Physiotherapy in Cardiorespiratory Practice

Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy is a foundation practice area in the Masters of Physiotherapy Course. It requires students to draw on and apply previous biomedical knowledge to interpret clinical scenarios involving the cardiovascular and respiratory systems through the use of case-based learning, simulation and practical 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 cardiorespiratory 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. Rationalise cardiorespiratory based clinical presentations using foundation anatomical, physiological and pathophysiological knowledge;
2. Develop evidence based clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills through a case-based learning approach and develop a person-centred, prioritised problem list;
3. Assess and manage in a safe and effective manner common cardiorespiratory presentations across the lifespan and inclusive of people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and culturally and linguistically diverse populations; and
4. Evaluate and reflect on treatment outcomes, devise targeted plans for ongoing management and effectively communicate this to specialist and non-specialist audiences.