the teaching clinic. Through observation and case studies, the students will have the opportunity to develop technical and analytical skills and the ability to analyse information obtained through the four diagnostic techniques. By gathering, analysing and presenting cases, the student will also develop the abilities to differentiate syndromes and to communicate.

An Introduction to ethics will encompass the basic principles of ethics that will be relevant to students once they start to treat patients in the teaching clinic. Issues such as patient’s autonomy and professionalism will be covered in this course. The public health system component will cover the basic aspects of public health from national level to individual patient level.
 

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Graduate Capabilities
The capabilities that are developed through the program in which you are enrolled are described in the Program Guide. This course contributes to the development of the following capabilities:
C1 provide specialised health care within a patient-centred, evidence-based framework
C2 gather clinical information to make accurate differential diagnoses, assessment and management plans, and carry out effective treatment
C3 practice as a competent health care professional in a safe, ethical and legally responsible manner
C4 demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in the provision of specialised health care
C5 communicate effectively in a range of forms (written, online, oral) and with diverse audiences (patients, community/public, agencies and health professionals)
C6 work independently and in teams, specifically to lead and contribute to inter-professional care partnerships
C8 understand the historical development of the profession, its ethos, organisation and philosophical foundations.

Upon successfully completion of the course your should be able to

From observing a real patient case history taken, come up with a diagnosis the condition in terms of Chinese medicine, formulate a treatment plan and carry out appropriate Chinese medicine treatment. - observe senior practicing students, assist in the history taking, formulation of the diagnosis, treatment using Chinese Herbal medicine and acupuncture and treatment plan of patients in the teaching clinic.

- write up a comprehensive case and a short case report.
- write upa referral letter
- communicate with other disciplines of practice
- understand various mental health conditions and how to approach patients with emotional or suicidal thoughts
- understand your own emotions in relation to clinical practice
- demonstrate an appreciation of the Australian Health Care System
- demonstrate an understanding of the registration requirements and legislation of Chinese Medicine
- assist in the management of the herbal dispensary and dispensing herbal formulations.
- demonstrate familiarity with the procedures and requirements of the teaching clinic especially in reference to privilege and responsibilities of a health professional including ethical concerns and code of conduct
- interact with the patient in a therapeutic health care setting.

Overview of Learning Activities

The course comprises a mixture of lectures, tutorials, practice, clinical practicum and self-directed learning. You are strongly advised to attend and participate in all teaching sessions.Practice learning activities will be provided in a variety of ways including simulated learning activities.
Supervised practical sessions are extremely important for your mastery of various modalities of Chinese medicine.

Overview of Learning Resources

The learning resources associated with this course will include targeted readings taken from a range of both primary and secondary sources. Tutorial and practice guide information included in the lecture notes will assist you to organise the practical sessions. All material to be chosen will be digitally available to students. Lecture material will be delivered via Lectopia, discussion board interaction and Blackboard Collaborate (formerly Elluminate) workshops.
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.
 

Overview of Assessment

You are expected to attend 95% of the clinical practicum. Students must pass the Clinical Entry Examination component of the assessments to pass the course. Assessments are designed to require students to demonstrate a critical analysis of the core principles presented in the course
and ability to apply these in a clinical setting.

The assessment associated with this course will comprise a formative and summative assessment and incorporate a logbook, case presentation, and entrance exam. You must pass the Clinical Entry Examination component of the assessments to pass the course. 
It may also include use of online technology in the form of a critically reflective online journal or blog.For information on grades used in RMIT courses see: www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=yhbhsddxqou9#ID=yhbhsddxqou9

Assessment completed in the first half of the semester will provide feedback on your progress. Ongoing feedback on your skills will be provided from peers and staff.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
This course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document Assessment policies and procedures manual, at:
www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ln1kd66y87rc