Unit Outline

This unit explores care of the older adult in paramedicine. In this unit the student will develop the ability to critically assess the older adult within the context of their social and cultural identity, attitudes to healthy aging, and living environment. The student will gain an understanding of the lived experience of the older person and will explore their wellbeing in Australia through insights into alternate management pathways, contemporary policy, research, and practices in care of the older adult. Attendance and active engagement are important in gaining the required level of understanding and clinical practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Evaluate theoretical knowledge to justify the clinical approach to, and the management of the older adult
2	Apply clinical thinking and skills in the management of the older adult in diverse settings and with a variety of presentations
3	Develop and demonstrate appropriate cognitive and emotional communication strategies with the older adult and other professions in a professional, ethical and patient-centred manner

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	CAA100
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	CNA146

Alterations as a result of student feedback

N/A

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Understanding Dementia and Palliative Care Modules	Week 3	20 %	LO1
Assessment Task 2:	Case Study (written assessment)	Week 8	40 %	LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 3:	Proposal for Change	Week 12	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Understanding Dementia and Palliative Care Modules

Task Description:

The Understanding Dementia and Palliative Care Modules are intended to test your knowledge and understand in these fields before progressing towards more complex tasks. You will demonstrate your understanding of patient condition assessment and management throughout the quiz sets.
There are 2 quiz sets in total, each with a set of 3 sequential quizzes. With a 10% weighting per set, 20% in total.

Task Length:

2 quiz sets in total, each with a set of 3 sequential quizzes.

Due Date:

Week 3

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Justify the methods chosen to determine patient condition, assessment and management in case scenarios.	LO1

Assessment Task 2: Case Study (written assessment)

Task Description:

This case study task requires you to present an evidence-based approach to the care of older adults within the context of paramedicine. Within your answer you are to outline best practice strategies applicable to the assessment and management of older adults. Your answer should demonstrate your understanding of diversity, and culturally sensitive care to provide a holistic person-centred care plan for the given case study presentations. Patient autonomy and the bias commonly experienced by older adults requiring care should also be investigated.

Task Length:

2000 words (excluding references)

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Present an evidence-based, holistic patient centred care plan that considers patient diversity, and culturally sensitive care.	LO2
2	Outline best practices that are applicable to the assessment and management of older adults.	LO2
3	Critically analyses age specific factors and their influence on person-centred care for older adults.	LO1
4	Present a professionally written assignment that incorporates evidence-based practice related to the management of the older adult	LO1

Assessment Task 3: Proposal for Change

Task Description:

Present a proposal for change to improve current practices for older adults in paramedicine. Your proposal should address key challenges and offer innovative solutions. Consider and explore any relevant concerns, specific conditions, or special considerations that affect older adults in paramedicine, including their unique healthcare needs, accessibility issues, and the impact of common age-related conditions. Your proposal should be evidence-based, clearly articulated, and demonstrate a strong understanding of the implications for both paramedic practice and patient outcomes.

Task Length:

15 minutes presentation OR equivalent to 2000 words (excluding references).

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Presents an evidenced based proposal for change that highlights improvements for current practices with older adults.	LO3
2	Argue key challenges in their proposal and propose innovative solutions to address them.	LO2
3	Explores aspects that directly affect older adults in relation to their healthcare needs.	LO1
4	Delivers a professional proposal using relevant communication strategies that are supported by evidence-based practice	LO1

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.