PTY5109 · Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy

Overview

This unit will focus on the knowledge and skills required for physiotherapy assessment and management of clients with cardiorespiratory conditions. Person-centred and evidence based approaches to cardiorespiratory physiotherapy are emphasised. The theoretical features of pathology and pathophysiology are applied to a range of cardiorespiratory conditions. Strategies for working with the broader health team are prioritised, and mechanisms for minimising risk to both clients and self are reinforced. Online preparation activities precede weekly practical, skills and simulation sessions. Clinical reasoning is developed through the analysis of clinical cases, practical training and simulation sessions, to ensure there are multiple opportunities for skills practice and feedback. Additional theoretical content includes interactive lectures, workshops and tutorials. You participate in an 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.

NOTE: in accordance with Course Requirements, students 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 cardiorespiratory disease and their caregivers;
2. Communicate appropriate information to other health professionals involved in providing client care to optimize interprofessional management;
3. Identify the issues surrounding care and treatment of the client with acute or chronic cardiorespiratory conditions;
4. Explain the anatomical structure and function of the thorax (including the cardiorespiratory system) and abdomen;
5. Design and conduct a physiotherapy assessment of the cardiorespiratory system including determination of a client’s short and long-term goals and medico-legal documentation of findings;
6. Apply evidence based clinical reasoning to devise a client-centred problem list;
7. Describe the pathophysiology of injury and disease of the cardiorespiratory system and relate this to physiotherapy management;
8. Determine and perform appropriate cardiorespiratory physiotherapy management across the lifespan, including monitoring its effectiveness, discharge planning and utilising re-assessment findings to inform practice;
9. Apply knowledge of commonly encountered medications (including analgesics, anticoagulants, anti-infectives) to physiotherapy practice;
10. Demonstrate appropriate 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 cardiorespiratory client;
12. Calculate and interpret statistics to support clinical decision making in physiotherapy interventions.

Workload

On campus: 4 hours of lectures, 1.5 hours of seminars, 1 hour of workshops and 11-12 hours of tutorials including case-based learning, clinical skills, applied anatomy, physiotherapy theory, simulation and 7 hours of self-directed activity expected each week. An additional workshop of 3.5 hours will be held on a single day during the term. Off campus: Students are also required to attend two work integrated learning placement days.

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