CVR
Assessment: The initial emphasis of the module will be rehearsing the systematic assessment process: the A-E method, and students will build on this knowledge to develop greater confidence in its application to various case studies, so that students can identify the patients' problems using a bio-psychosocial approach and be able to discuss the most appropriate management.
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the assessment process further and develop analytical skills to interpret arterial blood gases ABG’s and chest x rays. Relevant case studies will be used to facilitate clinical reasoning so that the students’ can identify and recognise the signs of common respiratory or cardiac presentations. There will be an opportunity for students to rehearse these assessment and clinical reasoning skills using simulated learning practice and practice writing clinical records.
Treatment: Students will be taught the principles of: airway management, oxygen therapy, positioning; mobilisation; ACBT, manual techniques, nebulisers and more advanced techniques such as: Intermittent positive Pressure IPPB (Bird), CPAP, BiPAP, cough assist and clinical management of a ventilated patient with manual hyperinflation and suctioning. Students will revise level 4 skills such as positioning, exercise therapy and ACBT when considering planning for discharge and long-term management of a patient with respiratory disease. Students will discuss the impact of the disability and how these changes have affected patients lifestyle and psychological well-being
Medical management: commonly used drugs, medical management, goal setting, therapeutic techniques, MDT involvement, patient involvement and psychosocial factors and discharge planning.
Evaluation: Critique of literature and a critical understanding of evidence base for interventions and assessment measures
Neuro Content
This module will build on the principles of neurological physiotherapy assessment and treatment skills taught in the Clinical Assessment and Treatment module using a problem solving approach and the WHO-ICF structure of impairment, activity and participation, based on more complex case scenarios. This will include upper motor neurone (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury) and lower motor neurone conditions (Guillain Barre Syndrome, nerve injuries) and other neuropathies.
There will be consolidation of the assessment process and development of clinical reasoning by forming multiple hypotheses, testing hypotheses, formulating detailed problem lists and treatment plans, goal setting and use of appropriate outcome measures. Differences in physical, cognitive and behavioural symptoms, and approaches to treatment in different clinical settings, between progressive and non-progressive conditions will be discussed. As far as possible service users (patients with upper and lower motor neurone conditions) will contribute to the students’ learning, through demonstration of assessment and treatment techniques, and by discussing their lived experiences of having their condition and their views on physiotherapy treatment received. Students will discuss with patients how they have coped with the impact of their disability and how these changes have affected their lifestyle and psychological well-being.
Innovative and novel therapeutic approaches and techniques will be introduced and discussed, including use of rehabilitation technologies, physical training (aerobic/strength training), balance training, and patient involvement in self-management.
There will be a development of critique of the literature and a critical understanding of evidence base for interventions and assessment measures.