Fundamentals of Transfusion Practice

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2013:

Distance (online)

Students should expect to undertake a minimum of 120 hours research, reading, writing and general study to complete this subject successfully.

It is advisable to allocate at least 7 hours per week to study. This includes reading the distance learning packages and watching the videos as well as completing activities, answering questions posted and participating in the weekly discussions. It is recommended that you read widely on the topic of Transfusion Practice / Medicine - the book of readings will assist however this is not an exhaustive list. This course is delivered entirely online so you will need to organise your time accordingly.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject is an introduction to the fundamentals of transfusion practice.
It begins with an overview of the history that has shaped transfusion medicine into current practices. The subject also reviews basic blood haematology, pathophysiology of diseases that affect blood and blood components, investigation and treatment, and the process of transfusion from vein to vein.

Students will be encouraged to arrange visits to various departments/laboratories within their organisation to assist with relating transfusion theory to practice.

At the completion of this subject, student should

• Develop an understanding of the history that has shaped transfusion medicine into current practices
• Develop a strong comprehension of basic blood haematology, pathophysiology of diseases, investigation and treatment that affect blood and blood components
• To create an awareness of the process of transfusion from donation to administration

• 90% of assessment: one open book exam, consisting of 30 multiple choice and 16 short answers. Students have 2 weeks to complete the examination at the end of the semester.
• 10% of assessment: Participation in remote learning forums. Student must contribute to questions posted on the forum and participate in discussion threads on a weekly basis.

The Clinical Use of Blood in Medicine, Obstetrics, Paediatrics, Surgery and Anaesthesia, Trauma and Burns by the World Health Organisation , Blood Transfusion Safety, Geneva (2002)

• Transfusion Medicine in Practice edited by Jennifer Duguid, Lawrence Goodnough and Michael Desmond (2002)
• Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services (21st Edition) American Association of Blood Banks (2002)
• Daileys Notes on Blood (4th Edition) John F Daley (2002) Medical Consulting Group USA
• Guidelines for Blood Utilization Review (2001) American Association of Blood Banks (2002)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject should have:
• achieve a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning;
• Achieve an ability to incorporate theoretical principles and concepts into professional practice