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 Masters of Physiotherapy Course. 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, simulation 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. Conceptually map foundational anatomical and physiological knowledge relevant to neurological based clinical presentations;
  2. Develop evidence based clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills through a case-based learning approach and develop a person-centered, prioritized problem list;
  3. Safely and effectively assess and manage common neurological presentations across the lifespan and inclusive of people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally diverse patient backgrounds;
  4. Evaluate and reflect on treatment outcomes, devise targeted plans for ongoing management and effectively communicate this to specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
  5. Execute constructive peer review and critical self-reflective practice utilising the peer assisted learning model.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 15%
Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) Test (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-reflective practice (750 words)
Assessment type: Examination
|
Grade: 40%
Practical Skills Assessment: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) station-based examination (30 mins) (hurdle)

The examinations 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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