Developmental Disability Medicine

Unit Code

01563

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria
Suite 202, 3 Chester Street
Oakleigh
Victoria 3166 Australia

tel: +61 3 9564 7511
fax: +61 3 9564 8330
web: http://cddh.med.monash.edu.au/

Unit Points

Research Points: 87.5

Coursework Points: 12.5

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Dr Jane Tracy
Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria
Suite 202, 3 Chester Street
Oakleigh
Victoria 3166 Australia

tel: +61 3 9564 7511
fax: +61 3 9564 8330
email: jane.tracy@med.monash.edu.au

Alternative Contact:

Dr Teresa Iacono
Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria
Suite 202, 3 Chester Street
Oakleigh
Victoria 3166 Australia

tel: +61 3 9564 7511
fax: +61 3 9564 8330
email: teresa.iacono@med.monash.edu.au

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Overall Objectives

To provide students with an opportunity to learn more about factors influencing the health and healthcare of people with developmental disabilities.

At the end of the course students will:

• Have an appreciation of the attitudinal and structural barriers to community access experience by people with disabilities.
• Understand the various factors that impact on the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities.
• Know about the community health and support services that are designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities and their families.
• Be able to effectively communicate with people with disabilities and their carers.

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Content

Coursework: Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics OR Qualitative Health Research.

Students will also be provided with opportunities to attend presentations of various CDDHV staff about aspects of Developmental Disability Medicine, medical clinics and multidisciplinary meetings involving CDDHV clinicians.

Research: The CDDHV has a current longitudinal study looking at the health and wellbeing of people with developmental disabilities. A number of valuable smaller studies focusing on physical or mental health or health care could use this larger study as the foundation. The precise focus of the study could be negotiated between supervisors and the student but could include:

• Risk factors for cardiovascular disease/obesity/mental health problems.
• Reducing risk factors for physical or mental health problems in people with developmental disabilities.
• Health screening
• Factors influencing the health and health care of people with developmental disabilities.
• The role of the GP in diagnosing physical or mental health problems
• Communication between GPs and adults with developmental disability with limited speech.

The CCDHV is also involved in a number of educational activities and research topics could relate to this aspect of the Centre's work. Such topics could include:

• Educating medical students/medical practitioners about developmental disability
• Efficacy of teaching modes in developmental disability medicine
• Attitudinal change amongst students/health care professionals
• A curriculum in Developmental Disability Medicine

Sample Research Topics:

1. A case study of enhancing communication between a person with intellectual disability and a primary health care provider/ GP.
2. Trial of a pain scale for people with limited communication.

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 87.5 points
Research Report (up to 9,000 words): 75%
Oral presentation: 10%
Supervisor's Evaluation: 15%

Coursework Component: 12.5 points
Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Qualitative Health Research will be assessed as per subject description.

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
2