MDCS42120 Contemporary Issues in PC & GP

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module focuses on latest developments in the clinical care of common conditions affecting patients attending primary care. The module will involve a series of Hot Topics / Masterclasses on Contemporary Issues in Primary Care and General Practice and will include:
• Common Mental Health Problems in Primary Care
• Psychology - Self-care and Wellness
• Psychology of Behavioural Change
• Common Substance Use Disorders in Primary Care
• Clinical Therapeutics and Polypharmacy
• End of Life Care
• Management of Common Emergencies in Primary Care
• Dermatology in Primary Care
• Contemporary Issues in Diabetes Management in Primary Care
• Contemporary Issues in Cardiovascular Disease Management in Primary Care
• Perspectives on the ‘Challenging Consultation’
• Integrated Care and Slaintecare
• Public Health Issues
• Common Infections in Primary Care
• Medicolegal Issues in Primary Care
• ENT & Ophthalmology Issues in Primary Care

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the module, a student should be able to demonstrate
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of best practice in the assessment and treatment of common issues in a primary care setting;
• An understanding of the limits of their professional roles, responsibilities, competence, and the need to seek advice/refer when appropriate when treating.
Applying knowledge and understanding
• Students will learn to apply this knowledge and understanding to improve their competence and competence in clinical practice.
Making judgements
• Demonstrate a critical engagement with decision-making frameworks and processes in primary care contexts. Students will improve their clinical assessment capabilities, clinical problem-solving capabilities and clinical decision making, especially in regard to risk assessment.
Communications and working skills
• Students will engage in effective intra and inter professional working with healthcare colleagues.
• Emphasis will also be placed on communication skills reinforcing the primary goal of the School to produce competent, caring practitioners with an ability to convey complex messages to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Learning skills
• Throughout the course, students will engage in group and autonomous learning exercises, designed to reinforce an evidence-based approach to the management of a variety of common problems in a primary care setting.

Indicative Module Content:

Module delivery will involve:

• Self-directed learning material delivered weekly during the trimester
• Webinars delivered on (usually alternate) Wednesday evenings during the trimester (note: these will be recorded to
accommodate those students unable to attend at this time)
• Seminars / workshops, delivered at UCD (or virtually) 1-2 occasions per trimester


Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

7

Seminar (or Webinar)

7

Specified Learning Activities

16

Autonomous Student Learning

100

Online Learning

70

Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The series of seminars and webinars on core topics will guide students in core knowledge acquisition. Where possible, students will be encouraged to use their previous experience (practical, clinical) in learning to acquire knowledge through self-direction. Enquiry-based methods will be used to encourage critical thinking, analysis and problem solving.
Case based scenarios will encourage the integration of knowledge across modules that consider structure, function, disease and patient care. Presentations of group work with peer review will take place at Workshops.






 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Applicants should:
• Hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject (e.g. Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Emergency Medical Sciences etc.)
• Possess an equivalent professional qualification, or
• Have relevant clinical experience in primary care, nursing or related disciplines


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Written (i.e. multiple choice / short answer / other) exam paper to assess module content (please note delivery method will be guided by contemporaneous public health guidance and advice at the time) 1 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Graded No

50

Group Project: Students will be assessed on a project which they will asked to complete as a group (please note delivery method will be guided by contemporaneous public health guidance and advice at the time) Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

25

Portfolio: Students will be asked to submit a number of case reports from their practice relating to module content (please note delivery method will be guided by contemporaneous public health guidance) Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

25


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback
• Peer review activities
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

There will be peer and self-assessment review of the group project. Instructors will allocate a pass/fail grade for the oral presentations on the Practical day. The online learning platform will incorporate quizzes with automated online feedback. Individual feedback will be given to students post assessment Portfolio items will be given regular feedback in person/audio/video or written formats at regular intervals.

Name Role
Dr Nia Clendennen Lecturer / Co-Lecturer