Overview

This unit introduces students to conditions that affect the cardiorespiratory system. Students will apply a systemic approach to assess, treat and manage individuals from diverse backgrounds who have cardiorespiratory presentations in the acute and community settings. This unit develops clinical reasoning that underlies the physiotherapy management of cardiorespiratory conditions based on the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model utilising validated outcome measures. Students will integrate prior knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology with research and evidence to generate effective and informed physiotherapy management.

Requisites

Prerequisites
PHT60004 Cardiorespiratory Science and Physiotherapy Practice

Rules

Pre-requisite
Admission into MA-PHYS - Master of Physiotherapy

OR

MA-PHYS1 - Master of Physiotherapy

Teaching Periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Appraise foundational science knowledge and link it to pathophysiology and mechanisms of disease and pharmacology of the cardiorespiratory system
  • Employ a systematic approach to patient centred care that integrates knowledge and evidence and includes: assessment, interpretation of information, treatment planning, goal setting and evaluation of outcome
  • Evaluate and safely apply effective physiotherapy assessment and intervention skills in cardiorespiratory setting
  • Critically evaluate research and clinical guidelines that inform assessment and Physiotherapy intervention
  • Evaluate the potential contribution that digital health and technology play in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy practice and the role of the physiotherapist within an inter-disciplinary team or as a sole primary practitioner
  • Determine the impact of acute and chronic cardiorespiratory problems on the patient, carer and the healthcare system including factors that impact on patient clinical management (cultural diversity, co- morbidities)

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Live Online
Lecture
4.00 6 weeks 24
On-campus
Practical
6.00 6 weeks 36
Specified Activities
Various
7.00 6 weeks 42
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning
8.00 6 weeks 48
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Practical ExaminationIndividual 30% 1,2,3,4,5,6 
Practical and Oral ExaminationIndividual 40% 1,2,3,4,5,6 
QuizIndividual 30% 1,2,3,5,6 

Content

  • Pathophysiology and mechanisms of disease effecting the cardiorespiratory system
  • Rationale for and interpretation of contemporary investigations that support differential diagnosis
  • A systematic approach to identification of presenting problems that supports patient care
  • Physiotherapy assessment and treatment skills that are inclusive of evidence
  • Simulated clinical cases to support and consolidate teaching and learning
  • Digital health and its interface with clinical case management
  • Effective communication skills for clinical practice in acute and community settings
  • Pharmacology interventions for cardiorespiratory conditions
  • Factors that may contribute and impact on patient clinical presentation management (cultural diversity, co-morbidities)
  • The current and emerging role of the physiotherapist within an inter-disciplinary team or as a sole primary practitioner

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.