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Child & Adolescent Health
Gain an introduction to managing common health conditions seen in children and adolescents.
Overview
Understand common medical presentations in your young patients, from mental health and child safety issues through to dermatological conditions and long-term health problems.
- This course is perfect for practitioners with no to little training in this area.
- Explore medical conditions and concerns pertinent to children and adolescents.
- This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses, and degree-qualified health professionals.
- CPD-accredited and university-assured.
CPD requirements
Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia*
Study modes
100% online
Course fee
$1595
Special rates available
Study duration
78 hrs
Self-paced
*provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of 5 hours is completed.
Course benefits
- Be better equipped to provide early identification and intervention of developmental, behavioural, and physical health issues in children to improve patient outcomes and reduce risk of more serious problems.
- Provide holistic family health care.
- Learn strategies to promote healthy development.
- Prevent common medical problems arising in youths.
- Coordinate care with paediatric specialists and learn when referral is appropriate for complex issues.
- Manage common GP presentations such as neonatal care, asthma, vaccinations, Autism, ADHD, bites, and long-term conditions.
Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.
Course contents
Care of the neonate
The module begins with the definition of neonate and outlines the importance of the neonatal period. The normal newborn behaviours such as feeding, weight gain, crying, sleeping, wet and dirty nappies are discussed. Common GP presentations in the post-partum period include the 6-week check, fever, respiratory symptoms, jaundice, rashes, DDH, umbilicus and head shape concerns. Feeding difficulties are discussed in detail. The module then focusses on supporting parents with newborn feeding and nutrition including breastfeeding, latch and milk transfer, infant sucking and tongue tie. Assessing adequacy of milk intake, signs of inadequate milk intake and ways to increase milk supply are covered in this module.
Assessment of the sick child
This module focuses on the fundamentals of assessing a sick child, and the presentation and management of some of the more common paediatric emergencies. The first unit details the initial assessment steps of a sick child including Paediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT) – first impression, Primary Survey (ABCDE), Secondary survey (vital signs, focused history, detailed physical examination), and ongoing assessment. Unit two focuses on resuscitation and anaphylaxis including Basic Life Support and Advanced Paediatric Life Support. The causes of vomiting and dehydration, and the assessment of severity, management and treatment of dehydration are covered. Content covers the definition and classifications of fever including evaluation guides through history-taking, examination and investigations. The final unit focuses on the steps required when assessing and examining a child with head injury. The definite and relative indications for when neuroimaging is required are discussed.
Asthma and respiratory conditions
This module focuses on identifying and managing paediatric presentations of commonly seen respiratory symptoms. The first unit outlines the definition of asthma and asthma patterns including risk factors, common triggers and diagnosis. Unit two focuses on the management of asthma including assessing symptoms and triggers, discussing goals of management, choosing the initial treatment and periodically reviewing/adjusting treatment based on recent symptom control. The stepped approach to adjusting medication for children aged 1-5 years and 6-11 years, including how to manage acute asthma are discussed in detail. Information on croup and bronchiolitis conditions including clinical features, assessment, examination of severity, investigations, differential diagnoses and its management are covered in the following unit. The final unit outlines the definition and aetiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The diagnosis, investigations, management and possible indications for admission of this condition are discussed.
Immunisation and childhood vaccination
This module commences with an overview of vaccines focusing on active (natural or acquired) immunisation and includes passive immunisation. Vaccines contain antigens which stimulate an active immune response and mimics the host’s response to natural infection. Legal standards on testing, manufacture and vaccine production are mentioned. Vaccine components and the various types of antigens and how they work are outlined. The vaccine administration is discussed together with safety, efficacy, effectiveness, vaccine failure, adverse events and contraindications and includes recommendations for age and condition appropriate vaccines for children. Vaccines for BCG, Hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal, rotavirus, MMR, varicella, meningococcal disease, HPV and influenza are discussed including dosage rates, delivery mode, contraindications and adverse effects. The module concludes with the principles for catch-up vaccinations.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Bites: Animals, snakes and insects
This general dermatology module focuses on how to detect, assess and plan treatment for insect, spider and snake bites. Venomous and non-venomous bites and stings are discussed including defining the difference between a bite and a sting. Insect bite and sting reactions including managing bite allergies are detailed. Diseases transmitted by insect bites are outlined including treatment options. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the course. Identifying and managing snake bites including first aid measures are discussed.
Managing long term childhood conditions
The primary burden of disease in children and young people has shifted from infectious diseases to chronic conditions. Definitions, demographic and incident data are discussed. Tooth decay is very common in children and information is provided for the medical practitioner encountering this issue. Primary, secondary and tertiary stages of care are listed. The GP role is to listen, support, diagnosis, communicate/educate, coordinate and advocate for the patient and their family. The role of allied health support for the clinician is recognised and discussed. Key consultation strategies and considerations are covered. These include aims, communication, curve balls, breaking bad news, family considerations, non-compliance, medico-legal, child protection, mental health, adolescence and palliation. Consultation frameworks are provided. Following the FAMILY guide, five case examples are provided in managing children with asthma, ASD, school and social media influence, food allergy and spina bifida. Information about the GP’s self-care is mentioned.
Did you know you can also study most of these course modules in HealthCert 365?
If you're not interested in pursuing a full certificate in this field but simply want to enhance your skills in specific topics covered in this course, you can access the content of this and other courses for a flat fee of $83 per month (paid annually) within HealthCert 365.
Dr Jane Macleod is the Course Chair for this course. Jane has expertise in child and adolescent health, including developmental paediatrics, care of young people living in out-of-home care, mental health and sexual and reproductive health, including gender medicine. Jane is highly skilled in inclusive care, gender care and trauma informed care
Scientific Coordinator, Skin Cancer Unit, ASMN-IRCCS, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
Associate Professor Caterina Longo is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. Although providing the best care possible for patients remains her primary goal, she also committed to education and clinical research. She is actively involved in clinical research and has published numerous papers on topics related to skin cancer with an emphasis on melanoma, atypical nevi, Spitz/Reed nevi and non-melanoma skin cancer.
Caterina’s research interests are focused on the use of imaging instruments such as dermoscopy and confocal laser microscopy to recognise skin cancer early in its development. She pioneered the use of ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy for micrographic Mohs surgery applied for basal cell carcinoma and other visceral tumours. Caterina frequently lectures on these topics both nationally and internationally.
MBBS, MD, DGO, FRANZCOG
Doctor, Royal Hobart Hospital
Beginning her medical career in Mumbai, India, Dr Vaishali Bhalerao has 22 years of knowledge and experience to impart. She completed her master's degree and went on to establish her own private practice, which she ran successfully for 15 years. During this period she also worked as Associate Professor in a state government hospital.
Before coming to Australia, Dr Bhalerao worked in one of the NHS hospital in the UK and since arriving in Australia in 2011 she has worked in various hospitals in Tasmania and Victoria including Mercy Werribee Hospital and Sunshine Hospital.
FRACGP, MBBS, BSci, DCH, DRCOG
Dr Evangelia (Valia) Francis enjoys all aspects of General Practice but is especially interested in skin medicine, women's health and medicine of the elderly.
Originally from the coastal town of Kavala in Greece, Dr Francis is involved in teaching medical students as a Conjoint Lecturer in the Rural Medical School of Port Macquarie as well as teaching registrars. It is a very fulfilling aspect of her work that has been greatly inspired and supported by the senior educators at her practice.
When not at work, Dr Francis tries to fight waves with surf or paddle boards (so far they always win!), is training hard to become the next MasterChef winner, and enjoys reading books and learning new languages.
FRACGP
Dr Kate Moriarty works in private general practice in Port Macquarie, Australia, where she is also a supervisor of GP registrars and of medical students. She is a senior lecturer for UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie campus. She has special interests in women’s health and medical education.
She holds a Bachelor of Medicine (honours), Fellowship of the RACGP and a Diploma in Child Health.
Medical Educator
Dr Edmond Ng has over 30 years of international clinical practice and has published clinical research in a wide variety of medical fields. Dr Ng has been a Medical Educator-cum-Examiner for National University of Singapore, University of Melbourne, Monash University and Edith Cowan University. He is currently a Medical Educator for the Medical Board of Australia (AHPRA) to provide remedial training and education for doctors in Australia.
MBChB (Hons), FRNZCGP
Dr Simon Shingler has been in general practice since 2013 and has a special interest in paediatrics.
100% online
Study at your own pace and to your own schedule. Interactivity, discussion, and feedback opportunities are included.
- View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
- Participate in online case discussions and interact with peers.
- Attend or watch recordings of live tutorials with experts.
- Ask questions and discuss clinical cases in live tutorials.
- Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD hours and certificate.
HealthCert 365
Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month.
- Customise your learning experience by accessing and focusing only on course modules that interest you the most.
- Gain access to 200+ additional CPD activities and 50-hour special focus CPD programs, sourced from all HealthCert university-assured programs.
$1595
-
Meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement*
-
100% online
-
Flexible start and completion time
*provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of 5 hours is completed.
Bundle two courses and save 5%, or three courses and save 10% upon enrolment.
Talk to us about deferred payment options, registrar scholarships and special rates.
HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others.
Dr K. Abolarinwa
Good courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained.
Dr A. Tucker
This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be.
Dr S. Shinwari
RACGP Activity Number | ACRRM Activity Number | Activity Title | Education Hours | Performance Hours | Outcome Hours | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
455749 | 31186 | Family Planning | 455749 | 31186 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
455726 | 31184 | Menopause | 455726 | 31184 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
455707 | 31182 | Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome | 455707 | 31182 | 4.5 | 6 | 0 |
455695 | 31181 | Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) | 455695 | 31181 | 5 | 6 | 0 |
455717 | 31183 | Pregnancy | 455717 | 31183 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
455758 | 31187 | Breastfeeding | 455758 | 31187 | 4.5 | 6 | 0 |
455769 | 31188 | Domestic Abuse | 455769 | 31188 | 3.5 | 6 | 0 |
455734 | 31185 | Menstrual Irregularities | 455734 | 31185 | 3.5 | 6 | 0 |
802714 | 32991 | Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) Outcome Improvement Activity | 802714 | 32991 | 0 | 0 | 8.5 |
Total hours | 33 | 48 | 8.5 |
View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.
Outcome measurement
The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.
HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:
- Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.
- Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.
- Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.
RACGP Activity Number | ACRRM Activity Number | Activity Title | Education Hours | Performance Hours | Outcome Hours | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
992831 | 34605 | Care of the Neonate | 992831 | 34605 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
502648 | 31277 | Immunity and Childhood Vaccination | 502648 | 31277 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
992842 | 34606 | Assessment of the Sick Child | 992842 | 34606 | 4.5 | 6 | 0 |
992855 | 34607 | Asthma and Other Respiratory Conditions in Child and Adolescent | 992855 | 34607 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
408259 | 28547 | Bites: Animals, snakes and insects | 408259 | 28547 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
788767 | 32785 | Managing long-term childhood conditions in general practice | 788767 | 32785 | 4.5 | 6 | 0 |
Total hours | 25 | 36 | 0 |
Outcome measurement
The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.
HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:
- Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.
- Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.
- Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.
Entry requirements
The Professional Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health is tailored for medical doctors who wish to improve patient outcomes by managing common child health issues in general practice. This qualification is stage one of the Professional Diploma of Child & Adolescent Health pathway.
The courses are suitable for physicians and degree-qualified medical practitioners, including registered nurses. There are no prerequisites.
Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed. Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.
Certification
This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.
Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.
Upon successful completion of the exam, course participants will receive a Professional Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health, and CPD hours.
This certificate course:
- Is quality-assured by Bond University.
- Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
- Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
- Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
- Qualifies for professional development recognition for recertification CPD towards the RANZCOG Certificate/Diploma/Advanced diplomate program
- Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
- Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.
- Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
- Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
- Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
Pathways
Professional Diploma Pathway
This course is the first stage of the Professional Diploma of Child & Adolescent Health pathway. The education pathway is: Professional Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health > Advanced Certificate of Child & Adolescent Health (coming soon) > and the Professional Diploma of Child & Adolescent Health (coming soon).
University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider
This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program.
Frequently asked questions
Don't see your question? Explore other faqs or talk to us.
What are the costs and payment options of the course?
Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.
What is the Alumni Support Program?
Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:
- Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
- Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
- Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
- Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
- Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.
How will I receive my certificate?
HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.
How long will the course take to complete?
The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 78 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.
Is this course recognised in my country?
All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.
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