Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This is a required course which fulfills a portion of the curriculum for a Certificate in Ophthalmic Medical Technology.
The extent of transferability or credit allowed for this course would be dependent upon the institution and the program to which the student is transferring.

Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate professionalism and effective communication as appropriate for a healthcare professional.

2. Apply knowledge of issues pertinent to the ophthalmic setting, including, but not limited to: medical ethical situations, clinic efficiency, interpersonal relationships, emerging technology and other current or relevant topics in the ophthalmic field.

3. Record basic ophthalmic exams in the clinical environment. 

4. Demonstrate effective management of patient flow in an office by answering phones, scheduling appointments, scheduling diagnostic tests ordered by a physician, managing patient records and prescription transmission.

The course is presented by means of lecture, group projects, video presentation, computer simulated activities and discussion. 

Students will demonstrate learning outcomes by the following tasks conducted individually and in cooperation with other students:

1. Student participation in class discussions relating to preparation for practicum experience.

2. Small group role playing activities demonstrating an understanding of ethical situations and professionalism.

3. Demonstration of simulated practice on Electronic Health Record program while maintaining HIPAA and patient confidentiality practice. 

4. Oral and written summaries identifying information covered in lecture, online assignments, and guest speakers. 

The student will be responsible for completing all course work regardless of absenteeism. The student is responsible for materials handed out in class, posted on D2L and assignments made during class. Make-up assignments for any classes missed will be at the discretion of the course instructor.

The student will demonstrate understanding of the following themes, issues, concepts and development of the following skills:

• Medical Ethics, Patient Confidentiality

• HIPAA Compliance 

• Ethical Behavior and Professionalism in Ophthalmology 

• Basic Ocular History Taking

• Basic Vision Assessment

• Introduction to Ophthalmic Scribing Electronic Health Care Skills

COMPETENCIES AND SKILL: EHR OPHTHALMIC SCRIBING

• Demonstrate correct terminology in a simulated EHR program

• Ability to properly document a patient's complaint 

• Review of HPI (History of Present Illness) and ROS (Review of Systems)

• Explain basic coding and diagnosis codes in regards to ophthalmology exams

• Define process of categorizing electronic images and diagnostic tests used in ophthalmology exams

MEDICAL ETHICS

• Explain the principles of ethics of the American Academy of Ophthalmology

• Define principles involved in ethical care of ophthalmic patients

• Describe law/policies for the control, use, and release of health information

• Specify procedures for ensuring the confidentiality of health information

• Describe procedures for ensuring security of computerized information

• Respond ethically to requests for patient information

• Define informed consent and explain its importance

• Discuss patient confidentiality and define the professional's role in maintaining that confidentiality

• Identify various torts in medical practice and explain the consensual nature of the physician-patient relationship

• Discuss possible ethical violations in a clinical setting

ETHICAL BEHAVIOR AND PROFESSIONALISM

• Define ethical behavior and how it applies in the workplace

• Define professionalism and the characteristics and principles of a professional 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS, PATIENT EDUCATION AND OPHTHALMIC COUNSELING

• Communicate effectively in the workplace, by listening, observing, responding to verbal and nonverbal communication, demonstrating courtesy and tact

• Identify and provide care needs of diverse populations (cultural, gender, age, etc.)

• Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationship skills

• Project a positive image of the profession

• Recognize and refer to an ophthalmologist, clinic administrator, or AOP supervisor to address patient dissatisfaction

• Effectively collect a basic patient ocular history

• Effectively check the patient’s visual acuity

• Instruct and educate patients on ocular/systemic diseases, medications, tests, procedures, results and treatments

• Counsel and provide patient education on ophthalmic conditions, prevention, compliance, and acceptance

• Explain the effects prior to administering eye drops

• Demonstrate empathy for the patient