REHA 3027 Pharmacology for Podiatrists

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Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401182

Coordinator Steven Walmsley Opens in new window

Description This unit will cover the pharmacological foundations and principles of drugs with a particular emphasis on those that may be prescribed by podiatrists upon appropriate qualification, including indications, contraindications, drug-drug interactions and adverse drug reactions. Student knowledge of national legislation relating to the effective and safe use of drugs will be developed, alongside an understanding of the process for obtaining prescribing rights and the attendant responsibilities. Upon successful completion of this unit and registration as a podiatrist, students will be eligible to seek further training to gain endorsement to prescribe.

School Health Sciences

Discipline Podiatry

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) NATS 2008

Co-requisite(s) REHA 3028

Restrictions The subject is Podiatry specific and restricted only to students enrolled in programs 4708 Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine and 4709 Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Honours). The subject involves pharmacology in the context of podiatric clinical practice. Students will be building on previous clinical skills and knowledge in the podiatry program.

Assumed Knowledge

Completion of all core subjects to this semester year of study.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of national legislation related to the effective and safe use of medicines and the pathways by which podiatrists can gain prescribing rights and the attendant responsibilities.
  2. Discuss and review the restricted S2/3/4 drug formularies assessable to endorsed podiatry prescribers
  3. Review the physiology and pathophysiology of the immune system including inflammation, the pain response and the infectious process and relate these to the mechanisms of drug action
  4. Identify the pharmaceutical agents that are available for the treatment of allergic reactions or infected nail / skin conditions, including proprietary and generic identifications and constituent ingredients
  5. Demonstrate an appreciation of indications, contraindications and possible side effects of the following groups of drugs: anti-infective agents, anti-emetics, analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, antihistamines, general and local anaesthetics
  6. Recognise the possible complications and sequelae of drug therapy including adverse drug reactions
  7. Nominate and implement appropriate laboratory testing and monitoring techniques for optimisation of drug use
  8. Demonstrate a working knowledge of drugs commonly prescribed: anti-anginal, anti-hypertensives, diuretics, anti-peptic ulcerants, antidiabetic agents and anti-gout agents

Subject Content

1. General Pharmacology
- Pharmokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- prescribing drugs and drug prescription protocols
- Minimising drug Abuse
- management and processes related to adverse drug reactions
- Polypharmacy
2. Anti-infective agents
- general principles and mode of action
- specific drug actions
Indications, actions and contra-indications of commonly prescribed antibiotics, anti-mycotic agents and anti-viral agents
3. Analgesics, anaesthetics and anti-emetics
- general principles and mode of action of general and local anaesthetics
- Indications, actions and contra-Indications of commonly administered anaesthetic agents
4. Complications
- general adverse reactions
- pain management -physiological theories of pain and Subsequent management strategies
5. National Legislation
- quality use of medicines
- national medicines policy
- therapeutic guidelines
- national prescribing pathways for health professionals
6. Prescription of drugs in Podiatry
- theories of prescription rights
- pathways to Endorsement for Scheduled medicines
- S2, S3, S4 and S8 drugs

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Quiz 30 minutes 20 N Individual
Case Study 1100 words 20 N Individual
Final Exam 2 hours 60 Y Individual

Teaching Periods

Summer A

Campbelltown

Day

Subject Contact Steven Walmsley Opens in new window

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