Fundamentals of Transfusion Practice

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

The content for the three theory subjects will be delivered via:

• Text based Distance Learning Packages are delivered via a web-enabled Learning Management System (LMS) called SOLE
• Video presentations (sent out on CD) and the accompanying PowerPoint presentation notes (downloadable in PDF format via the LMS) are provided
• The practical Transfusion Specialty Practice subject is delivered through the use of a clinical practice portfolio.

The on-line facilitator is available online on Thursday (allocated class day, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm EAST) to respond to emails and check discussion postings and monitor progress on discussion threads. The on-line facilitator is also contactable at other times by email. Appointments for telephone discussions need to be made prior.

170 hours per 12.5 credit point subject.

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. The recommended and suggested readings accompanying each topic will assist in this process.

This course is delivered entirely online so you will need to organise your time accordingly.

To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted in GC-TRNSPRC. This subject is not available for students admitted in any other courses.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: 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