Chiropractic Sciences 6 - Chest and Abdomen

In Chiropractic Sciences 6 – Chest and Abdomen, students will build upon information from previous units by using clinical case studies to aid authentic learning for the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of health conditions related to the chest and abdomen. Students will enhance their clinical reasoning by integrating findings from history, vital sighs, physical examination, relevant lab tests and diagnostic imaging. After forming clinical impressions, they then conceptualise safe and appropriate treatment plans, including collaboration with other health care providers as appropriate. In practical sessions, students will safely practice applying manual therapy, including joint and soft tissue mobilisation and manipulation, rehabilitation techniques, and communication of lifestyle advice. Cases will include trauma, infection, metaplasia, inhalation diseases, pneumothorax, cardiovascular conditions. Case studies and simulations will also continue to apply a person-centred approach to clinical reasoning and problem solving. This unit will foster student understanding of the importance of being aware of how various social identities such as race, gender and sexuality intersect and influence health outcomes and why this needs to be acknowledged in providing culturally responsive health care. As a capstone unit, students will work through cases of increased complexity, involving pathologies that may present as musculoskeletal conditions and overlying issues/pathology. This will continue to bring together a more holistic view of body systems and health.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Exhibit skills and knowledge in obtaining and Interpreting health and social histories for more complex presentations in a culturally sensitive manner;
2. Illustrate the skills and knowledge of conducting general physical examinations with informed consent and interpretation of examinations results for conditions related to chest and abdomen;
3. Exhibit ethical, safe, and effective intervention procedures of the chest and abdomen, appropriately monitoring and adapting to patient responses; and
4. Exemplify understanding of how intersecting social identities may influence health care experiences and the provision of culturally responsive health care practice.