Pharmacology for Physiotherapy

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.