SUPERVISED CLINICAL PRACTICEIn Academic Year Three, students treat their first patients in the clinic under close faculty supervision, carrying out traditional diagnoses and treatment planning, performing treatments and following up on patients’ responses to treatment. The clinic is organized so that students treat and observe a wide range of patients: individuals treated on an ongoing basis (assisting the development of longer-range treatment planning and prognosis); work with other patients in small groups (rotating the administration of the treatments) to enable peer sharing and encourage a collaborative approach to a patient’s health care; patients on a rota basis, which reinforces the need for quick thinking and the adaptation of the treatment plan at each and every treatment based on the patient’s feedback and the four examination skills. In Academic Year Four, students continue to treat new and existing patients under supervision in the clinic, assuming increasing responsibility for their overall treatment and care management. Students make appropriate referrals, respond to patients’ questions and health issues and arrange follow-up visits including the spacing of treatment. Students are tutor-assessed and self-assessed on an ongoing basis as to their examination skills (including pulse taking), efficacy of diagnosis, valid treatment strategies, performance of treatment (including point location, needling and moxibustion), appropriate follow-up, overall professionalism and demonstration of reflective practice. This continuous evaluation, with an emphasis on evidence based self-assessment with tutor and peer input, is designed to build increasing confidence in the development of professional competence, so that students easily transition into independent practice.
Ongiara College
of Acupuncture and Moxibustion |
