Module Code - Title:
PR4101
-
CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY STATES
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module forms part of a series of Physiotherapy specific modules and considers patient scenarios where several physiological and anatomical systems of the body are not functioning normally, primarily as the result of chronic inflammatory processes. It includes the altered integration of these systems and the impact and consequences of these changes on a person.
Due to clinical placements the module is delivered over 7 weeks.
Syllabus:
Aetiology, pathophysiology, management, psychosocial issues of chronic inflammatory diseases of neurological and musculoskeletal systems. Issues associated with chronic conditions through the lifespan.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to
• Describe the features, underlying pathophysiology, aetiology and current management of common rheumatological conditions and multiple sclerosis and recognise the main features of less common rheumatological conditions.
• Apply a problem-solving approach to selected conditions to understand the features, pathology and impact on activity and function for the individual, their carers and the community.
• Use clinical reasoning skills in the selection of appropriate evidence-based management strategies.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to
• Demonstrate an awareness of the role and scope of practice of the physiotherapist and other members of the MDT in the management of each case.
• Demonstrate and appreciation of the importance of the wider aspects of chronic disease to inform comprehensive management
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
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 (graduate attribute: curious). 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 chronic inflammatory cases. The module will be delivered through a mixture of small groups, lectures, and SDL and group presentations (graduate attribute: articulate) and all of these approaches will be utilised in a blended learning style. Evidence based practice will be used throughout, incorporating up to date research and clinical practice recommendations (graduate attribute: curious) together with exploration of the commonality between dysfunction of systems, principles of management and implications for person and family and society (graduate attribute: responsible).
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Dziedzic,K and Hammond, A. (2010)
Rheumatology: Evidence-Based Practice for Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists
, Elsevier Health Sciences
Finlayson, M. (2012)
Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation: From Impairment to Participation
, CRC press
Azam, M (2025)
Rheumatology: A Clinical Handbook
, Scion Publishing
Clunie et al (2025)
Oxford Handbook of Rheumatology 5th edition
, Oxford University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Gleeson, M. Bishop, N. and Walsh, N. (2013)
Exercise Immunology
, Routledge
Adebajo, A. (2009)
ABC of Rheumatology.
, Bmj Books
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSPHYSUFA - PHYSIOTHERAPY
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
norelee.kennedy@ul.ie