module specification

This module provides students with opportunities to apply and further develop the foundational knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours acquired at Level 4 in assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions. It focuses on core conditions with relatively stable clinical presentations, enabling students to develop safe and structured approaches to patient management.

The module emphasises understanding basic pathology and typical clinical presentation as a foundation for informed assessment and intervention. Students will learn to select and apply appropriate subjective and objective assessment techniques, screen for red flags and contraindications, and engage in shared problem identification with patients using biopsychosocial principles.

Teaching focuses on the development of early clinical reasoning through structured frameworks that link assessment findings to treatment selection. Students are supported to justify intervention choices using evidence-informed principles, professional guidance, and patient preferences. Throughout the module, inclusive practice, ethical decision-making, and effective communication are embedded in accordance with the Education for Social Justice Framework.

Learning is delivered through blended approaches including lectures, practical workshops, simulation, case-based learning, and guided reflection. Universal Design for Learning principles support accessibility and flexibility.

NA 

Available for Study Abroad? NO

Knowledge
This module introduces applied management of selected peripheral and core musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions, including muscle, ligament, tendon, bone, and articular injuries, stroke, neuromuscular disorders, peripheral nerve injuries, asthma, COPD, and common breathlessness presentations (LO1).

Skills
Students develop skills in advanced subjective assessment, systems review, and integrated objective examination, including functional testing, regional assessment, and monitoring of physiological responses (LO2). Teaching addresses red flag screening, risk management, safeguarding, and referral pathways (LO2).

Attitudes
Learning activities focus on collaborative problem identification, goal setting, and application of biopsychosocial frameworks (LO3). Students practise selecting and applying introductory rehabilitation, exercise, manual therapy, and education strategies (LO4).
Case-based learning, simulation, and reflective activities support professional communication, documentation, and ethical practice (LO4).

The teaching in this module comprises scheduled teaching, guided independent study, and reflective activities adopting blended and inclusive learning approaches. 
1. Scheduled sessions include lectures, tutorials, practical workshops, simulation-based learning, and supervised skills practice. These activities promote collaborative learning, and peer feedback, within supportive learning environments.
2. Digital resources, recorded lectures, interactive case studies, and online discussion boards are used to enhance accessibility and flexibility. Universal Design for Learning principles ensure materials are presented in multiple formats, including visual, auditory, and written resources to cater for the needs of students.
3. Guided independent study encourages students to engage with academic literature, clinical guidelines, and digital learning materials. Practice time enables students to consolidate psychomotor skills in safe, inclusive environments.
4. Assessment preparation is integrated throughout the module through formative feedback, peer review, and scaffolded learning tasks. Students are supported to develop time-management, academic writing, and professional communication skills.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Apply knowledge of basic pathology and typical clinical presentation of selected musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions to inform physiotherapy practice.
2. Select, apply and justify appropriate subjective and objective assessment techniques, demonstrating safe practice through red flag screening, awareness of contraindications, and appropriate escalation or referral.
3. Develop collaboratively agreed problem lists and goals with patients, integrating biopsychosocial factors, functional limitations and early rehabilitation priorities.
4. Select and apply appropriate early stage physiotherapy interventions, including exercise, rehabilitation strategies and patient education, using clinical reasoning, while communicating professionally in simulated practice environments and reflecting on personal and professional development.

Integrated Physiotherapy Clinical Practice I | London Metropolitan University

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