This module based predominantly on an apprenticeship model in the clinical setting aims to develop students knowledge of a common medical conditions and clinical presentations in the area of Primary Care/General Practice. The module builds on the foundation modules in Knowledge of Health and Illness 1 and 2 and Clinical and Anatomical Skills 1 and 2. In addition to the acquisition of new knowledge in a clinical setting students will apply their existing knowledge of health and disease to the solution of clinical problems. Though the emphasis in this module is on the clinical sciences, there will also be a continuing exposure to and integration with the basic sciences

This module is outcome driven in that teaching and learning is directed at the attainment of competence in the diagnosis and management of a range of problems commonly encountered in general practice. There are 45 such conditions and these are provided in the appendix to this module. For each condition students will develop knowledge of common causes and classifications; incidence and prevalence; pathogenesis and pathophysiology; clinical features and characteristic findings from investigations; differential diagnoses; clinical course; management principles; prognosis and prevention. For a period of 18 weeks in the General Practice setting students actively engage in the management of the full spectrum of patients that present to the practice. It is expected that students will encounter something in the region of 10 patients per day on average, generating close to 1000 patient contacts over the 18 week placement. They participate in a range of clinical activities, attend lectures, clinical skills sessions and tutorials and undertake self directed learning.

Students must demonstrate competence in the diagnosis and management of a range of problems commonly encountered in General Practice. In all there are 45 such conditions. For each condition students will develop knowledge of common causes, incidence and prevalence, pathogenesis and pathophysiology, clinical features and characteristic findings from investigations, differential diagnoses, clinical course, management principles, prognosis and prevention. In the clinical attachments students work with general practitioners in the clinical setting. They will participate in a range of clinical activities, attend tutorials, journal clubs and undertake self directed learning.

Demonstrate an appreciation of the behavioural sciences in relation to medicine. Demonstrate those attitudes that are essential for ethical and professional behaviour. Explain the importance of health promotion and disease prevention. Demonstrate critical reasoning. Be able to apply evidence to clinical decision making. Examine and defend the role of the Doctor within the Health Service and society. Demonstrate self-awareness and self-care, including the ability to function as a team member.

In the clinical setting involving real patients students must demonstrate competence in a range of clinical skills relevant to the clinical discipline of General Practice/Primary Care. In particular students must; Demonstrate proficiency in communicating with and taking a history from patients in the above discipline, from their relatives and from others where relevant. Demonstrate proficiency in communicating with other health professionals and relevant public servants e.g. Gardai, Coroner etc. Demonstrate proficiency in communicating as a patient advocate. Demonstrate proficiency in undertaking a physical examination of patients. Interpret results from history taking, physical examination and investigations. Ascertain the correct diagnosis. Formulate a management plan. Record the clinical findings. Perform basis resuscitation and basic life support for both adults and children. Measure and record a range of physiological parameters. Demonstrate proficiency in sampling bodily fluids. Demonstrate proficiency at skin suturing, wound care and basic wound dressing.

This module is based predominantly on an apprenticeship model in the clinical setting. Students will be based in hospitals and general practices and will rotate through the major clinical disciples as follows: - General Practice/Primary Care (21 weeks) - Obstetrics/Gynaecology (7 weeks) - Paediatrics (7 weeks) - Psychiatry (7 weeks) Teaching and learning in General Practice/Primary Care will occur in the General Practice setting, in one of the five 'Primary Care Teaching Networks' affiliated to the UL Graduate Medical School. Teaching and learning in Obstetrics/Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Psychiatry will be largely hospital-based.