Nov 14, 2024
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine 2019-2020

OCOM 7003 - The Osteopathic Approach to Patient Care 3 - Chronic Illness


The Osteopathic Approach to Patient Care 3 Course emphasizes chronic illness, and provides overarching generalist topics via sequential patient presentations. Biomedical, social, osteopathic, clinical, and health systems science curricular threads are streamlined and optimized for course sequence of topics. Classroom experiences emphasize application and integration of foundational concepts learned through faculty and learner-directed study, and laboratory-based experiences complement and reinforce course topics. Clinical and community experiences emphasize patient-centeredness and team-based care, and relate back to course topics and patient presentations via critical reflection via longitudinal academic and professional coaching/mentoring.

Course Outcomes
  • Articulate basic biomedical, clinical, and cognitive (epidemiological & social behavioral) science knowledge of breadth and depth necessary for the maintenance of human health and patient care that addresses common chronic illness clinical presentations.
  • Approach the chronically ill patient with recognition of the entire clinical context, including mind-body and psycho-social interrelationships.
  • Choose effective communication tools and techniques, including information systems and communication technologies, for facilitating interprofessional discussions and interactions that enhance team function.
  • Develop a differential diagnosis in the context of chronic clinical patient presentations and findings.
  • Diagnose chronic clinical conditions and form a patient-centered, interprofessional, evidence-based management plan.
  • Effectively communicate and document treatment details to the patient.
  • Assess other health care resources and methods patients use (or used) either in addition to, or instead of their physician’s recommended treatment (e.g., home remedies, traditional healers).
  • Demonstrate effective communication that takes into consideration the ability to elicit another’s perspective, present concerns from another’s perspective, refrain from behaviors that cause others to become defensive.
  • Identify and use existing sources of health data as well as appropriate prevention guidelines.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with basic religious and cultural beliefs that affect patients’ understanding of the etiology of their illness and/or the efficacy of their treatment.
  • Use interpreters appropriately and effectively.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to occupational and environmental medicine.
  • Describe clinical, ethical, and legal issues which may result from screening (e.g., genetic counseling).
  • Diagnose and manage diseases and/or patient presentations infrequently encountered in the United States.
  • Provide appropriate preventative and post-return care for patients travelling outside the United States.


Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)