Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Toxicology

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Toxicology (PGDip Medical Toxicology) is to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in Medical Toxicology.

On completion of this qualification; successful learners will be more proficient in

• The early diagnosis and management of the poisoned patient.
• Identifying toxicology problems and solving these problems through taught methods.
• Understanding the importance of continued self-study and of staying abreast of new developments in the field of toxicology.
• Personal self-development with emphasis on insight, responsibility, accountability, continued learning, self-criticism, acceptance of criticism from others, and the ability to work independently.
• Critically review and interpretation of the literature relating to publications in toxicology.
• Understand the set-up, importance and management of Poison Information Centres nationally and internationally.
• The ability to work in a team and to add value to the larger group through constructive collaboration and cooperation.
• Development of a holistic approach to problem solving within the context of respect and sensitivity for other people, the community and the environment.
• Understanding the importance of toxicology in general, in particular, to the community through the communication of knowledge and the transfer of relevant information.
• Establish a smaller poison centre unit in his/her environment that will network with the National Poison Centre of South Africa.
• Efficiently and responsibly apply scientific methods and technology to the field of medical toxicology.
• Efficiently collect, organise, store, analyse, evaluate, integrate and apply data.

The qualification embraces a period of 18 months designed to equip the learner to work in the field of medical toxicology.

Rationale

Toxicology is the branch of pharmacology. Toxixology focuses on the adverse effects of drugs and other chemical toxins on the body. It is a scientific area with growing demand in academia as well as the private and public health sector. There is an increasing interest of medical doctors, pharmacists and other scientists to gain more knowledge in this field. This qualification in toxicology would, therefore, cater to a training need for the country as a whole and also for Africa in general. Currently, there is a shortage of trained staff with knowledge of poisonings, especially of poisoning with chemicals that are unique to the African continent.

The qualification will provide an essential step in the training of scientists in Medical Toxicology and provide them with a higher academic qualification. The target group for the Postgraduate Diploma in Toxicology will be suitably qualified healthcare professionals

Learners completing the qualification will have the practical skills to assist in the diagnoses and management of patients exposed to poisonous chemicals. They will be able to work in medical facilities where they will be able to advise other health care professionals on the management of poisoned patients. Upon qualifying, learners can pursue a Master's qualification in Toxicology and a PhD.

The qualification will provide an essential step in the training of scientists in Medical Toxicology and provide them with a qualification. Given the critical shortage of toxicology experts, the health services of South Africa will tremendously benefit from the qualification. Currently, there is no professional body to regulate the Medical Toxicology experts in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners with adequate experience could apply for admission to the qualification through RPL.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) and the guidelines for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences applies.

The following rules for RPL access apply

• Normal admission requirements may be waived based on prior learning, subject to the approval of the relevant faculty board. The approval must be recorded in the faculty board's communication to the Senate.
• The assessment of prior learning for the proposes of RPL and CAT must always meet standards that correspond with normal learning assessment.

A learner can apply for admission to the qualification based on RPL.

The application of RPL for exemption and/or CAT is possible at postgraduate level. The learner can request the university to consider their formal-, informal- or non-formal learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A healthcare professional's qualification, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Introduction to Toxicology, 24 Credits.
• Poisoning management and prevention (antidotes, poison information centres), 24 Credits.
• Poisoning with Pharmaceuticals, 24 Credits.
• Poisoning with Non-Drug Chemicals, 24 Credits.
• Poisoning with Biological Toxins, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of poisoning management and prevention.
2. Work in medical facilities and advise other health care professionals on the management of poisoned patients.
3. Assist in the diagnoses and management of patients exposed to poisonous chemicals.
4. Demonstrate a thorough and systematic knowledge of Medical Toxicology and have the ability to critically evaluate and practically apply new knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain the difference between drugs and poisons with a high and low inherent toxicity.
• Devise how to manage acute poisoning cases by:

> Terminating exposures and increasing elimination;

> The use of specific antidotes;

> Symptomatic and supportive care.

• Define what a poison centre is and the main activities of such a centre.
• Discuss the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the roles of poison centres in public health and sound chemicals management.
• Identify acute adverse reactions to drugs of abuse and the management of patients that overdose on these drugs.
• Debate the safety of different medications in pregnancy.
• Describe general guidelines for prescribing during breast feeding.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Manage common acute poisonings with non-drug chemicals.
• Know how to treat common acute poisonings with pharmaceuticals.
• Know the mechanism of toxicity involved.
• Know about all the symptoms and signs of poisoning with pharmaceuticals.
• Know what special investigations must be done.
• Be aware of antidotes available and how to get hold of it.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Know all the poisonous snakes, scorpions, spiders, marine animals and plants of South Africa.
• Know the mechanism of toxicity involved.
• Discuss the different symptoms and signs when poisoned by a biological toxin.
• Know what special investigations must be done.
• Be aware of anti-venoms available and where to source it.
• Know how to manage a patient who has been exposed to a biological toxin.
• Critically review and interpret the literature relating to publications in biological toxins.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Describe the definition and history of toxicology.
• Differentiate between analytical and Nano toxicology.
• Identify chemicals that is found in the workplace and environment that can be hazardous for human health.
• Describe the current situation of regulatory toxicology in South Africa.
• Identify with a forensic toxicologist and how and why he test bodily fluids and tissue samples during autopsies.
• Apply basic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics principles.
• Explain the different mechanisms of drug toxicity:

> on target and off target effects.

> production of toxic metabolites.

> harmful immune responses.

> idiosyncratic toxicity.

• Predict the epidemiology and risk factors of drug-drug interactions as well as the mechanism of drug-drug interactions.
• Explain the concepts of dose-response and dose-effect.
• Describe the principles of cell damage and tissue repair as well as the different types of cell damage and prognosis.

Integrated Assessment

All internal and external assessment takes place following the policy of the institution (Regulation for internal and external moderation and the processing of results).

The procedures for internal assessment are as follows

Internal assessment is in line with the institution's policy on assessment practices. The assessment practices will be explicit, valid and reliable.

The procedures for external assessment and moderation are as follows

An external examiner who has been approved for this purpose by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the institution will perform the final oral case report assessments.

Learners will have to submit a minimum of one written assignments and completion of 1 online quiz per module  these assessments comprise 25 percent of the final mark.

Work integrated learning entails the submission of an E-Porfolio. Assessment of knowledge gained through theoretical focus in all five modules is through a portfolio that provides an integrated reflection on case studies, conditions and experiences during work integrated learning. There is a summative assessment for all modules in the form of online quizzes and Group discussions and feedback during contact sessions.