New unit to be offered 2012

1. demonstrate the following attributes, to a level similar to that of an intern: Understanding of: 1. The aetiology, pathology, symptoms and signs, natural history and prognosis of common mental ailments in children, adolescents, adults and the aged. A more detailed knowledge is required of those conditions that require urgent assessment and treatment. 2. Common diagnostic procedures in relation to psychiatry including their uses and limitations. 3. Management of common psychiatric conditions 4. Understand the doctor's role within the context of the primary health system 5. Management of common conditions encountered in general practice and primary health care 6. The role of the general practitioner and the primary health care team in chronic care 7. The impact of social context on health care, with particular focus on health care in a rural community 8. Understand the effect of cultural, physical, language, religious, education and economic backgrounds on patient's access to and communication with the primary health care team as outlined in the Alma Ata.
2. demonstrate an understanding of Skills: 1. The capacity to obtain an accurate, problem-oriented, tactful and organised medical history in relation to psychiatry and the general practice consultation. 2. The capacity to perform an accurate, problem-oriented, tactful and organised physical and mental state examination. 3. The capacity to interpret and integrate the history and physical examination findings to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and to identify the personal and social problems to which the illness may give rise in relation to psychiatry and the general practice/community health setting. 4. The capacity to formulate a plan addressing the investigation and management of the patient's illness in relation to psychiatry and the general practice/community health setting, and the personal and social problems to which the illness may give rise. 5. An appreciation of the importance of taking into account the values and preferences of the patient when considering the investigation and management of illness in relation to psychiatry and the general practice/community health setting, and of the need, in all cases, to plan management in concert with the patient. 6. The capacity to convey and receive information in a manner appropriate to the primary health care setting, including colleagues, other health providers and patients. 7. The ability to function in the primary health care team, involving collaboration and cooperation with other team members and understanding the role of each member.
3. Appropriate professional attitudes: At the end of the course, the student shall demonstrate to a level similar to that of an intern, an understanding of: 1. the principles of ethics related to health care and shall demonstrate the capacity to apply those principles to the care of patients and the legal responsibilities, particularly with respect to patients with psychiatric illness. 2. the factors that affect the quality and safety of health care. 3. how the cost of care may affect optimal patient care and the benefit to the community of available resources. 4. the interaction between the health of individuals and the well-being of populations.
4. The student's practice must take account of new knowledge At the end of the course, students shall demonstrate, to a level similar to that of an intern, the capacity to evaluate and interpret medical evidence in relation to psychiatry and the general practice/rural community health setting, in a scientific manner and to use information sources to pursue independent inquiry.