PTY5108 · Neurological physiotherapy

Overview

Within this unit, you will focus on the knowledge and skills required for physiotherapy assessment and management of clients with neurological conditions. There is an emphasis on person-centred and evidence-based approaches to neurological physiotherapy. Normal childhood development will be introduced to you, prior to analysis of developmental delay and the introduction of skills for working with the paediatric population. You will then be introduced to the theoretical features of pathology and pathophysiology which are applied to neurological conditions. In this unit you will have the opportunity to not only build strategies for effective communication with clients with neurological disease but also the broader health care team, ensuring that mechanisms for minimising risk to both clients and self are reinforced. Your research skills will be extended to demonstrate the use of reliable and valid assessment tools and the critical appraisal of research using a quality appraisal tool. Your clinical reasoning will be developed with a case-based learning format, and required engagement in weekly practical and simulation sessions. You are also required to participate in interprofessional simulation and work integrated learning visits, to prepare for the practice of physiotherapy in clinical settings.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

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. NOTE: in accordance with Course Requirements, you must submit a valid police check, WWC check and annual CPR update documents.

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

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Implement a range of strategies that enable effective communication with clients with stable or progressive neurological disease and their caregivers;
2. Distinguish and compare the roles and responsibilities of the physiotherapist and other members of the health care team in the management of the client with stable or progressive neurological disease;
3. Identify the policy and related funding issues surrounding care and treatment of the client with stable or progressive neurological disease;
4. Apply anatomical knowledge to the function of the neurological system;
5. Identify the principles of motor skill acquisition across the lifespan;
6. Describe a range of pathophysiological disorders and mechanisms of recovery of neurological system and relate these to physiotherapy management;
7. Analyse factors contributing to abnormal function in the person with neurological impairments;
8. Design and conduct an appropriate, timely assessment of the neurological system, including determination of client’s short and long-term goals and medico-legal documentation of findings;
9. Apply knowledge of health sciences to determine and perform appropriate neurological physiotherapy management across the lifespan, including monitoring its effectiveness, discharge planning and utilising re-assessment findings to inform practice;
10. Demonstrate appropriate, safe and effective manual handling and positioning of self and client at all times, utilising principles of risk minimisation;
11. Explain evidence based physiotherapy interventions relevant to the management of the neurological client;
12. Critically appraise clinical research using appropriate quality appraisal tools;

Workload

5-6 hours of lectures, 12-13 hours of tutorials including case-based learning, clinical skills and simulation sessions, and 10 hours of self-directed activity expected each week

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