CLS401 Essentials of Paramedicine: Mental Health and Primary Care (8)

This subject provides students with the theoretical knowledge and understanding of medical conditions applicable to paramedics in the out of hospital environment. The subject reviews low acuity patients and covers alternative transport decisions and non-hospital alternatives to traditional patient management pathways. Mental health and mental illness are also taught with relation to risk assessment and appropriate treatment pathways. Students also consider the contexts of health and wellbeing for First Nations peoples and examine the role of paramedics in addressing inequities and supporting improved health outcomes for First Nations people across their lifespan. Students will learn the role of paramedics in diagnosing and treating elderly patients and be able to critically evaluate complex conditions to provide critically rationalised patient care.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2022.

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 Biomedical Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Only available to students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedicine).

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to apply a knowledge of aetiology, characteristics, and consequences of mental illness and conditions specific to vulnerable and elderly populations encountered in an out of hospital environment;
  • be able to critically evaluate complex data, to include but not limited to, risks assessments, patient safety assessments, VIRCA - voluntary informed refusal of consent, and non conveyance options of alternative care pathways;
  • be able to demonstrate skills for developing effective therapeutic relationships with First Nations people and the application of culturally appropriate care and communication with clients and families from First Nations and those from culturally diverse backgrounds;
  • be able to apply research and evidence to support paramedic practice in responding to people with mental illness and to support resilient paramedic practice and early intervention for front line health professionals experiencing early indicators of mental distress and trauma; and
  • be able to apply the knowledge and understandings of diverse populations, vulnerability, and mental health, to demonstrate ethical practice in the health professions, and to plan the delivery of culturally appropriate care to First Nations peoples.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • History taking and physical assessment for a patient who has a mental illness or is elderly and requiring medical intervention. Patient assessment techniques will be reviewed with relevance to paramedicine.
  • The identification, differential diagnosis, treatment and management of mental health conditions in the out of hospital setting.
  • The identification, differential diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions that occur commonly in the elderly in the out of hospital setting.
  • Knowledge of the mental state examination, mental health assessment, risk assessment, structured handover, de-escalation and behavioural management of people who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
  • The use of current mental health legislation and underpinning ethical principles that must inform clinical practice in situations where the person may be mentally, behaviourally or cognitively impaired.
  • The essential principles of low acuity and primary care in the out of hospital setting as well as the concepts of non-conveyance and safety netting for patients who are not transported by paramedics.
  • Knowledge of health and wellbeing for First Nations peoples and examine the role of paramedics in addressing inequities and supporting improved health outcomes for First Nations people across their lifespan.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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