AHC5000 · Foundations of health professional practice

Overview

This unit introduces allied health practice aligning with key themes of the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine course. This unit will enable integration of prior science and theoretical learning into the allied health context. The attributes and role of being an allied health professional in the broader health care system are introduced through analyses of the diverse interpretations of health, the biopsychosocial model and determinants of health. You will explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of health and wellbeing and the influence of culture, family and connection to country in health practice. You will learn anatomy, biomechanics, pharmacology and kinesiology theory and apply them to movement and health care interventions. You will also investigate the key principles of health promotion practice and be introduced to the multi-dimensional nature and underpinning theory of pain. The health enhancement theme emphasises strategies for facilitating personal health and wellbeing and the research theme applies evidence-based practice to clinical questions. Self-directed preparation activities precede weekly applied practical sessions and additional theoretical content is covered in interactive lectures, workshops and tutorials. You will participate in work integrated learning visits to health care and industry-based settings to facilitate early exposure to the practice of allied health in a variety of settings.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Evaluate the key elements of the Australian health care system and the roles and responsibilities of the health care team;
2. Articulate the attributes that define a profession and the conduct of professionalism and Fitness for Practice;
3. Critique personal and community determinants of health, and develop, implement, and evaluate a program of personal health enhancement;
4. Compare and contrast a range of health promotion theories of change ranging from an individual to population-wide focus;
5. Critique diverse definitions, concepts and interpretations of health and wellbeing, and how they apply to oneself and the allied health professions;
6. Describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander key concepts of health and wellbeing and the influence of culture, family and connection to country in health practice;
7. Explain the biopsychosocial model and its relevance to pain, language, one’s response to pain, and the impact of pain on one’s life;
8. Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, dermatology, biomechanics and kinesiology theory to allied health practice;
9. Apply the principles of NPS MedicineWise safe prescribing competencies to client needs;
10. Critically analyse evidence-based practice in allied health in the context of integrating the best research evidence with clinical expertise and the client's unique values and circumstances;
11. Apply key principles of occupational health and safety and infection, prevention and control relevant to allied health practice;
12. Appraise levels of research evidence, methods of study design and sources of bias in research and design electronic database searches to identify the best evidence.

Workload

On-campus: 3-4 hours of lectures and 11-12 hours of tutorials. Tutorials will include clinical skills, research, applied anatomy and use of equipment relevant to an allied health professional, and 10 hours of self-directed activity is expected each week. WIL: 36 hours Off campus: Students are required to attend four work-integrated learning placement days over the duration of the semester.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.