Module Database Search


Module Title
Physiotherapy Practice 1

Keywords
Assessment, Normal Function, Treatment, Clinical Decision Making

ReferenceHSM070
SCQF LevelSCQF 11
SCQF Points30
ECTS Points15
CreatedMarch 2010
ApprovedAugust 2010
Amended
Version No.1

Prerequisites for Module

None, in addition to course entry requirements or equivalent

Corequisite Modules

HSM071 Principles of Health Improvement and Exercise Prescription

Precluded Modules

None.

Aims of Module

To enable students to develop the core assessment and treatment skills in the areas of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy.

Learning Outcomes for Module

On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

1. Discuss the normal functions of the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiovascular respiratory systems and the effects of common pathologies.
2. Justify and safely, effectively and professionally perform, selected assessment and treatment techniques in the areas of cardiovascular respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy within a clinical reasoning framework.
3. Critically evaluate core outcome measures.
4. Critically discuss the importance of collecting, analysing and interpreting baseline data in terms of monitoring and directing therapeutic intervention.

Indicative Module Content

Anatomy, physiology and pathology: Osteology, arthrology, myology; Physiology of peripheral and cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine and urinary systems; The structure and function of the component parts of the nervous system and neuroanatomy; human development and ageing; Pathological processes including inflammation, infection, tissue degeneration and healing; The histological structure and function of musculoskeletal, connective and epithelial tissues; Aetiology, epidemiology, pathological changes and clinical features of selected conditions.
General: Health and safety legislation, responsibilities, local rules and safety policies, fire regulations; Risk assessment and awareness of risk management in clinical settings; The theory and demonstration of safe moving and handling procedures related to different conditions and situations; Legal and ethical guidelines for NHS, Patients' Charter, Informed Consent and Code of Practice for the profession; Asepsis - infection control policies and procedures; Patient care, monitoring and management, awareness of the patient in pain; Awareness of local and national guidelines, standards and policies related to patient care; Regulatory legislation; Emergency care of the patient, first aid including resuscitation methods; Recording and methods of record keeping, medico-legal aspects, confidentiality and ethical issues; Development of problem based treatment plans including goal setting, and application of the techniques selected; Communication skills required when working with patients, carers, health and social care team; Introduction to the inter-disciplinary team; Clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice; CPD and reflection; Motor control, gait, postural control/core stability; Principles of evaluation and research methods.
Assessment: Subjective and objective assessment procedures – including specific questions, measurement techniques, palpation, auscultation, vital signs, WCC, muscle testing, sensation (dermatomes), proprioception, feedback, cognition/insight, tone, normal movement, analysis of abnormal movement including gait analysis; General mobility assessment; Functional assessment; Applied anatomy and assessment of the hip, knee, ankle/foot, shoulder, elbow, wrist, spine and chest; Outcome measures; Instrumentation used to objectively measure normal and abnormal movement – including goniometry, tape measure; Application of manual therapy for assessing peripheral and spinal joint problems; Posture analysis; Appropriate use of walking aids for different conditions; Biomechanical principles related to movement; Joint, muscle and anthropometric measurement; Overall integrated management of specific pathological problems comprising surgical, conservative, pharmacological and physiotherapy management, including splinting and functional bracing where appropriate.
Treatments: Prevention and management of complications - a holistic approach; Application of exercise for different problems including reduced ROM, reduced strength, reduced exercise tolerance; The physiological and therapeutic effects, indications/contraindications and appropriate application of selected massage techniques; The theoretical basis and application of electro-physical modalities related to musculoskeletal conditions to include - heat/ice, pulsed short wave diathermy, and ultrasound; Application of fluid dynamics to exercise in water related to clinical conditions, the dangers, precautions and management of hydrotherapy as a treatment; Techniques for managing breathlessness and sputum clearance including ACBT; Pulmonary rehabilitation; Common mental health conditions.


Indicative Student Workload

Contact Hours

Full Time
Assessment
2
Enquiry Based Workshop
40
Practical
100

Directed Study

 
Enquiry Based Leaning
60

Private Study

 

98

Mode of Delivery

Enquiry based learning, student led seminars, tutorials, practicals, on-line resources.

Assessment Plan

Learning Outcomes Assessed
Component 1 1,2,3,4

The module is assessed by Justified Practical Examination.
In addition the module requires 80% attendance.

Indicative Bibliography

1.HIGGS, J., et al., eds., 2008. Clinical reasoning in the
health professions. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Butterworth
Heinemann Elsevier.
2.Pryor, J.A, Prasad, S.A., eds., 2008. Physiotherapy for
Respiratory and Cardiac Problems Adults and Paediatrics.
4th ed. Philadelphia: Butterworth Heinemann Elsevier.
3.Corne, J. et al, 2002. Chest X-Ray Made Easy. 2nd ed.
Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone.
4.CROSSMAN, A.R., 2005. Neuroanatomy: an illustrated
colour text. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
5.PETTY, N., 2006. Neuromusculoskeletal examination and assessment, 3rd ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
6.PETTY, N., 2004. Principles of neuromusculoskeletal treatment and management. Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
7.WATSON, T., 2008. Electrotherapy explained: evidence based practice, 12th edition. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.



Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781