Overview
This unit will enable you to complete detailed clinical assessments and examination of cardiac patients, focusing on the use of 12-lead electrocardiograms as a diagnostic tool in emergency care. You will study the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of a range of cardiac and cardiorespiratory conditions, including acute coronary syndromes, cardiac failure, and cardiac arrest. Practical coronary care skills such as defibrillation and 12 lead ECG acquisition will be taught in this unit. Problem-based case management and clinical interventions are practised in the high-fidelity simulation environment during the residential school, allowing you to contextualise your knowledge of coronary care in preparation for decision-supported thrombolysis in paramedic practice.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite - PMSC11002 and BMSC11002 Co-requisite - PMSC12001
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 1 - 2018
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.
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
Assessment Overview
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.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
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 Student evaluations
Quality of some of the exemplar ECG's used were not of a high quality
The quality of the exemplar ECG's used in this unit were superior to those that would be experienced on road. An ongoing process of continued review will be implemented in relation to all exemplar material.
Feedback from Self reflection & Student Feedback
Peerwise assessment task
Assessment tasks will be reviewed and consideration will be given to using Peerwise as a formative assessment next year.
- Apply evidence-based knowledge of pathophysiology to differentiate between a broad range of cardiorespiratory conditions
- Accurately interpret ECGs to diagnose coronary conditions including dysrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes
- Integrate comprehensive knowledge of current evidence-based practice to articulate and/or undertake clinical assessment, skills and interventions in the management of cardiorespiratory conditions.
Justification for this unit is strongly influenced by industry feedback on first CQUniversity graduate paramedics. By increasing the paramedic-specific focus of this unit the graduates will be better prepared for independent on-road practice without additional educational support from the ambulance services.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 50% | |||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 0% | |||
| 3 - Examination - 50% | |||
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 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Examination - 50% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Huszar's ECG and 12-Lead Interpretation
5th Edition (2017)
Authors: Keith Wesley
Elsevier
St Louis St Louis , Missouri , USA
ISBN: 978-0-323-35575-9
Binding: Paperback
The 12-Lead ECG in Acute Coronary Syndromes
3rd Edition (2012)
Authors: Tim Phelan; Barbara Aehlert
Elsevier
Maryland Heights Maryland Heights , Missouri , USA
ISBN: 978-9-323-08063-7
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Access to University Library System
- Access to Zoom
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.
l.triffett@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Anatomy & Physiology review, ECG basics, Resuscitation and Defibrillation review.
Chapter
Prescribed Text - Chapter 1-4
| Supplementary Text - Chapter 1 |
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
12 Lead ECG Introduction
Chapter
Prescribed Text - Chapter 12
| Supplementary Text Chapter 2 & 3 |
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Sinus & Atrial Rhythms
Chapter
Prescribed text - Chapter 5, 6 & 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Clinical Discussion Topic One Due 23rd March
Module/Topic
Junctional & Ventricular Rhythms
Chapter
Prescribed text - Chapter 7, 8 & 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Atrioventricular Blocks & Bundle Branch Blocks
Chapter
Prescribed text - Chapter 9, 11 & 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Clinical Discussion Topic Two Due 6th April
Module/Topic
Break Week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Coronary Heart Disease & Acute Coronary Syndrome Part 1
Chapter
Prescribed text - Chapter 15,16 & 17
Supplementary Text Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Clinical Discussion Topic Three Due 20th April
Module/Topic
Coronary Heart Disease & Acute Coronary Syndrome Part 1
Chapter
Prescribed text - Chapter 15,16 & 17
Supplementary Text Chapter 5, 6, & 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Other ECG findings
Chapter
Prescribed text - Chapter 14
Events and Submissions/Topic
Clinical Discussion Topic Four Due 4th May
Module/Topic
Congenital Heart Defects
Chapter
Nil reading from prescribed text this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Self orientated unit revision
Residential School Prep
Chapter
Prescribed text - Appendix B & C
Events and Submissions/Topic
Cairns Residential School Starts 20th May
Clinical Discussion Topic Five Due 18th May
Module/Topic
Self-orientated unit revision
Residential School Prep
Chapter
Prescribed text - Appendix B & C
Events and Submissions/Topic
Rockhampton Residential School One Starts 21st May
Rockhampton Residential School Two Starts 25th May
Module/Topic
Exam revision
Residential School Prep
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Townsville Residential School Starts 29th May
Internal Student Practical Assessments
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
Throughout the term, you are required to participate in five different Clinical Practice Discussion (CPD) forums which correspond to selected topics that are relevant to this unit. A variety of discussion topics will be presented every two weeks and will close two weeks later. You are required to choose one topic of the topics that are available and actively contribute to that discussion.
The CPD forums will utilise the ‘Verso’ education software platform. Teaching staff will act as moderators for the CPD forums, however the emphasis of these forums centres around student engagement and interaction as well as student-led constructive and contemporary contribution.
Each student must contribute to all selected discussions and their initial forum post must be a minimum of 400 words (+/-10%), however, if you are answering or posing a question after your initial post the word count just needs to be appropriate to the question or statement.
Two weeks after Clinical Practice Discussion topics are released. Topic One due date 23rd March 2018. Topic Two due date 6th April 2018. Topic Three due date 20th April. Topic Four due date 4th May 2018. Topic Five due date 18th May
Two weeks after topic has closed
Engagement in the Clinical Practice Discussion Forums is compulsory, failure to engage in all 5 of the forums will result in a failing grade. In the absence of an approved extension, there will be no late submissions allowed for this assessment item.
Each CPD will be worth 10% each and will be based on the following criteria:
Interactivity and Professionalism
Demonstrated prompt and appropriate interaction with the posed question. Demonstrated proficiency and professionalism in the ability to address questions or challenges posed by other participants in the forum. Utilised language and dialogue that is expected and appropriate for the health profession.
Engagement and Contribution to Dialogue
Demonstrated engagement with the forum and positively contributed to the discussions by addressing or posing questions, challenging ideas, stimulated ongoing relevant conversation and added real value to the discussions. Actively improved the learning outcomes for other students as a result of the contributions.
Quality of Information
Demonstrated appropriate language, descriptions, structure, references and referencing for the forum posts. Utilise contemporary evidence or teachings in the responses with clear links to clinical or practical implementation. Identified gaps in the evidence to support current clinical practice and/or discuss novel approaches and ideas based on contemporary evidence or clinical practice
All discussion posts must be referenced appropriately.
No submission method provided.
- Apply evidence-based knowledge of pathophysiology to differentiate between a broad range of cardiorespiratory conditions
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
2 Practical Assessment
For this assessment, students will be required to attend weekly internal classes ( for internal students) or a compulsory residential school ( for external students). This assessment task will consist of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE's) which will take place during the internal session or the residential school. The format of the OSCE's will be CME (Case Management Exercise), Viva Voce or a Clinical Skill Station which relates to the learning outcomes of this unit.
There will be a total of three (3) assessment tasks each designed to assess knowledge and practical skills acquired during this unit.
There will be two (2) long case CME's where students will be allocated 20 minutes to complete each assessment.
Each long case CME will be 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
There will also be one (1) short case OSCE which will be either a Viva Voce or a Clinical Skill Station, and students will be allocated 10 minutes to complete this assessment task.
During residential school or final internal class
2 weeks after conclusion of residential school
Each long case OSCE will be worth 20% of the overall mark for this assessment and the short case OSCE will be worth 10% of the overall mark for this assessment.
There will be varied scoring tools used based on the type of OSCE assessment. The scoring tools for each station are validated and reliable and will be available to students via the Moodle page at the commencement of term.
Students must achieve an overall pass mark of 50% for all three (3) OSCE.
During these assessments, if there are any errors performed which would cause immediate harm to yourself, partner, patient or bystanders this will result in a critical error being recorded.
Critical errors in this unit will be classed as anything that causes immediate harm to yourself, partner, patient or bystanders or any procedure that is performed outside the scope of practice. During any form of assessment, if any of the following are witnessed the assessment will immediately cease, and no marks will be given for that OSCE:
- Unsafe defibrillation
- Incorrect joule delivered to the patient
- Defibrillation of an unshockable rhythm
- Failure to recognise a cardiac arrest
- Failure to recognise a shockable rhythm
- Failure to perform a complete drug check
- Incorrect sharps disposal or unsafe practice with a sharp
- Performing a skill or procedure outside the scope of practice taught to you in PMSC12001 or PMSC12004
No submission method provided.
- Accurately interpret ECGs to diagnose coronary conditions including dysrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes
- Integrate comprehensive knowledge of current evidence-based practice to articulate and/or undertake clinical assessment, skills and interventions in the management of cardiorespiratory conditions.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Ethical practice
Examination
No calculators permitted
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?
