CQUniversity Unit Profile
PMSC12003 Special Populations in Paramedic Practice
Special Populations in Paramedic Practice
All details in this unit profile for PMSC12003 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

You will develop an understanding of the need to adapt paramedic practice for special populations. At the completion of this unit you will be able to effectively integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to manage the treatment of the obstetric, neonate, paediatric, and elderly patients. Knowledge and skills will be developed through a series of coursework and practical exercises. You will be required to have access to a computer to make frequent use of internet resources and attend a residential school to promote development of unit learning outcomes.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

PMSC12001 Procedures and Skills in Paramedic Care PMSC12004 Advanced Electrophysiology and Coronary Care

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2018

Cairns
Distance
Rockhampton
Townsville

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Residential Schools

This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 30%
2. Practical Assessment
Weighting: 70%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Moodle Feedback

Feedback

Lectures need updating

Recommendation

Update paediatric and geriatric lectures

Feedback from Moodle Feedback

Feedback

Obstetric Scenarios were informative and interesting

Recommendation

Keep the live/interactive lectures, could include experts in the field. Could look at making the other populations live lectures as well

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Explain the major anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and their clinical relevance
  2. Explain the anatomical and physiological differences in paediatric and geriatric patients and their clinical relevance
  3. Function safely and competently, drawing on theoretical and technical knowledge for the management and care of obstetric, paediatric and geriatric patients
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30%
2 - Practical Assessment - 70%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30%
2 - Practical Assessment - 70%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Supplementary

Emergency and Trauma Care for Nurses and Paramedics

Edition: 2nd (2015)
Authors: Curtis & Ramsden
Elsevier
Sydney Sydney , NSW , Australia
Binding: Paperback
Supplementary

PMSC12003 Special Populations in Paramedic Practice

Edition: 1st (2012)
Authors: Richard Beebe and Jeffrey C. Myers
Cengaga Learning Australia
New York New York , USA
Binding: Paperback

Additional Textbook Information

The primary textbook that will be used for this unit is "Emergency and Trauma Care for Nurses and Paramedics." The other textbook is not required and will be used as an additional resource.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Ashley Denham Unit Coordinator
a.denham@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Normal Pregnancy.

Normal Childbirth.


Chapter

PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 2 Extract 3 & Extract 5.

Curtis & Ramsden Chapter 35.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture in Townsville (scheduled to be recorded for Distance Students). Web-based resources.

Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Complications of Pregnancy.

Complications of Childbirth.

Chapter

PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 2 - Extract 4.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture in Townsville (scheduled to be recorded for Distance Students). Web-based resources. Pre-Recorded lectures.

Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Care of the Normal Newborn.

Special Considerations in Neonatology.

Paediatrics Overview.

Chapter

PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Extract 6.

PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 2, Extract 7.

Curtis & Ramsden Chapter 36.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Lecture in Townsville (scheduled to be recorded for Distance Students). Web-based resources. Pre-Recorded lectures.

Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Jul 2018

Module/Topic

Assessment of a Stable Child.

The Critically Ill Child.

Chapter

PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 3 Extract 8 & Extract 9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Web-based resources. Pre-Recorded lectures.

Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Paediatric Medical Emergencies.

Chapter

PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 3 Extract 10.

Curtis & Ramsden Chapter 36.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Web-based resources. Pre-Recorded lectures.


Quiz 1 Due Friday 10th August 11:55pm.

Vacation Week Begin Date: 13 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Paediatric Trauma.

Child Abuse or Neglect.

Chapter

Curtis & Ramsden Chapter 40.

PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 3 Extract 11.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Web-based resources. Pre-Recorded lectures

Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Geriatrics.

Chapter

PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 4 Extract 12.

Curtis & Ramsden Chapter 39.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Web-based resources. Pre-Recorded lectures

Week 8 Begin Date: 03 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Geriatrics.

Death & Dying.

Elder Abuse.

Chapter

PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 4 Extract 12.

Curtis & Ramsden Chapter 53, p. 1382 - 1384.

Curtis & Ramsden Chapter 40.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Web-based resources. Pre-Recorded lectures


Quiz 2 Due Friday 7th September 11:55pm.

Week 9 Begin Date: 10 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Patients with Special Challenges.


Death & Dying in Special Circumstances.

Chapter

PMSC12003 Special Populations Text Book - Part 4 Extract 3.

Curtis & Ramsden Chapter 5 and Chapter 38.

Curtis & Ramsden Chapter 53.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Web-based resources. Pre-Recorded lectures

Week 10 Begin Date: 17 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Revision.

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic


Week 11 Begin Date: 24 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 3 Due Friday 28th September 11:55pm.


Topic Quiz. Due: Week 11 Friday (28 Sept 2018) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Report Due Friday 5th October 11:55pm.


OSCE & Scenario Report. Due: Week 12 Friday (5 Oct 2018) 11:55 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Topic Quiz.

Task Description

You will complete three (3) separate online quizzes. Each quiz may consist of multiple choice questions, True/False, Sequence questions and/or Short Answer questions, exploring content included in the unit (such as but not limited to, lecture materials, online modules, links & required readings).

Content for the quizzes is based on previous weeks’ topics (as detailed in the schedule) and will test your ability to explain the major anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and their clinical relevance; and explain the anatomical and physiological differences in paediatric and geriatric patients and their clinical relevance.

QUIZ ONE: Available from the 27th July 2018. DUE Friday 10th August 2018 2355hrs.

QUIZ TWO: Available from the 24th August 2018. DUE 7th September 2018 2355hrs.

QUIZ THREE: Available from the 14th September 2018. DUE 28th September 2018 2355hrs. 


Number of Quizzes

3


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (28 Sept 2018) 11:55 pm AEST

Quiz One: DUE 10/08/2018; Quiz Two: DUE 07/09/2018; Quiz Three: DUE 28/09/2018.


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (5 Oct 2018)

Students will receive feedback via the Moodle Website within 2 weeks post completion.


Weighting
30%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

There are three quizzes, each quiz is worth 10%. Marks are awarded if a question is answered correctly and the total marks are tallied after each quiz has been attempted. Non-attempts will score a zero mark.

Quizzes are open-book, so the use of Clinical Practice Guidelines, book chapters and journal articles etc. are allowed. Please take note that this is an individual assessment. Collaboration is not allowed and may lead to disciplinary action.

Each quiz will have a specific time limit imposed to complete the quiz.

In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no opportunity to complete the task after the due date, and there will be no opportunity to apply a late penalty of five percent per day. Quizzes may not be re-attempted.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the major anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and their clinical relevance
  • Explain the anatomical and physiological differences in paediatric and geriatric patients and their clinical relevance


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
OSCE & Scenario Report.

Task Description

There are two parts to this assessment item:

PART A: OSCE (30%)

PART B: Scenario Report (40%)

You must achieve a passing mark of at least 50% for both sections (A & B) to be eligible to pass this assessment item.

PART A: OSCE

This is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which will be conducted at the Residential School. There will be four (4) OSCE stations, each designed to assess your knowledge and practical skills acquired during this unit.

§ There will be three (3) short case OSCE stations. You will be allocated 10mins per station, with a mix of station types and competencies tested.

Some examples of these stations are:

· Voice Viva.

· Fill in the blanks.

· Quiz.

· Mini Scenario.

Each short case OSCE will be worth 5% individually towards the total percentage mark for the unit.

§ There will also be one (1) long case OSCE station. You will be allocated 20mins to complete the assessment. The long case OSCE will be delivered in the format of a structured scenario, looking at the following areas:

· Patient assessment and history taking.

· Evidence gathering and patient treatment.

· Implementation of interventions, procedures and skills.

· Overall patient and scene management.

The long case OSCE will be worth 15% towards the total percentage mark for this unit.

Feedback for the Short and Long cases will be provided AFTER the residential and there may be an opportunity given to re-sit one of the assessments during the residential. Further information will be given to students upon arrival at the residential school.

You have to complete and achieve a pass mark of 50% for this assessment item to pass the unit.

PART B: SCENARIO REPORT

You are required to develop a scenario based on a condition specific to either of the three populations that this course is based on (obstetrics, geriatrics and paediatrics).

You will be required to provide a description of the following criteria within the scenario:

  • Assessor Information- Stating goals of scenario and outcomes.
  • Dispatch details.
  • Case History/Overview.
  • Patient complaint and background history.
  • Current signs and symptoms.
  • The patient’s physical findings and discuss the pathophysiological processes that are causing them.
  • List possible pertinent negatives and why they are relevant.
  • Provide a provisional diagnosis and at least two differential diagnosis with justification.
  • Develop management pathways, including treatment and pharmacological therapy.
  • Include in your management pathway:

o Correct management and subsequent vital sign survey.

o Incorrect management and subsequent vital sign survey.


An exemplar will be provided to you on the course Moodle page.

The report will be worth 40% towards the total percentage mark for this unit.

You have to complete and achieve a pass mark of 50% for this assessment item to pass the unit.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (5 Oct 2018) 11:55 pm AEST

The Practical Assessment will take place during the Residential School.


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (19 Oct 2018)

2 weeks post Residential School and Submission of Report.


Weighting
70%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

The Assessment Rubric will be provided on the unit Moodle page.

Critical errors in this unit will be classed as anything that causes immediate harm to yourself, partner, patient or bystanders and/or any procedure that is performed outside the scope of practice.

During any form of practical assessment, if any of the following critical errors are witnessed the assessment will immediately cease and no marks will be given for that item:

Unsafe defibrillation.

Incorrect joules delivered to the patient.

Defibrillation of an unshockable rhythm.

Failure to recognise a shockable rhythm.

No or incomplete drug check.

Incorrect sharps disposal.

Performing a skill and/or procedure outside the scope of practice taught to you in PMSC12001 (2018) and PMSC12003 (2018).


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Explain the major anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and their clinical relevance
  • Explain the anatomical and physiological differences in paediatric and geriatric patients and their clinical relevance
  • Function safely and competently, drawing on theoretical and technical knowledge for the management and care of obstetric, paediatric and geriatric patients


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Technology Competence

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?