PHR1001 · Bridge to practice 1

Overview

This unit will explore the relevant aspects of the Australian healthcare system and common healthcare issues in pharmacy settings. This unit will provide a foundation of knowledge and skills required for the practice of pharmacy including communication and problem solving, medication dispensing, patient counselling and performing pharmaceutical calculations. This unit introduces the management of selected dermatological, pain, respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal conditions by relating pathophysiology with the rational design of dosage forms and clinical use of medicines using a standardised approach to patient-centred care. This unit will highlight the applications of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles in the practice of pharmacy.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

In-semester assessments 50%; Final examinations 50% This unit contains one or more competency hurdle assessment tasks that you must successfully complete to be able to pass the unit. You have one attempt, plus an additional assessment, to demonstrate your competency in the competency hurdle assessment task. If you fail to meet the hurdle requirement, you will receive a fail grade for the unit.

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

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the signs and symptoms, diagnostic and epidemiological aspects of selected pain, dermatological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
2. List and prioritise pharmacological and non-drug therapy options for the management of selected pain, dermatological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
3. Evaluate a patient's pain, dermatological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions and create a complete, patient-specific care plan which applies established clinical guidelines and a comprehensive review of potential medication-related problems.
4. Apply counselling strategies that optimise therapy outcomes including behavioural change for patients in the management of selected pain, dermatological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions including when referral for medical assessment is required in selected pain, dermatological, gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions.
5. Explain why medicines are administered by different routes of delivery to the body based on drug properties and clinical needs with respect to management of selected pain, dermatological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
6. Define and calculate drug bioavailability, clearance and volume of distribution and describe how these parameters relate to the plasma concentration profile of a drug.
7. Describe different types of drug-drug interactions and predict their impact on plasma drug concentration vs time profiles and therapeutic response.
8. Describe, calculate and apply a range of pharmacokinetic parameters that determine dosage regimens and explain how the relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics determines the time-course of drug response.
9. Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental pharmaceutical calculations.
10. Define, incorporate, interpret and apply a standardised approach to patient-centred care.
11. Identify and describe common healthcare issues in primary care, by demonstrating safe and systematic procedures for the supply of medicines and the provision of professional advice.
12. Diagnose, manage and communicate effectively information about medicines for a simple healthcare issue in relation to pain, dermatological, cardiovascular, respiratory or gastrointestinal conditions.
13. Reflect on identified strengths and weaknesses in communication and other non-cognitive skills via a Personalised Learning Plan to enhance professional skills required to practice as a pharmacist.
14. Identify and describe the relevant aspects of the Australian health care system and pharmacy settings, by: • applying guiding principles of pharmacy practice. • observing the role of pharmacists in pharmacy settings.

Workload

Workload requirements include online modules and face to face workshops which require compulsory attendance. Contact hours for on-campus activities will include: (+) Approximately 18 hours/week of applied sessions and workshops (+) Three 1-hour skills coaching sessions (+) Approximately 24 hours/week of independent study will be required

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