Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
Overview
This unit provides students with the knowledge, practical clinical skills and contemporary evidence to effectively and systematically assess, treat and manage individuals from diverse backgrounds who have cardiorespiratory presentations in acute and community settings. This unit develops systemic 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 knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology with research and evidence to generate effective and informed physiotherapy intervention.
Requisites
Rules
Pre-requisite
Admission into MA-PHYS - Master of Physiotherapy
OR
MA-PHYS1 - Master of Physiotherapy
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Critically evaluate and synthesise current research evidence underpinning the differential diagnosis, assessment, and intervention of cardiorespiratory presentations.
- Select, safely perform, and justify appropriate physiotherapy assessments for people with cardiorespiratory presentations.
- Apply effective clinical reasoning to analyse and explain the findings of assessments and produce prioritised problem lists and person-centred goals relevant to people with cardiorespiratory presentations.
- Safely perform, evaluate, and justify evidence-informed and person-centred physiotherapy interventions for cardiorespiratory presentations.
- Interpret and effectively communicate clinical information to clients, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members from diverse backgrounds to enhance understanding, inclusivity, and engagement in the therapeutic process for individuals with cardiorespiratory presentations.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Activity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Hours Per Week | Venue Type and Activity Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Online | Lecture | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 | |
| On-campus | Practical | 24 | 12 weeks | 2 | Lab 1 For timetabling 4 hours x 6 weeks description to include: Fortnightly practical 1,3,5,7,9,11 |
| On-campus | Practical | 12 | 6 weeks | 2 | Lab 2 For timetabling 2 hours x 6 weeks description to include: Fortnightly practical 2,4,6,8,10,12 |
| Specified Activities | Various | 48 | 12 weeks | 4 | Readings, Problem-based learning, Discussion board, Simulation clinical practice |
| Unspecified Activities | Independent Learning | 42 | 12 weeks | 3.5 | Independent study, Assignment preparation, Examination preparation |
| Total Hours: | 150 | Total Hours (per week): | 13.5 | ||
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual/Group | 30% | 1,3,4,5 |
| Practical Examination | Individual | 40% | 2,3,4,5 |
| Practical and Oral Examination | Individual | 30% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Content
Pathophysiology and mechanisms of disease affecting 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 evidence-based assessment and interventions skills for common cardiorespiratory presentation
Simulated clinical cases to support and consolidate teaching and learning
Pharmacology interventions for cardiorespiratory presentations
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
Graduate Attribute Communication- Verbal Communication
Graduate Attribute Communication- Communicating using different media
Graduate Attribute Teamwork- Collaboration and negotiation
Graduate Attribute Teamwork- Teamwork roles and processes
Graduate Attribute Digital Literacies- Information literacy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.