PTY5106 · Foundations of physiotherapy

Overview

This unit introduces the four themes of the physiotherapy course, facilitating integration of prior science and theoretical learning into the context of physiotherapy. The attributes of the physiotherapy profession, and its role in the broader health care system are introduced with an analysis of the diverse interpretations of health, the biopsychosocial model and determinants of health. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of health and wellbeing and the influence of culture, family and connection to country in health practice are explored. Anatomy, biomechanics and kinesiology theory are applied to normal and abnormal movement and exercise prescription and health promotion principles are studied. The multi-dimensional nature of pain and underpinning theory are introduced. A health enhancement program emphasises strategies for facilitating personal health and wellbeing and the research theme applies evidence based practice to clinical questions. Self-directed preparation activities precede weekly applied anatomy and exercise practical sessions and additional theoretical content is covered in interactive lectures, workshops and tutorials. You participate in work integrated learning visits to facilitate early exposure to the practice of physiotherapy in clinical settings.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

All assessment tasks in this unit are competency hurdles. One attempt is permitted. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Evaluate service delivery models within Australian healthcare systems and explain the roles and responsibilities of members of the healthcare team.
2. Practice ethical and professional conduct consistent with physiotherapy practice thresholds as a beginning-level practitioner.
3. Justify evidence-informed strategies to improve personal and community determinants of health that promote sustainable health outcomes.
4. Analyse and compare health and health promotion frameworks across individual, cultural, and population contexts.
5. Analyse the influence of culture and connection to country on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ concepts of health and wellbeing to inform culturally safe practice.
6. Adapt professional communication and collaborative practice to diverse contexts through reflexive evaluation and improvement of personal performance.
7. Apply knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the limbs and spine to common conditions encountered in physiotherapy practice.
8. Design and implement evidence-based, safe exercise interventions for individuals with a range of health conditions and activity levels.
9. Appraise levels of research evidence, study design and sources of bias that inform person-centred physiotherapy care.
10. Analyse health-related data by executing quantitative analysis to investigate comparisons and associations between variables.

Workload

On-campus: 3-4 hours of lectures and seminars, 11-12 hours of tutorials including clinical skills, research and applied anatomy sessions, and 10 hours of self-directed activity expected each week Off-campus: You are also required to attend two work-integrated learning placement days over the duration of the semester.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.