James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

PC4401 - Integrated Therapeutics 4

Subject Description

Endocrine, genetic disorders and cancerous conditions can cause significant patient distress and may lead to fatal outcomes. Endocrine disorders such as thyroid, adrenal gland dysfunction and reproductive health can require medium to long-term treatment and regular advice by health professionals including pharmacists. Conversely, cancer often requires shorter-term aggressive treatment using an array of medications according to continually changing treatment guidelines. Palliative care involves not only the treatment and care of cancer patients, but of multiple medical conditions that are no longer curable. Pharmacist involvement in palliative care requires a holistic approach in both hospital and community pharmacy. Pharmacists are a key part of multidisciplinary teams for many of the aforementioned conditions, and students will learn how to manage these conditions effectively, including being able to tailor therapy relevant to individual patient needs. Students will also develop skills in the conduct of medication management in complex clinical case scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of common endocrine, reproductive, genetic disorders, and malignant conditions relevant to pharmacy practice
• Apply a clinical reasoning process to develop a comprehensive care plan that includes suitable drug treatments, including prescription, over-the-counter, cytotoxic protocols, complementary and non-pharmacological treatment options
• Develop skills relating to the management of common issues relating to symptoms of cancer therapy
• Demonstrate knowledge of special considerations in endocrine, reproductive, palliative, genetic disorders, oncology and palliative care
• Demonstrate skills in rationalising complex medication regimens using case-based scenarios

Subject Assessment

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (20%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (15%) - Group
• Written > Case report 1 - (25%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Multi-station assessment task (MSAT) - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  As this is a core level 4 subject in the BPharm(Hons)/MPharm pathway, students will be expected to have completed all core level 1, 2 and 3 subjects.

Availabilities