Available in 2024
Course code

PHTY3070

Units

10 units

Level

3000 level

Course handbook

Description

Advanced clinical knowledge and skills are needed for physiotherapy evaluation and management of complex neurological disorders. The course includes advanced studies in symptomatology; assessment procedures to define impairments and limitations in activity and participation; relevant clinical reasoning processes; and management skills and techniques.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Apply biomedical and behavioural scientific knowledge to the physiotherapy evaluation and management of more complex neurological disorders;

2. Describe the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical presentation of selected common complex neurological disorders

3. Apply advanced clinical reasoning skills and an evidence-based approach to decision making in neurological physiotherapy practice;

4. Appropriately select, modify as necessary, and correctly demonstrate advanced physiotherapeutic assessment and treatment procedures commonly used in the management of neurological dysfunction;

5. Apply advanced treatment evaluation and intervention outcome processes appropriate for neurological physiotherapy practice;

6. Discuss relevant gender, cultural, legal and ethical considerations in managing patients with complex neurological disorders;

7. Deliver information to the client, carers and other health care professionals in a manner that promotes participation and the holistic management of neurological patients.

8. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the physiotherapist in advocating for the neurological patient, promoting health and preventing secondary dysfunction/disability; This includes recognising the importance of providing all neurological physiotherapy services in a culturally appropriate context, including cultural competence in the management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.


Content

1. Neuroanatomical localisation of cerebral, brainstem and peripheral lesions; symptomatology following brain and spinal cord damage resulting from traumatic and degenerative processes of the nervous system

2. Advanced information gathering/history taking and physical examination procedures for patients presenting with complex neurological disorders

Advanced clinical reasoning in neurological physiotherapy practice in relation to the total management of specific patient cases

4. Further outcome measures for neurological disorders, including those used for evaluating impairment, functional limitation and quality of life

5. Aetiology, pathology and symptomatology of selected neurological conditions; medical and surgical management, including radiological investigations

6. Principles of neurological rehabilitation practice related to selected neurological conditions; biological basis and empirical evidence for physiotherapy interventions

7. Advanced physiotherapeutic management of patients with selected neurological conditions, including motor, sensory, perceptual and behavioural/cognitive deficits

8. Optimization of motor performance following neurological disorders; advanced skills in training motor/sensory deficits in all functional activities

9. Rehabilitation: stages of management (primary, secondary and tertiary)

10. Traumatic brain injury: assessment, acute management and rehabilitation

11. Management of ataxia and in coordination

12. Assessment and management of vestibular disorders

13. Spinal cord injury: functional levels, acute management and rehabilitation

14. Pharmacology in the management of neurological conditions

15. Parkinsonism and other basal ganglia disorders, including medical management

16. Physiotherapy management of akinesia, bradykinesia and associated movement problems

17. Pathophysiology and management of Multiple Sclerosis.

18. Assessment and management of falls risk in the elderly

19. Other degenerative neurological disorders, including muscular dystrophies, spinal atrophy and motor neurone disease.

20. Roles of other health professionals in team management of complex neurological disorders, including team decision making and service delivery options

21. Advocating for the neurological patient: promoting health and preventing secondary dysfunction/disability in a cultural and social context

 

 

 


Requisite

This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) program 12337. Students must have successfully completed PHTY2030 and HUBS2505.


Assumed knowledge

All year 1 and 2 Courses in the B PHTY (Hons)


Assessment items

Formal Examination: Formal Exam

Practical Demonstration: Prac Viva examinations
Compulsory Requirement: Pass requirement - Must pass this assessment item to pass the course.

Online Learning Activity: Contribution to online discussions


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Lecture-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 24 hour(s) per term
Online Activity-1
  • Online 6 hour(s) per term
Practical-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 38 hour(s) per term

Course outline