Module Code - Title:
PR4121
-
INTRODUCTION TO PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTICE 1
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module introduces first year BSc Physiotherapy students to the theoretical and practical aspects of human communication and behaviour, as informed by the disciplines of psychology and clinical sciences. Clinical practice requires healthcare professionals to have a high level of communication skills and to be able to understand human behaviours that impact on illness, health and well-being. This module will introduce students to theoretical models and clinical practice examples, to prompt students in understanding their own and others communication strategies and behaviours. The theoretical content will be applied to the healthcare setting and the module contains a strong practical emphasis on communication skills training.
Syllabus:
Communication theories, communication across the lifespan, challenges within healthcare and communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, listening, persuading, motivating). The role of the physiotherapist within a multidisciplinary team in various healthcare settings. Personality development, attitudes and beliefs, and motivation. Introduction to behavioural psychology across the lifespan, investigating emotion, anger/happiness, motivation, stereotyping, prejudice and stigma. Management of the aggressive or distressed patient. Introduction to motivational interviewing and behavioural change strategies. Engaging the client and encouraging compliance. Feedback styles and the power of feedback. Recognition of professional identity and boundaries, professional codes of conduct. Health informatics and Role of technology in healthcare communication. Health Literacy. Accessing and appraising health information. Social media and online professionalism.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Describe human communication theories and the main concepts in behavioural psychology across the lifespan
Apply communication theories and strategies to common physiotherapy clinical scenarios
Discuss frameworks for behaviour change in healthcare relevant to physiotherapy
Recognise barriers and facilitators to effective communication in physiotherapy practice
Search successfully for useful clinical information and critically appraise the results.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the use of health technology in physiotherapy practice
Demonstrate awareness of standards and quality aspects of health technologies
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Develop the skills for professional communication in multiple formats: verbal, body language, written and online communication.
Discuss the implementation of health technology in relation to specific health needs and behaviours
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Demonstrate the ability to adapt communication skills to suit a variety of audiences in relation to age, culture, and disability.
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 tutorials. 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:
Carlson N.R., Buskist "., Martin G.N (2000)
Psychology: The Science of behaviour
, Allyn & Bacon Pearson Education
Hargie H. (2006)
The Handbook of Communication Skills
, Routledge
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
karen.mccreesh@ul.ie