Module Code - Title:

PR4051 - PHYSIOTHERAPY IN RESPIRATORY CARE

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

3

Lab

3

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

3

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

This module integrates and applies relevant anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the respiratory system to the management of people with selected respiratory problems. Students will apply this information to the physiotherapeutic management of people through a case-based approach. The total hours scheduled will be 84 (based on 3hrs lectures, 3hrs labs, 1hr tutorial over 12 weeks)

Syllabus:

Anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system. Clinical features and pathophysiology of common chronic respiratory disorders; assessment and evaluation of patients with respiratory problems, interpretation of clinical investigations; techniques of airway clearance and use of adjuncts in respiratory care; maintenance of ventilation/perfusion, pulmonary rehabilitation.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Identify and interpret clinical features of respiratory diseases and relate to the underlying patho-physiological process. Demonstrate a problem-solving approach to the management of people with respiratory disorders, justifying the selection of physiotherapeutic techniques based on evidence-based practice. Evaluate the properties of common outcome measures used to determine the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic intervention.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Demonstrate an understanding of the potential influence of respiratory diseases on a person's quality of life. Discuss the role of a physiotherapist within an multi-disciplinary team in the management of people with respiratory problems.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Perform a respiratory assessment incorporating commonly used outcome measures for ventilation and aerobic capacity. Select and apply appropriate interventions to optimise a treatment session. Recognise any deleterious effects of an intervention and instigate appropriate action.

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

This module will use an experiential based learning model that centres on patient case studies. Each case study will entail aspects of body structures and functions, activity limitations, participation restrictions, personal and environmental factors and the specific physiotherapy skills needed to manage these multi-systems cases. The module will be delivered through a mixture of small groups, lectures, and SDL and all of these approaches will be utilised in a blended learning style, with the evidence base of the information underpinning all learning.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Pryor J, Prasad S (2008) Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiac Problems , Churchill Livingston

West, J.B. (2008) Pulmonary pathophysiology: the essentials. , Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

Hough, A. (2001) Physiotherapy in Respiratory Care, , Nelson Thornes

Other Relevant Texts:

Tang, C.Y., Taylor, N.F., Blackstock F.C. (2010) Chest physiotherapy for patients admitted to hospital with an exacerbation of COPD: a systematic review , Physiotherapy, 96, 1-13

Bourke, S.J., Burns, G.P. (2011) Respiratory medicine lecture notes. , Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

BSPHYSUFA - PHYSIOTHERAPY

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Autumn

Module Leader:

Aisling.McMahon@ul.ie