MRS503 Issues in Breast Imaging (8)

This one session subject focuses on consumer centred breast care within a multidisciplinary team environment. Topics include effective communication and counselling, law and ethics, environmental health and safety, primary health care, information sharing and health promotion as relevant to breast screening and breast care. Exercises in facilitating the learning of others are aimed at preparing the student for their future roles as mentors and educators of staff and clients. Students will also explore topics such as evidence based mammography practice, the sociology of mammography, cultural safety, security and humility when working with women identifying as Indigenous or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, or with women who have a disability. The aim of this subject is to encourage a broader understanding of issues and their implications for practice. The subject introduces principles and suggests ways to enhance and develop skills and knowledge that will assist the students' effective practice.

Availability

Session 3 (90)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MRS503. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Dentistry and Health Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Only available to students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Mammography  

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to explore the psychological basis of mammography care, and in particular implement into practice those aspects of care and understanding required to deal appropriately with a person who has breast disease, or the possibility of breast disease.
  • be able to demonstrate skills to reduce the discomfort of consumers being x-rayed, both physically and emotionally.
  • be able to defend, protect, promote and support the principles of BreastScreen Australia.
  • be able to analyse the health economics of breast screening.
  • be able to function in accordance with legislation and common law affecting mammography practice.
  • be able to demonstrate a commitment to values-driven mammography practice that takes account the principles of open enquiry, ethical practice, social justice, cultural diversity and environmental sustainability.
  • be prepared to take on a supportive role to others who wish to undergo continuing education and research.
  • have skills in literature searching, review, critique and be able to apply evidence based breast imaging research to practice.
  • make critically informed judgments on aspects of the quality of care delivered by different professional groups working in local breast care services from the perspective of the consumers requesting or requiring the care.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Contemporary Practice: Cultural diversity, sensitivity, humility, safety and security; models of practice; woman-centred practice; environmental sustainability; multidisciplinary teamwork.
  • Psychology of Breast Cancer: Psychological needs of women, psychological needs of relatives, implications of treatment options, breast cancer in males.
  • Communication and Counselling Skills: Interaction with women, relatives, ethnic group culture, community education, stress and management
  • Breast screening and assessment: Evidence base; health economics: costs to women, funding of screening programs.
  • Ergonomics, Workplace Health and Safety, including infection control.
  • Medico-legal and ethics aspects of mammography.
  • Basic research skills.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of MRS503 in Session 3 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Journal critique
20
2
Discussion forum (1) on selected topics
5
3
Discussion forum (2) on selected topics
10
4
Reflective journal
65

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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