This unit of study is designed to allow students to explore, consolidate and apply clinical knowledge of acute and chronic disorders that affect older people. Common disorders are grouped into a ‘syndromes’ approach referred to as the five ‘I’s: instability, immobility, incontinence, iatrogenesis and impaired cognition and sensory input, in recognition that they cannot be satisfactorily attributed to a condition or body system impairment. Other areas explored include cancer, cardiovascular disease, infections, diabetes and chronic obstructive airways disease. Palliative care is discussed from the perspective of symptom control and the psychosocial aspects of care. In order to meet the needs of older people in acute and residential care, alternative health care delivery models are presented in an attempt to challenge the traditional acute care/disease approach often employed in aged care settings.
| Clinical Issues in Care of the Older Person | |
| Unit of study code | 055 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Aged Care Nursing
GC single unit of study |
| Term | APRIL, OCTOBER |
| Pre-requisite | N/A |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 2 |
| Prescribed texts | Meiner, SE (ed) 2015, Gerontologic nursing, 5th edn, Mosby Elsevier, Missouri. |
| Co-ordinated by | Trish Lowe MACN |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this subject/program
After completing this subject, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Case study – Matilda Rennie | a) recognises the complex and dynamic nature of acute and chronic illness in older people and in all contexts of aged care practice | Assessment 1: Online discussions x2 | 10% | 3, 8 |
| Theme 2: Case study – Sonja Feuerstein | b) implements and rationalises appropriate care management strategies in relation to underlying pathology | Assessment 2: Essay (2,000 words) | 40% | 6 |
| Theme 3: Case study – Mr Minh | c) demonstrates a holistic approach to nursing care for the older person, recognising social, spiritual, physical and cultural dimensions of the individual and their unique life experience | Assessment 3: Case analysis (2,500 words) | 50% | 10 |
| Theme 4: Case study – Dennis Woodward | d) demonstrates a problem solving approach to the health care needs of the older person by a process of reflection, research and collaboration | |||
| e) critically evaluates current methods of treatment against available benchmarks | ||||
| f) demonstrates critical reflection on current practice in relation to current literature and evidence based planning in client care | ||||
| g) evaluates the nurse’s role, attitudes and values in caring for the older person. | ||||
Clinical Issues in Care of the Older Person (055) is a Tier 2 unit.
| Tiers | 2019 Non-member price | 2019 Member price (10% discount) | 2020 Non-member price | 2020 Member price (10% discount) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,165.00 | $1,948.50 | $2,230.00 | $2,007.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,475.00 | $2,227.50 | $2,550.00 | $2,295.00 |
| Tier 3 | $2,915.00 | $2,623.50 | $2,995.00 | $2,695.50 |
| Tier 4 | $3,475.00 | $3,127.50 | $3,580.00 | $3,222.00 |
*Fees are subject to change without notice.