module specification

This module is the second of two Physiotherapy Theory and Practice modules in the first year, and it is aimed at developing basic understanding of clinical science related to Physiotherapy practice. This PT4052 module introduces students to core knowledge required for the management of individuals with acute conditions affecting cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems.  It develops students’ capabilities to apply appropriate knowledge of clinical science for acute assessment, treatment, exercise prescription & self-management of acute and emergency conditions.

The module will also develop practical skills to evaluate effective physiotherapy when working with individuals with acute injuries affecting muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, peripheral nerves, and common acute conditions such as fractures, orthopaedics, polyneuropathy, stroke, respiratory, and abdominal surgery. The module will also consider public health interventions that are appropriate to avoid re-injury and the importance of making every contact count (MECC).

Students will develop effective and contemporary clinical hands-on skills to manage the consequences of common acute injuries, illnesses, and emergency conditions to ensure patient safety, prompt resolution of illness and restoration of function.

The module will run alongside Applied Science 1 (PT4050), Applied Science 2 (PT4054), Evidence-based practice 1 (PT4053) to enable students integrate their underpinning scientific knowledge of human functioning for physiotherapy practice.

Co-requisites: Applied Science 1 (PT4050) & Applied Science 2 (PT4054).
Available for Study Abroad? NO

Knowledge
• Contextual frameworks for healthcare: e.g., Primary, and secondary care pathway, emergency care, fracture clinics, falls clinics, etc
• Clinical science: Response of muscle, bone, tendon, respiratory, cardiac and nervous tissues to injury, and use of therapeutic exercise in acute care
• Acute soft tissue injuries: inflammation, ruptures, fractures, sprains, muscle contusion healing, joint dislocation.
• Pain: nociceptive and persistent pain mechanisms
• Acute neurological conditions: neuropathy (including Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), peripheral nerve injuries, acute stroke care pathway.
• Acute respiratory chest infection and acute exacerbation of COPD
• pharmacology for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, post-operative lung function,
• Acute musculoskeletal conditions: common orthopaedics surgery and rehabilitation
• Physiotherapy interventions: Electrotherapy: TENS, Ultrasound, Thermotherapy, Shockwave Therapy
• Making every contact count:  Health promotion and living well
• Role of Physiotherapy in surgical conditions
• First aid in acute care
• First Aid in mental health

Skills
• Joint Assessments: peripheral joint assessment, hip, knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand
• Risk assessment in emergency department
• Acute injury management (cryotherapy)
• Exercise prescription for acute musculoskeletal conditions
• Rehabilitation of lower motor neuron disorders
• mucociliary clearance,
• oxygen therapy & humidification,
• positive pressure (CPAP),
• mobility aids prescription,
• acute stroke care (positioning, posture, early rehabilitation, impact of sensorimotor inattention, positioning) 
• managing exercise in the acutely unwell patient
• First aid mental health skills
• Physiotherapy in post-surgical care

Attitudes
• Working in partnership
• Client focussed care and population awareness.
• Making every contact count (MECC)

The teaching methods will include didactic teaching, guided self-study, blended learning, small group case study exploration, practical skills development sessions, case-based teaching.

Practical teaching will be a significant part of this module and students will be able to work in groups and receive feedback from practical tutors to use to continue their skills development.

At the end of this module, students should:
1. Demonstrate understanding of the impact of injuries on human functioning and account for underlying impairments that may be associated with common acute conditions affecting cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems seen by Physiotherapists.
2. Demonstrate appropriate skills required for the assessment of individuals with acute conditions using different sources of evidence including subjective and objective assessments to collate a problem list.
3. Deliver and evaluate safe and effective treatments for management of individuals with acute or emergency health conditions delivered as a part of multi-disciplinary management within contemporary healthcare frameworks for acute and primary care, including first aid interventions to preserve life.
4. Demonstrate the ability to work safely and effectively within own scope of practice in collaboration with others and refer appropriately to optimise safety and functional outcome.

Module Reading List