Clinical Practice

Subject 571-682 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 50.00
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Clinical genetics setting in one of three fields: prenatal, paediatrics and adult.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Min 2 days per week for 8 weeks
Total Time Commitment: A min total of 500 hrs including non-contact time.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 1 subjects in the Master of Genetic Counselling
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Ability to search for appropriate support organisations and community support and Government agencies relevant to families and individuals.

Coordinator

Ms Margaret Sahhar
Subject Overview:

The placement will be in threee clinical genetics settings: adult, paediatric and prenatal. This is the chance to intergrate theory into practice with supervision. The skills to be achieved reflect the breadth and scope of genetic counselling practice, including the written requirements for professional certification as a genetic counsellor. Students will learn through observation and supervised practice with an expectation of increasing practice over the three clinical placements, so that the student will have responsibility for a small client load. Regular supervision sessions and tutorials will encourage consideration of theory and models of counselling and also reflection on the issues and impact on the student.

Selected students may be able to complete part of the clinical placement interstate or overseas at appropriate clinical genetics settings.
Objectives:

The subject is designed to enable students to:

  • Continue to identify and reflect on the role of the genetic counsellor within a multi-disciplinary team;
  • Integrate theory of counselling into the practice of genetic counselling through observation, practice and relevant reading of the literature;
  • Engage in the process of supervision as a means to developing self awareness through discussion and critical reflection of ethics in practice issues;
  • Critically reflect on and evaluate the scope of practice of genetic counselling;
  • Consider and select an appropriate research project arising from their clinical practice in discussion with the coordinator of research and to wrok towards completion of a research project.
Assessment:

Assessment on a 5-point scale by supervisor together with student assessment, at the end of each placement.

5 case reports and 50 logbook entries throughout the year (due end of year: 100%)
Prescribed Texts: A reading pack of selected reading texts will be supplied to the student. Relevant references within the tutorials.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completing the subject students should be able to:

  • Develop the skills to engage and develop rapport in a genetic counselling interview;
  • Critically evaluate their use of theory, to establish a model(s) of effective counselling;
  • Understand the processes of genetic counselling and the repertoire of skills that are used within an interview;
  • Establish a strong ethical base of practice;
  • Identify and analyse theories of counselling that can be integrated into clinical interviews and practice;
  • Enhance skills through reading widely in the relevant literature;
  • Understand the principles of writing a case study to satisfy the criteria for certification of the Board of Censors in Genetic Counselling and write five case studies based on clinical contact during the clinical placement;
  • Complete a logbook of 50 short cases documenting clinical contact with individuals and families whho come for genetic counselling. The logbook will meet the requirements for the Board of Censors in Genetic Counselling;
  • Consider the factors in designing and completing a minor research project - including ethical issues, literature review, research question/hypothesis, design and methodology.

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