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21 tutorials found

Confidentiality of Personal Health Information

category: Medico-legal, Management

2hr 2CEU $69.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

The purpose of this tutorial is to outline:

• The ethical duty to maintain confidential information;
• The legal duty to maintain confidential information;
• Exceptions to the duty to maintain confidential information;
• Practical ways to reduce the risk of breaching the duty not to disclose confidential information.

About the author

Jolan Yik-Paal: BCom, LLB (Australian National University). Jolan is a litigation solicitor with extensive experience in acting for plaintiffs in medical negligence matters, including hypoxic births and failure-to-diagnose cases.

Jolan also acts for a prominent national medical insurer and private medical practices, and for practitioners in professional disciplinary matters.

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Be able to identify why patient confidentiality is important;
Understand the ethical duty to maintain confidential information;
Know when and where exceptions to the duty to maintain confidential information apply;
Be aware of practical ways in which to reduce the risk of breaching the duty not to disclose confidential information.

Digital Rectal Examination as Part of an Assessment for Constipation in Adults

category: Oncology, • Other, Palliative care

1hr 1CEU $39.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

Nurses have an important role in the assessment, planning and implementation of nursing care that aims to prevent or treat constipation. The assessment of constipation in adults often involves a digital rectal examination (DRE).

This tutorial discusses the role of a digital rectal examination in the management of constipation in adults, including the relevant anatomy and physiology, practical advice on how the examination should be performed, the interpretation of findings, contraindications and precautions.

About the author

Judith Jacques: RN, Grad Dip Nursing (Palliative Care), Masters of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner). Judith has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years, specialising in palliative care for over 15 years. Judith has worked as a senior clinical nurse in a number of tertiary hospitals in that time. Judith is authorised to practice and has been working as a nurse practitioner in New South Wales.

Judith is a member of Palliative Care Australia, the Australian Nurse Practitioners Association and the New South Wales Nurses' Association.

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand the role of a digital rectal examination in the assessment of constipation in adults;
Be able to describe the relevant anatomy and physiology;
Understand how to undertake a digital rectal examination in adults;
Be able to discuss the possible findings and implications for treatment.

Discharge Planning: Developing a Pathway for Acute Care

category: Management, Discharge Planning

1hr 1CEU $39.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

This tutorial highlights the importance of discharge planning as a necessary part of the patient's journey through the hospital system. It outlines the essential steps to ensure a smooth transition from the acute health care setting back into the community and explains why this process is crucial to effective patient care in all acute care hospitals.

About the author

Lorien Rooke:RN. Lorien has been a registered nurse for 27 years and worked as a senior clinical nurse in the community for 10 years. She has an extensive understanding of health and community care services and is currently working as a senior registered nurse in discharge planning for a tertiary hospital in NSW.

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand what discharge planning is;
Understand why effective discharge planning is necessary;
Know the essential steps in discharge planning;
Understand the role of all health care professionals in discharge planning.

Incident and Accident Reporting

category: Occupational health & safety, Medico-legal, Management

1hr 1CEU $39.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

As the scope and complexity of health services increase, so does the potential for adverse events. One of the most powerful tools available to reduce the incidence and impact of adverse events is a comprehensive incident/accident reporting system. All organisations can learn from their mistakes, and in health care settings this is vital.

This tutorial covers the essential elements of incident/accident reporting in the health care setting, including the legal aspects, key elements of capturing meaningful information and the core components necessary for effective incident/accident documentation by all staff. Suggestions for organisations, managers at all levels and clinical staff are highlighted.

About the author

David Peters, RN, has worked in both nursing and health management across a range of settings in the Australian public hospital system for many years. He has managed small, medium and large departments, including multidisciplinary teams. David has a post-graduate diploma in nursing management and currently works as a Workers' Compensation Return to Work Coordinator.

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand the purpose of incident reporting;
Be able to identify the core processes of incident/accident reporting – prioritisation, documentation and notification;
Know the types of events required to be reported;
Be committed to a no-blame culture of reporting within the health setting.

Infection Control: Management of a Needlestick Injury (Advanced)

category: Infection control

3hr 3CEU $89.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

The aim of this tutorial is to provide health care workers with adequate background knowledge on the transmission of disease in the event of a needlestick injury. The author has chosen to discuss the implication of viral infectivity with the primary focus on hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Although a multitude of infective pathogens belonging to both the viral and bacterial worlds may be contained in the blood transmitted by a needlestick injury, the emphasis of this tutorial will remain focused on the three viruses listed above. The reason for this approach is that the adoption and stringent enforcement of health facility policies and procedures in infection control, standard precautions, work practices in exposure-prone procedures and rapid-response protocols in the event of a needlestick injury are primarily based on the identification of these viruses and the subsequent realisation of their impact on human health globally.

About the author

Robert Wilson: BN, Grad Cert CritCare. Robert has been working in critical care nursing for eight years and specialises in cardiothoracic intensive care in a major Australian tertiary hospital.

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Be aware of the main risk factors for occupational needlestick exposure;
Understand viral structure and replication;
Be able to describe the events that occur when a virus infects a human cell;
Be able to describe the modes of viral transmission, with the emphasis on transmission via body fluids;
Comprehend the importance of the recommended viral vaccination schedule in Australia;
Comprehend the importance of post-exposure prophylactics (PEPs) and their timely administration.

Infection Control: Management of a Needlestick Injury (Basic)

category: Infection control

1hr 1CEU $39.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

The aim of this tutorial is to provide health care workers with adequate background knowledge on the transmission of disease in the event of a needlestick injury. The primary focus of this tutorial is on hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Although there are many infective pathogens belonging to both the viral and bacterial worlds which may be contained in the blood transmitted by a needlestick injury, the emphasis of this tutorial will remain focused on the three viruses listed above.

The reason for this approach is that the enforcement of policies and procedures in infection control, standard precautions, work practices in high-risk procedures and rapid-response policies in the event that a needlestick injury occurs, are mostly based on the identification of these viruses and an understanding of how they have affected human health around the world.

About the author

Robert Wilson: BN, Grad Cert CritCare. Robert has been working in critical care nursing for eight years and specialises in cardiothoracic intensive care in a major Australian tertiary hospital.

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand the main risk factors for needlestick exposure in the workplace;
Be able to describe how viruses are transmitted, with the emphasis on transmission via body fluids;
Understand the importance of the recommended viral vaccination schedule in Australia;
Understand the importance of preventive treatment using post-exposure prophylactics (PEPs) and their timely administration.

Informed Consent

category: Medico-legal

3hr 3CEU $89.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

Consent is integral to client care and having effective systems in place for obtaining consent will enhance the client-health care provider relationship by avoiding confusion and preventing breaches of privacy and confidentiality.

This tutorial considers the legal obligations of the health care professional in obtaining consent. It includes consideration of specific scenarios in which consent is required, but is not exhaustive of all such situations. It is, however, helpful to consider the general principles that should be applied to any given situation.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Be able to demonstrate the importance of obtaining a patient’s valid consent before performing a medical procedure;
Have an overview of Australian law regarding consent;
Be able to outline who should obtain consent, the ways in which consent may be given and the criteria for valid consent;
Be able to outline the duty of health care professionals in obtaining consent from minors, intellectually disabled persons, persons suffering mental illness or persons in emergency situations;
Understand the legal position of nurses in addressing situations in which medical practitioners have not provided adequate disclosure to patients;
Have an understanding of the use of consent forms.

Malignant Wounds

category: Palliative care, Wound care

3hr 3CEU $89.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

The assessment and management of malignant wounds is a challenging experience that requires appropriate holistic skills to deal with the many complex issues involved.

This tutorial will discuss malignant wounds in the palliative care setting, including how they develop, wound assessment and the comprehensive management of both the physical and psychosocial aspects of care.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Be able to identify a malignant wound;
Be aware of the physical aspects of malignant-wound care;
Understand the psychological and social aspects of malignant-wound care;
Be able to perform a holistic assessment of a malignant wound;
Be able to determine an appropriate wound-dressing regimen.

Management Issues – Management Concepts

category: Management

2hr 2CEU $69.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

Management is one of the most rewarding and challenging aspects of health care. Managers deal with a variety of competing demands on a daily basis and require a good grasp of administrative process, an understanding of how the health system works and an ability to relate well to people.

This tutorial discusses the core elements required of managers – both professional and personal. The basic practical skills and attributes necessary to manage are outlined, building a foundation of management concepts. The tutorial then progresses to a conceptual framework, demanding some reflection on the human and personal side of the role. As you work through the elements presented here, take the opportunity to reflect on your own practice and to approach this with a willingness to embrace change.

This tutorial is one in a series of three tutorials on management issues. The three tutorials are:

1. Management Issues – Management Concepts
2. Management Issues – Performance Appraisals
3. Management Issues – Performance Management

This first tutorial, Management Issues – Management Concepts, forms the basis for the following two tutorials. Competency in this tutorial is desired before attempting the subsequent management tutorials in this series. The concepts outlined here will be referred to as the series progresses.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand the role and expectations of those in management positions;
Be able to identify core management styles and when to incorporate these into personal practice;
Know the key skills required for good daily process in management positions;
Be committed to professional development in the management arena.

Management Issues – Performance Appraisals

category: Management

2hr 2CEU $69.95

Overview

A performance appraisal is a structured process principally designed to help recipients improve their professional practice. This tutorial covers the essential elements of setting up, conducting and following up a performance appraisal.

There are many tools, methodologies and procedures across the health care landscape that can be used to conduct performance appraisals. This tutorial provides an introduction to the concepts involved and the resources available, allowing managers to source resources suitable to their particular circumstances.

This tutorial is one in a series of three tutorials on management issues. The three tutorials are:

1. Management Issues – Management Concepts
2. Management Issues – Performance Appraisals
3. Management Issues – Performance Management

The first tutorial, Management Issues – Management Concepts, forms the basis for the following two tutorials.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand the purpose and requirements of a performance appraisal;
Be able to identify the core skills needed to successfully conduct a performance appraisal;
Understand the process to be followed when conducting a performance appraisal;
Be in a position to establish a culture of using performance appraisals as a proactive professional development opportunity.

Management Issues – Performance Management

category: Management

2hr 2CEU $69.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

Performance management interventions (sometimes incorrectly referred to as 'disciplinary procedures') refer to a series of interventions implemented when an employee is failing to meet all the expectations of their role. This could be because they are not meeting required standards of work, have engaged in unethical conduct, have breached an organisational policy or have committed an offence.

Performance management interventions are designed to help employees, not punish them. The aim is to help the staff member gain insight in the area they need to correct, make sure the employee understands exactly what is required, and provide support in the recovery or improvement process. It is supportive rather than punitive.

This tutorial covers the essential elements of planning, conducting and following up a performance management intervention. This is a formal process which requires an understanding of the obligations of the manager, the rights of the employee and the legal processes that must be followed.

This tutorial is one in a series of three tutorials on management issues. The three tutorials are:

1. Management Issues – Management Concepts
2. Management Issues – Performance Appraisals
3. Management Issues – Performance Management

The first tutorial, Management Issues – Management Concepts, forms the basis for the following two tutorials.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand the purpose and requirements of performance management and the disciplinary process;
Be able to identify the core rights and responsibilities of employers, managers and employees with regard to performance management;
Know the process to be followed when an employee requires performance management interventions;
Have the resources to use performance management interventions in a constructive manner in the workplace.

Pain Management – Co-analgesia in Palliative Care

category: Palliative care

1hr 1CEU $39.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

Palliative care is 'an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual'. (World Health Organization. WHO definition of palliative care: http://www.who.int/cancer/palliative/definition/en)

A co-analgesic drug has a primary indication for a purpose other than pain relief but has some analgesic effect. These drugs are usually, but not always, administered in combination with primary analgesics such as opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They are also known as adjuvant analgesics.

The general practitioner, as the primary medical health care provider, has a vital role in managing the patient's physical symptoms. By understanding the role of co-analgesics, the GP can help to prevent and/or relieve the suffering of patients in palliative care.

This tutorial will review co-analgesia in the palliative care setting. It will cover general considerations for use as well as specific drugs.

This tutorial has been reviewed and approved by Dr Philip Lee. Dr Lee is a senior staff specialist in palliative medicine at a major tertiary hospital in Australia. In addition, he is also a clinical senior lecturer at the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Wollongong. Dr Lee has over 14 years' experience in palliative care and extensive experience in family medicine and general practice.

This tutorial is one in a series of five on pain management in palliative care. The five tutorials are:

1. Pain Management – Principles of Pain Management in Palliative Care;
2. Pain Management – Pain Assessment in Palliative Care;
3. Pain Management – Opioid Use in Palliative Care;
4. Pain Management – Co-analgesia in Palliative Care; and
5. Pain Management – Infusion Devices in Palliative Care.

We recommend that these tutorials are completed in order, however each one stands alone and can be done as a single tutorial.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Be able to describe the role of co-analgesia in palliative care;
Be able to identify specific drugs used as co-analgesics;
Be able to discuss considerations for the use of co-analgesics;
Be able to identify common precautions and adverse effects related to the use of specific co-analgesics.

Pain Management – Infusion Devices in Palliative Care

category: Palliative care

1hr 1CEU $39.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

This tutorial aims to provide a basic understanding of the common infusion devices used in Australia. It discusses the rationale for their use and the considerations necessary to commence and maintain a subcutaneous infusion device in palliative care.

This tutorial has been reviewed and approved by Dr Philip Lee. Dr Lee is a senior staff specialist in palliative medicine at a major tertiary hospital in Australia. In addition, he is also a clinical senior lecturer at the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Wollongong. Dr Lee has over 14 years' experience in palliative care and extensive experience in family medicine and general practice.

This tutorial is one in a series of five on pain management in palliative care. The five tutorials are:

1. Pain Management – Principles of Pain Management in Palliative Care;
2. Pain Management – Pain Assessment in Palliative Care;
3. Pain Management – Opioid Use in Palliative Care;
4. Pain Management – Co-analgesia in Palliative Care; and
5. Pain Management – Infusion Devices in Palliative Care.

We recommend that these tutorials are completed in order, however each one stands alone and can be done as a single tutorial.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand the role of infusion devices in palliative care;
Be able to identify when it may be appropriate to use an infusion device;
Be able to discuss the basic principles of commencing a subcutaneous infusion device;
Understand the considerations that are required in the use of medications administered via infusion devices.
Understand the basic steps involved in avoiding accidents and incidents prior to commencing an infusion device

Pain Management – Opioid Use in Palliative Care

category: Palliative care

2hr 2CEU $69.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

This tutorial is an introduction to the use of opioids in palliative care. The safe use of these drugs requires knowledge of their relative indications, formulations, routes of administration, and potential side-effects and their management. The focus of this tutorial is on choosing an appropriate opioid and titrating it correctly.

This tutorial has been reviewed and approved by Dr Philip Lee. Dr Lee is a senior staff specialist in palliative medicine at a major tertiary hospital in Australia. In addition, he is also a clinical senior lecturer at the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Wollongong. Dr Lee has over 14 years' experience in palliative care and extensive experience in family medicine and general practice.

This tutorial is one in a series of five on pain management in palliative care. The five tutorials are:

1. Pain Management – Principles of Pain Management in Palliative Care;
2. Pain Management – Pain Assessment in Palliative Care;
3. Pain Management – Opioid Use in Palliative Care;
4. Pain Management – Co-analgesia in Palliative Care; and
5. Pain Management – Infusion Devices in Palliative Care.

We recommend that these tutorials are completed in order, however each one stands alone and can be done as a single tutorial.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand the role of opioids in palliative care;
Understand the role of morphine and its use in palliative care;
Understand other common opioids used in palliative care;
Understand the dose titration of opioids in palliative care.

Pain Management – Pain Assessment in Palliative Care

category: Palliative care

2hr 2CEU $69.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

There are two main components of a pain assessment in palliative care. The first is the taking of a comprehensive oral history. This forms the basis of the second component, which is a physical examination with or without clinical investigations.

This tutorial focuses on the taking of a comprehensive oral history for the purpose of assessing pain, which is essential in determining the mechanism or mechanisms producing the pain as well as other factors influencing the patient's pain experience.

This tutorial has been reviewed and approved by Dr Philip Lee. Dr Lee is a senior staff specialist in palliative medicine at a major tertiary hospital in Australia. In addition, he is also a clinical senior lecturer at the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Wollongong. Dr Lee has over 14 years' experience in palliative care and extensive experience in family medicine and general practice.

This tutorial is one in a series of five on pain management in palliative care. The five tutorials are:

1. Pain Management – Principles of Pain Management in Palliative Care;
2. Pain Management – Pain Assessment in Palliative Care;
3. Pain Management – Opioid Use in Palliative Care;
4. Pain Management – Co-analgesia in Palliative Care; and
5. Pain Management – Infusion Devices in Palliative Care.

We recommend that these tutorials are completed in order, however each one stands alone and can be done as a single tutorial.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand the various components of a comprehensive pain assessment;
Be able to discuss the factors that influence the pain experience;
Be able to assess pain in patients who are unable to provide an adequate oral history;
Understand the importance of accurate documentation.

Pain Management – Principles of Pain Management in Palliative Care

category: Palliative care

1hr 1CEU $39.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

This tutorial will provide you with an overview of the principles of pain management for patients with an end-stage disease.

This tutorial has been reviewed and approved by Dr Philip Lee. Dr Lee is a senior staff specialist in palliative medicine at a major tertiary hospital in Australia. In addition, he is also a clinical senior lecturer at the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Wollongong. Dr Lee has over 14 years' experience in palliative care and extensive experience in family medicine and general practice.

This tutorial is one in a series of five on pain management in palliative care. The five tutorials are:

1. Pain Management – Principles of Pain Management in Palliative Care;
2. Pain Management – Pain Assessment in Palliative Care;
3. Pain Management – Opioid Use in Palliative Care;
4. Pain Management – Co-analgesia in Palliative Care; and
5. Pain Management – Infusion Devices in Palliative Care.

We recommend that these tutorials are completed in order, however each one stands alone and can be done as a single tutorial.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand the basic principles of pain management in palliative care;
Understand the incidence of pain problems in a palliative care setting;
Understand some of the barriers to effective pain management in palliative care;
Be able to identify some of the factors that influence uncontrolled pain.

Standard and Additional Precautions

category: Infection control

2hr 2CEU $69.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

Standard precautions are standard operating procedures that apply to circumstances involving the care and treatment of all patients, regardless of their perceived infectious risk. These precautions include aseptic technique, handwashing, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the appropriate reprocessing of instruments and equipment, and the implementation of environmental controls.

Standard precautions include safe systems for handling blood (including dried blood), other body fluids, secretions and excretions (excluding sweat), non-intact skin and mucous membranes.

This tutorial will not include the elements involved in the reprocessing of instruments.

Additional precautions are those precautions that are applied in addition to standard precautions when there is a known infectious risk from one of three sources: airbourne, droplets and contact.

The information provided in this tutorial is consistent with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing's Infection Control Guidelines for the Prevention of Transmission of Infectious Diseases in the Health Care Setting (2004). These guidelines have been endorsed by the Communicable Diseases Network Australia, the National Public Health Partnership and the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council.

About the author

Ray Lovett is an epidemiologist with qualifications in nursing, public health and management. He has extensive experience spanning a number of health sector settings, including Aboriginal community controlled health services and his skills and expertise include survey development, quality improvement systems in community health, policy development, research, data management, analysis and manipulation, facilitation and business and strategic planning.

Ray also has qualifications in training development and delivery.

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Know what standard precautions are and when they should be applied. how to perform an aseptic hand wash.
Be able to identify when the use of personal protective equipment is required.
Know which personal protective equipment is appropriate in any given circumstance.
Know the basics of how infectious diseases are spread.
Understand the importance of the safe disposal of used sharps.
Know how to perform an aseptic hand wash.
Know what additional precautions are and when they are required.

Understanding Autism

category: Mental health

2hr 2CEU $69.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder that impairs social interaction and communication, and manifests itself in repetitive behaviour and an inability to empathise with others.

The phrase ‘autistic spectrum disorder’ (ASD) is used to account for the varying degrees of severity in the manifestation of the disorder. The word ‘spectrum’ reflects the range of impairment, from mild to severe, and the fact that any two people with ASD may not behave in the same way.

ASD can have a profound effect on the families of affected individuals, who may find themselves becoming full-time carers and guardians and may therefore be in need of respite. A range of health care and social service professionals may therefore be involved in the care of people with ASD and their families.

This tutorial considers the diagnosis and presentation of autism in health care settings and explores some of the myths surrounding what is a complex and still little-understood condition.

About the author

Rael Martell is a Melbourne-based journalist specialising in health and social care. He has worked for publications in Australia and the UK, including The Times, Nursing Standard, Nursing Times and the general practitioners' and health workers' magazines GP, Pulse and Community Care (all in London).

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Be able to identify the symptoms of autism;
Have an overview of the history of the condition’s diagnosis;
Understand the controversy surrounding the disorder’s causes and treatments;
Understand the challenges faced by people with autism and their families.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

category: Mental health

2hr 2CEU $69.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

The purpose of this tutorial is to:

* Enable health professionals to recognise the symptoms of bipolar disorder;
* Help clinicians improve their management and care of people with the condition;
* Provide information on contemporary research and theories on bipolar disorder;
* Shed light on the complexity, controversy and myths surrounding the condition.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Be able to recognise how people with bipolar disorder are likely to present in a health care setting;
Understand what is meant by the ‘bipolar spectrum’;
Be up-to-date on current theories on the causes of the condition;
Be aware of some of the most common treatments for the disorder.

Understanding Eating Disorders

category: Mental health

2hr 2CEU $69.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

Eating disorders have significantly high morbidity and mortality rates and, by definition, can dominate individuals' lives and those of their family and friends.

The causes of eating disorders are complex and they represent a huge challenge to health professionals as the success of treatment, particularly for anorexia nervosa, is limited and the methods can be controversial.

For health care professionals, working with a mainly female and often young group of patients who may be starving themselves can be stressful and upsetting, and requires enormous patience, understanding and empathy with patients and their families. However, health professionals can make a difference and eating disorders can be overcome.

This tutorial describes the various types of eating disorders and highlights the ways in which health professionals dealing with this complex and demanding group of conditions can help those in need of support and care.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Be aware of current theories on the causes of eating disorders;
Be able to identify the different types of eating disorders;
Be able to recognise the symptoms of an eating disorder;
Know what treatments are available to patients with eating disorders;
Understand the severity of eating disorders and the risks and challenges they present.

Understanding Major Depressive Disorder: Part 1

category: Mental health

3hr 3CEU $89.95

This activity has been endorsed by APEC number: 071107046 as authorised by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, according to approved criteria.

Overview

This tutorial is the first in a two-part series on major depressive disorder, a complex and often underdiagnosed condition that is likely to affect one in five people at some time in their lives.

It will focus specifically on what is meant by major depressive disorder, and its prevalence, possible causes and associated risk factors. It will also highlight the social and personal costs of what can be a devastating condition.

The second tutorial in this series, Understanding Major Depressive Disorder: Part 2, will examine the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder.

Both tutorials emphasise that major depressive disorder is a treatable condition and that health care professionals have a crucial role to play in advising and supporting this group of patients, and helping to improve their quality of life.

About the author

Learning objectives

At the end of this tutorial, participants will be able to:

Understand what is meant by the term major depressive disorder;
Be aware of the most widely accepted theories on the causes of and risk factors for major depressive disorder;
Be able to recognise the symptoms of major depressive disorder and know how patients are likely to present in health care settings;
Understand what distinguishes major depressive disorder from other related psychiatric conditions.

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