Chronic Disease Management

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

340 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment 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 subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject focuses on the role of the primary care nurse in the management of individuals with diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive airways disease, hypertension and ischemic heart disease. The course content includes the pathophysiology of these common conditions related to evidence based management principles and conducting health assessments. The principles of care will be explored with a focus on the scope of practice of the nurse providing clinical care, psychosocial support and education within a multidisciplinary framework.

At the completion of the subject students should be able to:

• Understand the pathophysiology of diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive airways disease, hypertension and ischemic heart disease
• Describe the current management guidelines for these conditions
• Contribute to a multidisciplinary team approach to care for individuals with common chronic diseases
• Establish and maintain good linkages with community resources and services
• Provide effective education and support in the management of common chronic diseases

• Two 1500-word case studies one due mid semester 1 and the other mid semester 2 (40%)
• Clinical Audit of 10 patients equivalent to 1000 words due end of year (pass/fail hurdle requirement)*
• Resource folio equivalent to 2500 words due end of semester 1 (20%)
• 2500 word written assignment due end of year (40%)
• Reflective journal (equivalent to 1000 words) due end of year (pass/fail hurdle requirement)**

*In order to pass this hurdle requirement, students must demonstrate that they have analysed that data, compared the results to the recommended clinical targets and evaluated the barriers/enablers that may account for discrepencies.

**In order to pass this hurdle requirement, students must demonstrate that they have read and understood the materials related to the tasks and can apply the principles and evidence based guidelines to the context in which they work.

Students must achieve a cumulative mark of at least 50% and a pass in both the hurdle requirements in order to pass the subject.

All reading materials and workbooks provided to distance students.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of the subject students should be able to demonstrate

• further enhanced oral and written skills
• further enhanced clinical and critical appraisal skills
• enhanced skills in effective teamwork