Pharmacology for Physiotherapy

Unit code: HPT3001 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
VU Sunshine Clinical School
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
Enquire

Overview

Pharmacology for Physiotherapy aims to provide students with foundational knowledge of basic pharmacological principles as well as a greater understanding of commonly prescribed medications in musculoskeletal, pain, cardiorespiratory and neurological conditions, including mental health and palliative care. The unit also aims to contextualise medication taking behaviours across the lifespan, inclusive of First Nation and culturally diverse populations. This will include medication name, class, mechanism of action, indications, common and relevant side effects, precautions and contraindications, and how to advise patients to safely and effectively take medications. Prescribing principles and rights relevant to Advanced Physiotherapy practice will also be covered.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Exemplify understanding of foundational pharmacological principles and mechanism of action of commonly prescribed medications care;
  2. Analyse and articulate the clinical indications and adverse effects of commonly prescribed medications;
  3. Clinically interpret how the use of medications can impact on the physiotherapy management of selected medical conditions; and
  4. Contextualise medication taking behaviours across the lifespan, inclusive of indigenous and culturally diverse populations.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Quiz (Multiple Choice Questions) (1 hour)
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 20%
Case study (750 word equivalence)
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Group Presentation (10mins) and Power Point slides
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 30%
Test (Multiple Choice Questions and Short Answer Question) (500 words) (1.5 hour)

Required reading

Pharmacology handbook for physiotherapists
Reznik, J. E., Keren, O., Morris, J., & Biran, I. (2016)| 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

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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