Module Code - Title:
PR4011
-
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE 2
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will introduce students to clinical reasoning and clinical judgement, physiotherapy settings, professional practices and multiculturalism in physiotherapy in a variety of different contexts through a series of cases. Students will be introduced to a variety of physiotherapy skills including assessment, documentation, practical assessment and treatment skills. Students will further develop skills introduced in "Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice 1" including research designs, database searching, PICO question formation, with specific focus on critical appraisal and academic writing skills. The module will give students an appreciation of what it means to be a reflective and ethical practitioner. The theoretical content will be applied to a range of basic physiotherapy skills such as postural assessment, thermal modalities, mobility aids and massage.
Syllabus:
This module will introduce students to clinical reasoning and clinical judgement, physiotherapy settings, professional practices and multiculturalism in physiotherapy in a variety of different contexts through a series of cases. Students will be introduced to a variety of physiotherapy skills including assessment, documentation, practical assessment and treatment skills. Students will further develop skills introduced in "Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice 1" including research designs, database searching, PICO question formation, with specific focus on critical appraisal and academic writing skills. The module will give students an appreciation of what it means to be a reflective and ethical practitioner. The theoretical content will be applied to a range of basic physiotherapy skills such as postural assessment, thermal modalities, mobility aids and massage.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Differentiate between critical thinking, clinical judgement and clinical reasoning
Discuss professionalism in physiotherapy and healthcare practice
Illustrate the essential aspects of team working in healthcare practice
Explain the underpinnings of evidence based practice
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate appreciation of the need to have professional standards in healthcare and physiotherapy practice
Display a professional commitment to ethical practice
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Perform a scientific database search
Undertake critical appraisal of physiotherapy research literature
Demonstrate proficiency in academic and scientific writing skills.
Perform a variety of physiotherapy skills, active and passive movements, goniometry and soft tissue massage.
Demonstrate how to safely use gait aids, cold and thermal modalities.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be delivered primarily through lectures and practical lab sessions. Further breadth and deeper understanding are achieved through tutor and self directed independent learning.
Upon successful completion of this module students will have gained knowledge of critical thinking and professional practice in physiotherapy. This knowledge is essential to the discipline of physiotherapy and students should be able to articulate these concepts clearly. Students will be encouraged throughout the module to be proactive about their learning and facilitated in achieving this.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Alfaro-LeFevre, R (2011)
Critical Thinking, Clinical Reasoning, and Clinical Judgment
, Elsevier
Greenhalgh T (2010)
How to read a paper: the basics of evidence-based medicine.
, Wiley-Blackwell.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSPHYSUFA - PHYSIOTHERAPY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
amanda.clifford@ul.ie