VERB1500 Psychopathology, Pathology and Treatment Course description

The students learn to identify different symptoms of illness and injury. They will carry out relevant examinations and measurements, as well as practical procedures and first aid at the skills training facilities at the university. The course is taught over ten weeks in which mental health care, psychopathology, and substance-related addiction disorders employ three weeks as a separate block.

The course comprises two months’ supervised practical training at a pharmacy. The work and teaching methods also comprise lectures and seminars where students work on assignments. Digital learning resources will be actively used in the course.

Discussion between the programme lecturers, practical training supervisors and students is facilitated via digital tools. Students will be closely followed up by a supervisor at the pharmacy and have regular supervisory sessions.

During the period of practical training, the students will work individually on written assignments relating to the training.

The student must have been admitted to the programme.

On successful completion of the course, the student has the following learning outcomes classified as knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• can describe mental health in a lifespan perspective and diagnostic systems for mental disorders
• can describe comorbidity, both somatic and mental, in persons with impairments
• can explain recognised treatment methods for the most common mental disorders and substance-related and addictive disorders
• can explain how mental and substance-related and addictive disorders may affect an individual's everyday life
• can describe preventive measures and treatment of mental and substance-related and addictive disorders
• can explain relevant legislation related to treatment of mental health and addiction
• can explain symptoms of illness and the importance well-being in a lifespan perspective
• can explain forms of treatment for somatic illness
• can describe evidence-based measures to prevent illness and health-promoting behaviours
• can outline relevant courses of treatment
• can describe physical and cognitive changes and consequences thereof related to old age
• can describe symptoms of neurological problems and the effect of illness on a person's health

Skills

The student

• can demonstrate health care procedures in accordance with the VAR-Healthcare (procedure and knowledge database for the health service)
• can administer lifesaving first aid
• can map indications of impaired mental health
• can demonstrate the key principles of and aids used in safe patient transfer techniques

General competence

The student

• can identify connections between health and illness, including disability and impairment
• can identify deviation and signs of illness and help to ensure that patients’ health challenges are addressed
• can present relevant research on somatic and mental health

The teaching and learning methods include lectures, group work, written group assignments, demonstrations, skills training and self-study. The course is divided into two parts. The focus is on mental health during the first three weeks, followed by somatic pathology and practical skills training at the skills training facilities.

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

• group work in groups of six students with submission of a written assignment of up to 2,000 words on given issues related to mental health. An attendance requirement of 100% applies.
• two multiple-choice tests on pathology and treatment with a minimum requirement of 80% correct answers per test
• 100% attendance in demonstrations and skills training at the university’s skills training facilities
• 100% attendance at first aid course at the skills training facilities
• one practical test relating to performance of procedures at the skills training facilities

Individual written examination with invigilation on somatic illness and treatment, 4 hours

Through practical training at a pharmacy, the students will gradually develop a basis for mastering the professional role of a pharmacist with a master’s degree (provisorfarmasøyt). The period of practical training will allow the students to practise applying their knowledge and to acquire skills that can only be learnt through practice. They should be able to contribute to promoting health and quality of life for individuals and society by actively using their expertise on pharmaceuticals at an advanced level. Considerable emphasis is placed on communication in connection with focus on solving drug related problems, medication reviews and cooperation with other health personnel. Special attention will be devoted to communication with vulnerable patient groups and challenges relating to intercultural communication. The students will reflect on their own progress and future role as a pharmacist.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

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

Knowledge 

The student

• can discuss the role and importance of pharmacists in cooperation with other health service professions
• can describe and discuss various aspects of managing a pharmacy and being a pharmacist
• can critically assess the effects, side effects and use of pharmaceuticals in the prevention and treatment of physical and mental illnesses
• can critically assess problems relating to drug administration, clinical pharmacy and other pharmaceutical services
• can explain digital solutions in the health service and related legal challenges
• can discuss the development of the pharmacy profession from a sustainability perspective

Skills 

The student 

• can analyse, adapt and give advice on advanced pharmaceutical therapy and drug administration in cooperation with other health personnel, next of kin and patients
• can cooperate and communicate with a high degree of independence with people from different backgrounds and cultures
• can use their professional knowledge at an advanced level to identify and manage issues relating to pharmaceuticals, guide and facilitate user participation when dispensing prescription medicines and selling medical and other pharmacy products as a contribution to maintaining patient safety
• can critically assess the quality assurance system in pharmacies
• can carry out structured medication reviews in cooperation with other health personnel in the health service
• masters independent and responsible professional practice in accordance with acts, regulations, professional ethical guidelines and industry standards

General competence

The student 

• can communicate their pharmaceutical knowledge with professional confidence, both in writing and verbally, to relevant groups, and can document the healthcare provided
• can use their professional knowledge in cooperation with other health personnel, the authorities and general public to contribute to ensuring optimal pharmaceutical treatment and equitable pharmaceutical services
• can analyse and reflect on ethical issues in pharmaceutical practice, show respect for users of pharmaceutical services and provide guidance that safeguards the integrity and rights of users
• can critically reflect on their own limitations and be conscious of their own work and profession, and the pharmacist’s role in the pharmacy, society and in cooperation with other health personnel
• can use observations and experience from pharmacies as a basis for developing their own leadership role

The following must have been approved in order for the student to pass Part 1 Practical training:

• Written assignments related to the practical training, as set out in the practical training compendium

The written assignments are assessed by the practical training supervisor or lecturer from the programme. The students have up to two attempts to have the assignment approved during the practical training period. If a written assignment is not approved, it must be revised and re-submitted. A student who receives the assessment "not approved" on the first attempt will receive individual feedback and advice om what needs improvement to meet the requirements. If the second attempt at a written assignment is also not approved, practical training will be registered as "failed". This counts as one (1) attempt to pass practical training.

Note that there is an attendance requirement (90%) for practical training. For more information about the attendance requirement for practical training, see ‘Assessment of practical training’ in the main section of the programme description.