New web-based Postgraduate Studies in Stroke Management.

Thursday 10 March 2005

Stroke, as a public health issue, is a leading cause of death and long-term disability in all Western countries and it is the highest single medical user of beds.

As a response, Hunter New England Health and the University of Newcastle have designed a specialist program that is not currently available through any other tertiary institution to specifically target the area of stroke treatment.

Professor Kichu Nair, the course convenor from the School of Medical Practice and Population Health Studies at the University of Newcastle says, studies have found that the outcomes for stroke patients are improved when care is provided by a specialist team that has access to ongoing education and training that ensures they maintain expertise in the area.

The new course is being offered across eight disciplines to graduates of Medicine, Social Work, Speech Pathology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Psychology.

"It is solely web-based, changing the focus from the local classroom to the web-based, global student and clinical setting," said Professor Nair.

"The graduates will be recognised as specialist clinicians and will have the opportunity to undertake studies that are directly linked to their clinical work."

Enrolments for this year have come from around Australia, including nurses from the public and private sector, and a range of allied health professions.

They will be offered three areas of study: Graduate Certificate in Stroke Management, Graduate Diploma in Stroke Management and Master of Stroke Management.

For information and interviews contact Lorna Davin, Manager, Medical Professional Development, School of Medical Practice and Population Health on 02 4921 4852.