Clinic Education

OBJECTIVES

• Optimise student learning through the provision of practical experience to integrate and consolidate theory and practice.
• Maximise the development of professional conduct through self-assessment, self-awareness and critical analysis.
• Foster an understanding of the interdependent nature of research and clinical practice.
• Facilitate the professional and clinical performance of teaching and supervisory staff through ongoing personal, professional and program review and development.

OUTCOMES

The Clinical Practice Program includes aspects of personal and professional development as well as community and research activities. It aims to equip graduates with the abilities to:

Achieve a level of competency required of an entry-level practitioner.

1. Gather, record and analyse clinical information gained by taking an accurate and organised patient case history in conjunction with the conduct a physical examination that is appropriate for the safe, competent and independent practice of acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine;
2.  Provide safe and competent manual practice of acupuncture and dispensing of Chinese herbal products.

Provide a wide range of clinical services relevant to the needs of clients.

1. Differentiate syndromes, by evaluating clinical information according to the differential diagnostic system, and link the results of this evaluation to strategies and techniques consistent with Chinese medicine practice;
2.  Select in a judicious manner, from a variety of treatment approaches, the appropriate Chinese medicine strategies and techniques to effectively treat a patient’s condition;
3.  Monitor the health of a patient by applying relevant assessment procedures and modify treatment accordingly in addition to the implement appropriate first aid measures when a patient displays an adverse reaction to treatment and ensuring prompt transfer to medical services where necessary.

Value and pursue excellence in clinical practice through personal and professional development.

1.  Communicate in a sensitive and professional manner with patients and their families, peers, other health professionals, and the public;
2.  Manage a private practice and adhere to all statutory requirements 3.  particularly in relation to infection control and the usage, prescription and dispensation of therapeutic goods.

Apply informed scholarship to clinical practice.

1. Critically evaluate relevant literature to inform and modify current clinical practice for the benefit of future client/patient healthcare management;
2. Seek out and use resources such as libraries, databases and computer resources to enable independent learning, especially for improving theoretical understanding and clinical practice.

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODOLOGIES

Clinical practice employs problem-oriented case-based learning methodology that will include a multi-level developmental process. Learning begins with observation and critical reflection as a beginner (level 1) and observer (level 2). These skills are further enhanced through supervised case management of clients as clinic assistant and student practitioner (level 3 and 4 respectively) with students concluding the clinical practice module as an intern practitioner (level 5) in the SITCM Teaching Clinic. Students will be expected to proactively participate in the clinical learning experiences throughout the duration of the course and to be active learners in negotiated learning situations.

ARRANGEMENT

Clinical practice is conducted throughout the duration of the four-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) course and requires a total of 900 hours of supervised practice It is a continuous process of clinical skill development throughout the course and is divided into five levels of development:

Level 1: Beginner
Level 2: Observer
Level 3: Clinic assistant
Level 4: Student Practitioner
Level 5: Intern Practitioner

Clinical practice commences in Semester 2 of Year 1 and ends with an intensive clinical internship (400 hours) in the SITCM teaching clinic.
Clinical practice is designed to introduce the student to all facets of operation within a TCM clinic. Commencing with observation and assistance of a professionally qualified practitioner and/or senior student practitioner in general clinic procedures, students will progress, under supervision, to student practitioner levels where they will perform basic and advanced procedures related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients using Traditional Chinese Medicine. The final level of intern practitioner will be the intensive training program which provides the students with experience regarding the full range of practitioner responsibilities under supervision in the SITCM teaching clinic.

Approved External Clinic Supervisors

SITCM provides a selection of approved external clinical placement locations and supervisors to meet the needs of the students enrolled in the BTCM study.