Monash University

Leader(s): Sophie Paynter

Offered

Peninsula Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

PTY1022 is an integrated unit based on the 5 themes of the physiotherapy curriculum. Theme 1- Personal and Professional Development focuses on development of personal and professional attributes which assist transition from student to physiotherapist. Theme 2- Population, Society and Health relates primarily to healthcare service delivery in the rural sector and behaviour change. Theme 3- Fundamental Knowledge of Health Science provides the knowledge which underpins physiotherapy practice. Theme 4- Applied practice develops clinical competencies integral to physiotherapy practice. Theme 5- Research focuses on the ability to locate and evaluate research as a foundation for evidence based practice.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Theme 1:

• apply legal and ethical concepts to healthcare practice, clinical research and personal experiences in teaching and learning activities in university and clinical settings;
• reflect on developing professional skills and strategies for improving effectiveness;
• demonstrate effective communication with clients and students from other health and social care disciplines;
• analyse the relationships and professional boundaries of all members of the health care team;
• describe potential risks to health and well-being as an undergraduate student and as a future healthcare provider;
• explain human reactions to death and skills required to provide equitable care to those facing a life threatening illness;

Theme 2:

• identify social, economic and environmental determinants that affect health;
• describe and discuss the health care services and facilities available;
• identify potential issues that relate to service delivery in the rural sector;
• explore health promotion strategies that address the National Health priority areas of musculoskeletal conditions;
• incorporate health promotion principles into the clinical reasoning process;
• analyse personal determinants of health and develop, implement and evaluate a self-management program;

Theme 3:

• outline the phases of the human lifespan;
• demonstrate knowledge of anatomy of the spine and upper limb;
• describe the biomechanics and kinesiology of the spine and upper limb;
• describe the physiology of the peripheral nerves, effects of damage to these structures and mechanisms of repair;
• summarise the phenomenon and mechanism of referred pain;
• explain the theory of electrical stimulation and ultrasound including therapeutic effects and safety considerations;

Theme 4:

• detail normal childhood development;
• apply the principles of biomechanics and kinesiology to the management of the cervical and lumbar spine and the upper limb;
• perform physical examination of the spine and upper limb;
• perform physiotherapy management skills for the upper limb;
• distinguish between local and referred pain;
• describe the signs and symptoms of joint disease and distinguish between infection and inflammation;
• interpret basic normal and pathological radiographs of the spine and upper limb across the lifespan;
• apply the principles of splinting and cast making to construct an upper limb splint;
• simulate selected dysfunctions and disabilities to aid in the learning of empathy and the understanding of physical problems;
• demonstrate correct body positioning during manual handling in accordance with Workcover legislation;
• adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act;
• assess the environment for any risks to personal and client safety;
• compare the roles of urban and rural practitioners;
• apply electrophysical agents in a safe and effective manner;

Theme 5:

• demonstrate appropriate use of basic statistical notation and concepts;
• create simple graphs in excel;
• describe the features of normally distributed data ;
• demonstrate the ability to calculate errors in point estimates;
• define hypothesis testing; + demonstrate competence in utilising and interpreting the t and z statistics and;
• calculate and interpret the effect size index.

Upon completion of the one week Rural Health Inter-professional Attachment students will be able to:

• Recognise the importance of location to health and health service delivery;
• Describe and discuss the health and community services and facilities available in a rural location;
• Begin to recognise how rural health differs across gender, age, race and sexual orientation; and
• Compare and contrast rural and metropolitan physiotherapy experiences.

Assessment

Assessment in PTY1022 will be both formative and summative.
Formative assessment tasks include on-line learning tasks. Hurdle requirements include attendance at 80% of tutorials and practical sessions, attendance and participation in the Rural Health inter-professional attachment, completion of 'Apply First Aid' and professional conduct. Students are required to demonstrate professional behaviour in communication (written or verbal) with department staff and clinical educators in order to pass the unit.
Summative assessment tasks: written assignments: 32.5%, practical assignments: 37.5%, end of semester written examinations: 30%. All assessment tasks must be completed to a pass grade standard to complete this unit.

Co-requisites

Only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy