Rural Paediatric Theory and Context
Description
The theory and context of rural paediatrics will examine the key concepts underpinning rural health practice; recognise multidisciplinary rural health services in primary care; and understand and apply theories of child development.
The context in rural paediatrics comprises:
- understanding rural paediatric health services,
- the principles of family centred practice and
- improving cultural literacy, including indigenous, under-resourced or culturally diverse child populations.
The three topics in child development in a family centred context are:
- understanding the infant (introduction to foetal and system development, infant development and developmental delay, communication and behaviour);
- understanding the child (children at school and in sport, and variations in child development); and
- communicating with the adolescent (growth, puberty, compliance and mental health).
The subject will extend the student’s clinical reasoning, learning and understanding of challenges of environmental issues and disability. Specific conditions are case based. Students will present on one of the topics as part of the course.
Subject Code
PAED900024
Credit Points
12.5 points
Objectives
By the end of this subject, students will have had the opportunity to
- Develop a conceptual understanding of rural health practice
- Gain insight into multidisciplinary approaches to health in assessment of infants, children and adolescents using principles of family centred practice
- Appreciate the context and improve cultural literacy in rural paediatrics including in indigenous health and child populations where there is cultural diversity
- Establish a deeper understanding and knowledge of the typically developing infant, child and adolescent and some variations
- Demonstrate communication, assessment and presentation skills in relation to infants, children, adolescents, families and multidisciplinary health professionals
Generic skills students will develop
The generic skills obtained by successfully completing this subject include:
- a capacity for self-directed learning and the motivation for life-long independent learning.
- an advanced level of oral and written communication.
- an ability to critically evaluate and synthesise research literature.
- a capacity to manage competing demands on time.
- an appreciation of the team approach to learning in complex areas.
Mode of Delivery
This subject matter is delivered in an intensive 5 day program at the University’s rural campus in Echuca followed by approx. 10 hours of online learning.
Contact Time
38 hours of lectures followed by approx 10 hours of online learning in the weeks after the intensive delivery. In addition to the teaching time of 48 hours, students should expect to undertake a minimum of 120 hours research, reading, writing and general study to complete this subject successfully.
Assessment
One 30 minute class presentation (40%) during the intensive teaching period, and one (1) written assignment – 4000 words (60%) due at the end of semester
Subject Coordinator
Ms Elizabeth (Liz) Williams
Subject Fee
$3,400.00
Prescribed Texts
Nil. Students will be provided with articles and references that support the teaching program as part of their course materials
IT Requirements
IT requirements: All students are expected to have access to a computer with word processing facilities and internet access to assist in the online modules and preparation and submission of assignments.
Application Process
Applications are managed by Student Services.