James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2001

PC3002:03

Cardiovascular and Renal Therapeutics for Pharmacists

Townsville

Prerequisites: BC2014 BC2025 PC2001 PC2002
Inadmissable Subject Combination: PP2231 PP3251 PP3252

36 lectures, 12 tutorials, 24 hours practicals/workshops. First semester.

Available to students enrolled in level 3 of the Bachelor of Pharmacy.

Staff: Dr R Rasiah, Dr A-M Babey, Dr A Nimmo, Assoc. Professor G Meehan, Dr J Hermans.

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the Australian population and renal disease is of high prevalence in tropical areas and indigenous populations. This subject will address the incidence, causative factors, pathophysiology, therapeutics and prevention of cardiovascular and renal problems relevant to pharmacy practice. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) with particular relevance to issues experienced by older Australians, indigenous and rural populations. The student will also be exposed to transplant medicine and how pharmacists can assist with determining appropriate drug regimes used in these patients.

Learning Objectives:

  1. discuss the incidence and lifestyle issues causing cardiovascular and renal disease in the Australian population and the national priorities and strategies in place to address this issue;
  2. develop an understanding of the clinical presentation, drug treatment, prevention and education of people with acute and chronic cardiovascular and renal problems;
  3. outline the pathophysiology and therapeutics of cardiovascular diseases, coagulation disorders and renal disease and disorders (including nephrology and urology);
  4. discuss the rational drug treatment of acute and chronic renal and cardiovascular diseases;
  5. develop an understanding of the QUM principles and how they particularly apply to the elderly population;
  6. outline the lifestyle issues related to the preventation of cardiovascular and renal disease in the wider community;
  7. develop an understanding of transplantation physiology, therapeutic drug monitoring and treatment with respect to renal and heart/lung transplants.

Assessment by a three-hour examination (60%); laboratory attendance and reports (20%); assignment (20%). Other assessment details should be checked with the academic adviser in Pharmacy.