Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (Volume 4 page 138)
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510-594 General Practice and Community Medicine

Year 5 Medicine.

Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should understand the principles of general practice and its role in the Australian health care system; have developed an appreciation of the range of physical, social and psychological problems seen in general practice; the concept of total patient care and working as a member of a team of health professionals; acquire skills in the delivery of primary health care including an appreciation of the needs of special and disadvantaged groups; understand the concepts of the law in medical practice, the relevance of forensic medicine and fundamental ethical considerations in the practice of medicine.

Content:

General Practice: The spectrum of problems seen in metropolitan and rural general practice; clinical decision making, diagnostic and management skills relating to a range of common conditions in general practice and community health; a patient centred approach to consulting and communication skills; the interaction of physical, social and psychological factors in the health of patients and their families; identification of opportunities and strategies for preventive care in individuals, the family and community; the delivery of palliative care, family care, continuing care, women and men's health care by general practitioners; special interest areas including sports medicine, communicable and sexually transmitted diseases, drug and alcohol, travel and occupational medicine. Health care needs of disadvantaged groups: adolescent health, migrant health, aboriginal health, rural health and people with developmental disabilities. Legal Issues and Forensic Medicine: Concepts of law relevant to medicine; medico-legal aspects of injuries; the police and the coroners court; psychiatry and the law; sudden unexpected death; asphyxia; toxicology; physical and sexual abuse; human tissue transplantation. Ethics: Medicine, science and moral philosophy; the concepts of life and death; consent and responsibility; the right of the patient to be informed; confidentiality; the social implications of ethical decisions; professional conduct; medical fallibility.

Assessment:

Continuous assessment and feedback from general practice teachers and Departmental tutors. One 50-minute clinical examination in the final week of the course (25 per cent). One 3-hour written examination (60 per cent) in the final week of the course A written assignment in general practice (15 per cent). Students must pass both the written and the clinical examination to pass the subject

Prescribed texts:


Medicine subject : Next:510-691 | Prev:510-593 | Search | Help
Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (Volume 4 page 138)

Status:          Official 1996
Date created:    Oct  9 1995
Last modified:   Oct  9 1995
Authorised by:   Academic Registrar
Email enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Maintained by: Medicine (General), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

Copyright © University of Melbourne 1995,1996.