PARA1410 Pharmacology and Drugs Administration Course description

Pharmacology is the study of drugs, their action and application. The course deals with basic knowledge of pharmacology, which is a precondition for treating patients safely and correctly. The course also covers the administration of drugs and indications for use of drugs.

Admission to the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of acts and regulations relating to drug administration
• has broad knowledge of basic pharmacology and drug administration
• is familiar with the concepts of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, side effects and drug interactions
• has knowledge of drugs used to treat diseases of the respiratory organs, the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, kidneys and urinary tract, endocrine organs, the musculoskeletal system, neurological disorders and mental health disorders
• has knowledge of drug use for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly
• has knowledge of drug use for pain and nausea
• has knowledge of drug use for infectious diseases
• has knowledge of abuse of medication, alcohol and drugs
• has knowledge of the use of non-conformity reports

Skills

The student

• masters safety checks for drug administration
• masters the correct documentation of drugs administered in the treatment of patients

The work and teaching methods vary between lectures, simulation and skills training, study groups, seminars and self-study.

Practical training

The students complete simulation and skills training in the administration of drugs, including:

• Safe working method for inserting a peripheral venous catheter and intravenous injections and infusions, inhalation treatment, and the use of peroral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, nasal and sublingual administration methods
• Safe management of high-risk materials (needles)
• Safe work method for preparing and administering drugs

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• minimum attendance of 90% at simulation and skills training
• minimum attendance of 80% at seminars and study groups

Exam content: The learning outcomes

Exam form: Supervised individual written exam, 4 hours

The point of departure for this course is the scientific, social and humanistic basis for well-functioning health services that benefit both the patients and society as a whole. The course will particularly focus on knowledge and skills that promote respect, empathy, reflection, cooperation and good communication. Practical training in life-saving first aid is also included in the course. These are basis skills in prehospital work that are suitable for developing relational competence.

Admission to the programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of key concepts in professional communication in health care
• is familiar with the history and tradition of emergency medicine and the development of the paramedic profession
• has knowledge of health care work in a multicultural society
• has knowledge of ethical theories and different ethical methods and is familiar with professional ethics issues
• is familiar with the legislation governing the health service
• has knowledge of the Health Personnel Act
• has knowledge of the duty of confidentiality
• is familiar with evidence-based practice
• is familiar with physical, mental, cognitive and behavioural reactions to stress and how to cope with them
• is familiar with peer support schemes

Skills

The student

• is capable of reflecting on the roles of patient and paramedic from ethical and health science perspectives
• is capable of identifying conflicts and using different ethics methodology tools
• is capable of identifying ethical issues linked to a multicultural society
• is capable of demonstrating basic communication skills
• is capable of identifying normal stress reactions in him/herself, in colleagues, patients and next of kin
• is capable of demonstrating life-saving first aid skills
• is capable of writing a log based on observational practice

General competence

The student

• has insight into relevant issues in prehospital work and is capable of reflecting on his/her role as a paramedic student in the health service
• is capable of reflecting on ethical and communicative challenges in a multicultural society
• is capable of communicating and cooperating with fellow students and the teaching staff