New unit to be offered 2012

1. Understand: 1. the common problems in the community with respect to patients who are unconscious, suffering from acute life-threatening illnesses or malignant diseases, including their aetiology, pathology, symptoms and signs, natural history and prognosis 2. common diagnostic procedures in relation to acute or life-threatening illnesses and common oncological problems including their uses and limitations 3. the basic principles of management of acute or life-threatening conditions, oncological disorders and common conditions associated with them. 4. the psycho-social and cultural significance of acute illness or life-threatening disease and cancer, including understanding of cultural differences in response to these illnesses 5. the principles of the delivery of anaesthesia, intensive care, oncology and palliative care, including pain control, symptom assessment and management 6. the systems of delivery of care and patient management in relation to anaesthesia and intensive care 7. the public health impact in the community, including the epidemiology of common oncological disorders, risk factors and the benefits and harms of prevention, screening (including for genetic disorders) and early intervention strategies.
2. Skills: 1. the capacity to obtain an accurate, problem-oriented, tactful and organised medical history in relation to oncology ,palliative care, anaesthesia and intensive care 2. the capacity to perform an accurate, organised, problem oriented and tactful physical examination, with particular consideration of acute illness and cancer and associated conditions 3. the ability to recognise serious illness and to perform common emergency and life-saving procedures such as caring for the unconscious patient and CPR 4. the ability to choose from the repertoire of clinical skills, those that are appropriate and practical to apply in a given situation 5. the capacity to communicate appropriately with the patient and family, including communication regarding death and dying, counselling, education of patients and their families 6. the capacity to contribute appropriately as a member of the health care team, including referral to other disciplines, interaction with other health care professionals 7. the capacity to evaluate and interpret medical evidence in relation to oncology /palliative care and anaesthetics/intensive care, and apply this evidence in clinical practice.
3. Appropriate professional attitudes including: 1. understanding the ethics of health care in relation to anaesthetics and intensive care and of end of life decision-making 2. the capacity to respond appropriately to emotional stresses in professional environments related to management of the terminally ill and dying patient, including developing appropriate strategies for self-care 3. understanding the factors that affect the quality and safety of health care 4. understanding how the cost of care may affect the choices made within health care systems , at both the individual and community level. 5. an appreciation of the responsibility to maintain standards of medical practice at the highest possible level throughout a professional career.