510-594 General Practice and Community Medicine

Credit Points

Coordinator

Semester

Subject Description

On completion of this subject, students should understand the principles of general practice and its role in the 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; have acquired skills in the delivery of primary health care; understand the role of law, forensic medicine and ethical considerations in the practice of medicine. Major topics covered include problems seen in general practice; clinical decision making, diagnostic and management skills, patient centred approach to consulting and communication, the interaction of physical, social and psychological factors in the health of patients and families; opportunities and strategies for preventive care, palliative care, family care, continuing care, women and men's health care by general practitioners; sports medicine, communicable and sexually transmitted diseases, drug and alcohol, travel and occupational medicine, health care needs of disadvantaged groups; medico-legal aspects of injuries; the police and the coroner's court; psychiatry and the law; sudden unexpected death; asphyxia; toxicology; physical and sexual abuse; human tissue transplantation; concepts of life and death; consent; confidentiality; 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%). One 3-hour written examination (60%) in the final week of the course. A written assignment in general practice (15%). Students must pass both the written and the clinical examination to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts

• Breen K J, Cordner S M, Law and Ethics in Medicine for Doctors in Victoria. 1994.
• Murtagh, General Practice. McGraw Hill, 1994.