Physiotherapy in Neurological Practice

Unit code: HPT4003 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
VU Sunshine Clinical School
Prerequisites
Students need to be enrolled either into HMPS or completed at least 240 credit points from the HCPT course
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

Neurological Physiotherapy is a foundation practice area in the Bachelor of Applied Movement Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy and Master of Physiotherapy Courses. It requires students to draw on and apply previous biomedical knowledge to interpret clinical scenarios involving the neurological system, through the use of case-based learning, role-play and practical activities within the workshops. The unit aims to provide students with the advanced theoretical knowledge, communication skills and management strategies required to critically analyse and clinically reason through acute and chronic neurological presentations across the lifespan; and to safely assess and manage these conditions in line with evidence-based practice and person- centred care. These skills are an essential component of work ready practice.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Contextualise foundational anatomical and physiological knowledge relevant to neurological based clinical presentations;
  2. Safely and effectively assess people with common neurological presentations across the lifespan inclusive of people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally diverse backgrounds;
  3. Interpret assessment findings, formulate a list of person-centred problems and goals, and implement evidence-based management plans;
  4. Evaluate and reflect on treatment outcomes, modify treatment plans and recommend ongoing management of patients with acute and chronic neurological presentations across the lifespan; and
  5. Adapt communication strategies to meet the needs of specialist and non-specialist audiences, including formulation of constructive peer review.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 15%
Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Test including case scenarios (30 mins)
Assessment type: Case Study
|
Grade: 30%
Modified Essay Questions (MEQ) short answers on a Case Scenario (1 hour)
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 15%
Peer review and self-reflection on practice) when performing an assessment based on a case scenario (500 words)
Assessment type: Examination
|
Grade: 40%
Practical Skills Assessment: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) station-based examination (20mins + 5 mins reading time) (hurdle)

The examination is a hurdle task as students must demonstrate requisite skills and capabilities to be able to undertake placement experiences.

Required reading

Stroke rehabilitation: guidelines for exercise and training to optimize motor skill
Carr, J. H., & Shepherd, R. B. (2003)| Butterworth-Heinemann.
Neurological physiotherapy pocketbook
Lennon, S., Ramdharry, G., & Verheyden, G. (2018)| Elsevier

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Applied Movement Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy
HCPT | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4.5 years
Master of Physiotherapy
HMPS | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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