TCM Diagnosis & Clinical Theory

Additionally, this unit introduces Clinical Theory including treatment modality precautions and contraindications; introductory ethics; infection control procedures; and the principles of professional communication through a series of workshops. Students will be familiarised with all facets of the duty operation of a TCM clinic through supervised clinical practice and the observation of professionally qualified practitioners and senior student practitioners.

Students observe treatment procedures and learn about the skills required of a clinical assistant. In Clinical Theory students are taught to focus on the application of policies and procedures; hygiene; infection control; file management; communication skills. The importance of a commitment to appropriate reporting of adverse events when a patient displays an adverse reaction to treatment, the reporting of adverse events to Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and to ensure prompt transfer to medical services where necessary will be emphasised.

The desire to achieve excellence in the practice of acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine and to contribute to improving both the quality of life of patients and the wellbeing of the community and the environment will be a key feature in the teaching and learning of this unit.

This unit includes 30 hours of level 1 clinical practice. At the beginning of this clinical observation practice, four orientation workshops will be conducted to give student all details of observe treatment procedures and learn about the skills required of a clinical assistant, including the application of policies and procedures; hygiene; infection control; file management; communication skills, as well as the procedure to appropriate reporting of adverse events and operation of safety of medicines (ACSOM) Blue Card System.

1. Describe the fundamental principles of TCM diagnosis and explain the four data collection methods used in TCM diagnosis including inspection, auscultation and olfaction, interrogation and palpation, including tongue and pulse diagnosis;
2. Evaluate the main symptoms, signs and the interrelations to the syndromes in TCM diagnosis.
3. Define the concepts and interrelationships between symptom, signs syndrome, and disease.
4. Evaluate the indications of Eight Principles, Internal Organs, Qi, Blood and Body Fluids, Six-meridians, Four Levels and Triple Burners theory respectively and their significances in respective applications in the identification of syndromes.
5. Synthetically apply the TCM diagnostic methods to achieve TCM disease and syndrome diagnosis through case-history taking, and physical-examination conducting (including tongue and pulse diagnosis).

On completion of Part 2 Clinical Theory (CPP Level 1) students should be able to:

1. Identify and apply relevant clinical policy and procedures, including requirements for informed consent; Describe the procedures of reporting a case of a suspected adverse reaction in association with herbs (1) through the online Australian Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting System, or (2) by completing a ‘Blue Card’; Demonstrate the ability to understand and practice infection control procedures, maintain personal hygiene and appropriate clinical attire in the Teaching Clinic;
2. Demonstrate professionalism and its related values and ethics when interacting with patients, fellow students, and clinic supervisors; Apply the skills of active and attentive listening and professional communication; Demonstrate appropriate interactions with patients and privacy and confidentiality protection; and formulate an appropriate case record in a simulated setting; Fulfilling clinic tasks as CPP level 1 students (Beginner).

Assessment 2: Class Exam (30%)

Assessment 3: Final examination (50%)

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Chinese Medicine Board of Australia,

http://www.ahpra.gov.au/chinese-medicine.aspx

Safety information, Department of Health and Ageing, Therapeutic Goods Administration:

http://www.tga.gov.au/safety/problem-medicines-forms-bluecard.htm

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