PHTY71-401: Foundations of Physiotherapy

Description

This subject will establish the foundation for the remaining subjects in the program.    Historical and contemporary health care and health workforce issues will be discussed with reference to individual, local, national and international perspectives.  Professional standards and ethics, and medico-legal responsibilities of physiotherapists will be explored.  Students will develop an understanding of the generic physiotherapy approaches to preventative care and management of clients in order to maximise outcomes.  Communication skills relevant to health practitioners will be developed and practised, and a client-centred approach to practice will be emphasised whilst students develop an awareness of cultural differences.  An evidence based approach to physiotherapy practice will be introduced and skills relevant to locating, evaluating and applying pertinent clinical evidence to client assessment and management will be developed.  Students will review and advance their anatomical and physiological knowledge relevant to physiotherapy clients, and the role of pharmacology in patient management.  Clinical areas of workplace health and safety, manual handling, infection control and clinical record keeping will be discussed and appropriate clinical skills developed.  The role of the physiotherapist in primary health care and future challenges of extended scope practice will be explored.  There will be an emphasis throughout this subject on physiotherapy management across the lifespan encouraging respect for individuality and diversity.

Subject details

Learning outcomes

1. Derive the quality of an information source using the principles of evidence-based practice.
2. Apply allied health workplace health and safety measures (notably infection control and manual handling), when dealing with clients.
3. Apply ethical and legal allied health practices relevant to a physiotherapist.
4. Relate the roles and responsibilities of health professionals in the Australian health care system with specific regard to physiotherapists.
5. Apply knowledge of the anatomy of the body systems with emphasis on the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological systems and apply anatomical knowledge to principles of physiotherapy assessment.
6. Compare variations in anatomical, physiological, cognitive and biomechanics associated with age across the lifespan.
7. Apply an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model to practice as a student physiotherapist.
8. Explain the basic mechanisms of action of pharmacological agents and the changes in function that result following their introduction.
9. Apply communication and clinical interview skills to obtain a client history.
10. Discuss the acquisition and modification of movement skills.
11. Apply basic physiotherapy treatment techniques on a client safely and effectively.
12. Apply electrotherapy modality theory and demonstrate its use on a client safely and effectively.

Enrolment requirements

Subject outlines

• May 2020 [Standard]

Subject dates