CQUniversity Unit Profile
PMSC20002 Advanced Critical Skills Application
Advanced Critical Skills Application
All details in this unit profile for PMSC20002 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

The unit will address the paramedic management of patients with medical and trauma conditions at the critical care level. On the completion of this unit you will be able to, identify the indications, precautions, risks and contraindications of the skills and interventions involved in critical care practice, employ critical thinking and clinical decision making and demonstrate the skills and interventions required at a critical care level. The unit will include clinical skills laboratory and simulation scenarios to develop essential communication, assessment, clinical problem-solving, decision making and management skills required at a critical care level.

Details

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

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Co-Requisite: PMSC20003 Pharmacological Application in the Critical Care setting

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 - 2017

Distance

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 Postgraduate 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: 40%
2. Off-campus Activity
Weighting: 60%
3. On-campus Activity
Weighting: Pass/Fail

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 Course Evaluation Survey

Feedback

One student considered the amount and level of content in the course to be too much

Recommendation

Content will be reviewed by additional staff within the paramedic discipline to evaluate if it needs to be revised. Currently, the content covered are all skills within the potential critical care paramedic scope of practice, so it would be hard to revise down.

Action

The content was revised to better reflect the unit's outcomes and the requirements of the Critical Care Paramedic. Some content was removed as it was outside the area of critical care, both nationally and internationally.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Articulate the concepts and theoretical underpinnings, including the anatomical and pathophysiological reasons, for the application of critical care skills and interventions in the management of a critically ill or injured patient
  2. Identify the indications, precautions, risks and contraindications of the skills and interventions involved in critical care practice
  3. Employ critical thinking and clinical decision making for the use of critical care skills and interventions
  4. Demonstrate the skills and interventions involved in critical care practice
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 4
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 40%
2 - Off-campus Activity - 60%
3 - On-campus Activity - 0%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - 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
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 40%
2 - Off-campus Activity - 60%
3 - On-campus Activity - 0%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

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: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Natalee Williams-Claassen Unit Coordinator
n.williams-claassen@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 06 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Module 1: Introduction

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 13 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Module 1: Introduction

Chapter

Advanced vascular access and medication administration:

  • IO
  • EJ
  • SC Drugs
  • Drug Pumps

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 20 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Module 2: Perfusion Procedures

Chapter

Arterial lines

Vasopressors

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 27 Mar 2017

Module/Topic

Module 2: Perfusion Procedures

Chapter

Review of 12-lead, right-sided and 15-lead ECG principles and acquisition

Fibrinolytics

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 03 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Module 3: Cardiac Procedures

Chapter

Synchronised cardioversion

Transcutaneous pacing

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 10 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Self-study period

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 17 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Module 4: Airway and Ventilation Procedures

Chapter

Intubation

Use of a bougie

ET drug administration

OG/NG tube placement

Capnography

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 1 - is due on the 19th April 2017 0800 AEST.

Week 7 Begin Date: 24 Apr 2017

Module/Topic

Module 4: Airway and Ventilation Procedures

Chapter

Chest decompression (needle and Cook set)

Pneumocath

Thoracostomy and chest tube placement

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 01 May 2017

Module/Topic

Module 4: Airway and Ventilation Procedures

Chapter

IPPV Review

PEEP

CPAP

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 08 May 2017

Module/Topic

Module 4: Airway and Ventilation Procedures

Chapter

Ventilators

Cricothyrotomy

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 15 May 2017

Module/Topic

Module 5: Altered Consciousness and Behavioural Procedures

Chapter

Chemical and physical restraints

Integration of seizure and altered LOC management principles

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz 2 - is due on the 17th May 2017 0800 AEST.

Week 11 Begin Date: 22 May 2017

Module/Topic

Review of skills learned throughout session

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Case Reports Due: Week 11 Wednesday (24 May 2017) 8:00 am AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 29 May 2017

Module/Topic

Residential School

Chapter

Skills practice

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment of OSCEs

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 05 Jun 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 12 Jun 2017

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

No Exam

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quizzes

Task Description

You will complete two (2) separate online quizzes. Each quiz will consist of multiple choice questions exploring content included in the unit (such as but not limited to, lecture materials, online modules, links & required readings).

Multiple choice questions will be based upon information provided throughout this unit

Content for the quizzes is based on previous weeks’ topics (as detailed in the schedule) and will test your ability to identify the concepts and theoretical underpinnings, including the anatomical and pathophysiological reasons, for the application of critical care skills and interventions in the management of a critically ill or injured patient , identify the indications, precautions, risks and contraindications of the skills and interventions involved in critical care practice and employ critical thinking and clinical decision making for the use of critical care skills and interventions.

Quiz 1 - Quiz will be available on the 5th April 2017 0800 AEST and is due on the 19th April 2017 0800 AEST.

Quiz 2 - Quiz will be available on the 10th May 0800 AEST and is due on the 17th May 2017 0800 AEST.

Students are reminded that to achieve a pass mark in this unit you must, achieve a pass mark for EVERY skill/procedure and you will need to submit all assessment pieces and achieve a minimum pass mark of 50% for each assessment piece.


Number of Quizzes

2


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

Quiz 1 - is due on the 19th April 2017 0800 AEST (UTC+10:00, QLD Time). Quiz 2 - is due on the 17th May 2017 0800 AEST (UTC+10:00, QLD Time).


Return Date to Students

Quizzes will be marked and returned to students after 2 weeks from the due date


Weighting
40%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

There are two quizzes, each quiz is worth 20%. Marks are awarded if the multiple choice question is answered correctly and the total marks are tallied after both quizzes have been attempted.

Quizzes are open-book, so the use of Clinical Practice Guidelines, book chapters and journal articles etc. are allowed.

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

Quizzes will become available on Wednesdays at 0800 AEST and the due date and time for each quiz is by the following Wednesday by 0800 AEST.

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.

Non-attempts will score a zero mark. There will be no negative marking (that is, you will not lose a mark for an incorrect response). Quizzes may not be re-attempted. These are individual assessment pieces, collaboration with other students is not allowed and would result in disciplinary action.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Articulate the concepts and theoretical underpinnings, including the anatomical and pathophysiological reasons, for the application of critical care skills and interventions in the management of a critically ill or injured patient
  • Identify the indications, precautions, risks and contraindications of the skills and interventions involved in critical care practice
  • Employ critical thinking and clinical decision making for the use of critical care skills and interventions


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research

2 Off-campus Activity

Assessment Title
Case Reports

Task Description

You will witness first hand some of the advanced care skills of the critical care paramedic. By reflecting upon these skills, you will see how appropriate management plans are established from assessment findings such as history and physical examination, how critical thinking, clinical decision making and medical evidence are used for the employment of critical care skills and interventions and the effect these skills and procedures have on the patient’s homeostasis and our ability as CCPs to manage patients.

Within your current practice you will be required to directly observe critical care skills performed by a CCP/Physician on at least two (2) or more patients. You will required complete a case report on two (2) of these patients to critically discuss the skill(s) observed (one report per patient). The case reports must include the following:

  • A description of the patient's clinical presentation and diagnosis
  • Discussion on the clinical reasoning undertaken for use of this skill in the management of this critically ill or injured patient, as well as the evidenced-based support behind the skill's application.
  • Articulate and justify why this skill is clinically significant at a critical care level.
  • Documented changes in the patient’s clinical presentation (positive or negative) resulting from application of the skill, providing reasons for this occurrence.

Students are reminded that to achieve a pass mark in this unit you must, achieve a pass mark for EVERY skill/procedure and you will need to submit all assessment pieces and achieve a minimum pass mark of 50% for each assessment piece.


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Wednesday (24 May 2017) 8:00 am AEST


Return Date to Students

7th June 2017


Weighting
60%

Minimum mark or grade
50%

Assessment Criteria

While there is no prescribed word limit for your case reports, it is expected that each case report will be clear and concise. The case report will be assessed in accordance with the information and rubric provided on the unit’s Moodle page. The case reports are to be submitted as a Word document.

The case report document is worth 60% of your overall unit mark.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Articulate the concepts and theoretical underpinnings, including the anatomical and pathophysiological reasons, for the application of critical care skills and interventions in the management of a critically ill or injured patient
  • Identify the indications, precautions, risks and contraindications of the skills and interventions involved in critical care practice
  • Employ critical thinking and clinical decision making for the use of critical care skills and interventions


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

3 On-campus Activity

Assessment Title
Skill Assessments

Task Description

For this assessment students will be required to attend a compulsory residential school. There will be several assessment pieces, each designed to assess the knowledge and practical skills acquired during this unit. The assessment tasks will consist of OSCE's. The format of the OSCE's will be a clinical skill which relates to the learning outcomes for the unit.

You will be assessed in an OSCE format throughout the compulsory residential school. During an OSCE your clinical skills will tested as well as your theoretical knowledge of that skill. It is essential to learn the correct clinical methods, and then practice these methods repeatedly until you perfect the methods whilst simultaneously developing an understanding of the underlying theory behind the methods used.

Students are reminded that to achieve a pass mark in this unit you must, achieve a pass mark for EVERY skill/procedure and you will need to submit all assessment pieces and achieve a minimum pass mark of 50% for each assessment piece.


Assessment Due Date

Assessed during Residential School Period


Return Date to Students

Students will be made aware of their results at the end of the Residential School


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Minimum mark or grade
You must achieve a pass mark for EVERY skill/procedure to be eligible to pass this unit.

Assessment Criteria

OSCE sheets for specific skills will be provided on the unit’s Moodle page.

Students will have a maximum of two attempts for each skill assessed.

The assessment will be based on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory marking criteria based on the following key points:

· Successful completion of the skill

· Demonstration of skill in a timely matter

· Ability to minimise missed steps or minor mistakes

· Completion of the skill without making a critical error

· A critical error will result in a failed attempt

If a critical error occurs during your assessment the assessment will immediately cease, no marks will be given for that item and will result in a failed attempt. 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 of a CCP and/or any of the errors listed below.

During any form of assessment, if any of the following are witnessed the assessment will immediately cease, no marks will be given for that item and it will result in a failed attempt:

  • An action which causes immediate harm to yourself, partner, patient or bystanders
  • Unsafe use of the defibrillator
  • No or incomplete drug check
  • Incorrect sharps disposal
  • Performing a skill and/or procedure outside the scope of practice of a CCP


Referencing Style

Submission
Offline

Submission Instructions
There is no submission of this assessment as it is completed and assessed under observation at the Residential School for this unit

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate the skills and interventions involved in critical care practice


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

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?