Professional Fundamentals

Abstract

This subject considers topics such as professionalism, ethics, medico-legal issues and communication in the health care field. The subject provides an introduction to the cultural and historical background of Indigenous Australians. It also introduces the health issues and needs of Indigenous Australians. It also considers the differential access and distribution of health care both within and between communities with specific consideration to Indigenous populations. The subject introduces students to the basic responsibilities of the health care professional and the practice of cultural competence. The subject takes a multi- disciplinary perspective of Medical Radiation Science and provides a structured introduction to the practical aspects of the clinical environment. Basic techniques related to chest x-ray and the bone scan will be covered. To pass this subject students must pass the Indigenous module and assessments.

Syllabus

The syllabus will be delivered in two streams:Stream 1: Discipline SpecificModule 1: Introduction to the Profession- History- Radiography (incl. interventional, mammography, OPG)- Nuclear Medicine (incl. SPECT and PET)- Computed Tomography- Magnetic Resonance Imaging- Radiation therapy- UltrasoundModule 3: Medical Radiation Science Practice - Terminology - Anatomical and physiological considerations - Common … For more content click the Read More button below.

The syllabus will be delivered in two streams:
Stream 1: Discipline Specific
Module 1: Introduction to the Profession
- History
- Radiography (incl. interventional, mammography, OPG)
- Nuclear Medicine (incl. SPECT and PET)
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Radiation therapy
- Ultrasound
Module 3: Medical Radiation Science Practice
- Terminology
- Anatomical and physiological considerations
- Common abnormalities
- Positioning basics
- Patient types
- Positioning aids
- OH&S (WPHS), hygiene, infection control
- Radiation safety
Module 5: Clinical Practice
- Chest x-ray
- Bone scan
- Basic radiotherapy planning, simulation and treatment
- Clinical practicum
Stream 2: Skills for the Health System
Module 2: Skills for University
- First year experience
- Writing for University
- Time management
- Learning skills / library tutorials
- Literature appreciation
- Research
Module 4: Indigenous Australian Cultures and Health
- Indigenous Australians' history
- critical analysis of the issues associated with the past and present treatment of Indigenous Australian peoples
- Australia's human rights obligations
- pre- and post-invasion Indigenous Australian cultures, including the Dreaming, relationships to land, kinship structures including classificatory and totemic systems, economic organisation and gender relations
- Indigenous Australians health, closing the gap and unique health care challenges
Module 6: Professionalism
- Professions
- Professionalism
- Patient centred care
- Communication
- Communication and cultural awareness within the Indigenous context
- Interdisciplinary interactions
- Conflict resolution
Module 7: Health Care System
- History and development of modern medicine
- Australian health care system including Medicare and PBS
- Public and private sectors
- Medical radiation science industry model
- International health care systems
- Current issues
Module 8: Social Perspective of Health
- Social, legal, ethical and equity issues in Indigenous health
- Social models of care
- Legal issues
- Ethical issues
- Equity in health; rural issues, aging, ethnicity, socio-economic status, disability, gender and Indigenous health issues

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to correctly use medical terminology;

be able to demonstrate basic understanding required in the clinical use of, and define the basic professional contexts in, medical radiation science modalities;

be able to comprehend and correctly use appropriate professional and cultural terminology;

be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the diversity of Indigenous Australian cultures both past and present;

be able to demonstrate attitudes and skills that enhance and promote the health of Indigenous populations;

be able to discuss at a basic level concepts of health issues for vulnerable populations including those with a disability and the role of medical radiation science in improving health outcomes for these groups;

be able to critically discuss, at an introductory level, the various service delivery models used in health in Australia;

be able to explain, at an introductory level, the processes of clinical reasoning and evidence based practice;

be able to describe, at an introductory level, common social, physical, political and environmental factors that can influence health and disease;

10.

be able to demonstrate developing skills in communication within the health setting;

11.

be able to describe at an introductory level the roles of allied health professions, within the multidisciplinary team and as independent practitioners;

12.

be able to demonstrate developing professional skills within a multidisciplinary team and as independent practitioners;

13.

be able to correctly apply basic concepts in health law and ethics;

14.

be able to demonstrate attitudes and skills that enhance and promote citizenship in local and professional communities;

15.

be able to demonstrate attitudes and skills that enhance and promote the health of Indigenous Australians;

16.

be able to demonstrate at an introductory level critical, analytical, and reflective skills in a range of contexts including clinical problem solving, research and empirical practice, and academic and professional discourse;

17.

be able to demonstrate, at a basic level, an ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care for patients in the clinical environment.

Enrolment restrictions

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science

Work integrated learning

Placement Duration 10 days Details Student complete 2 x 5 days orientation rotation in two of: radiation therapy, nuclear medicine and medical imaging departments. This placement is designed to assist students in selecting their specialisation for the remainder of the course.