Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Scribe basic ophthalmic exams in the clinical environment.
2. Describe the policies and torts related to medical ethics in an ophthalmology clinical setting.
3. Use effective communication as appropriate for a healthcare professional.
4. Describe issues pertinent to the ophthalmic setting including but not limited to ethical situations, clinic efficiency, interpersonal relationships, emerging technology and other current or relevant topics in the ophthalmic field.

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 the practicum clinic experience.

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

3. 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:
THEMES, CONCEPTS, ISSUES:

• Medical Ethics, Patient Confidentiality
• HIPAA Compliance 
• Ethical Behavior and Professionalism in Ophthalmology 
• Open Forum and Lectures

Competencies and Skill: EHR Ophthalmic Scribing

• 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. 

Open Forum and Lectures

• Provide an opportunity for guest lectures and/or general class discussion on related subjects of interest to the class.
• Provide an open forum for discussion of students' clinical activities and the various procedural methods utilized at the clinical affiliation sites.