Acute Care

Course aim

Develop a working knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and biomedical sciences, as related to cardiorespiratory physiotherapy practice and develop clinical skills of client centred physiotherapy assessment, interpretation and analysis of findings, planning, intervention and evaluation, in the management of conditions in current practice in acute hospital settings.

Course content

Conditions for which theoretical concepts and biomedical sciences are covered include: cardiovascular diseases (such as ischemic heart disease, heart failure), chronic lung diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and cystic fibrosis) acute respiratory conditions (such as pneumonia) and exacerbations of chronic lung diseases, traumatic injuries (such as chest trauma), acute peripheral orthopaedic conditions, and selected acute neurological conditions. This course covers both the physiotherapy and broader medical/surgical management for the above conditions, and other acute illnesses for which physiotherapy is commonly required. Critical illness and respiratory system support is also a key component, with a focus on acute stage rehabilitation. Other knowledge and understanding that is developed to enable safe and effective physiotherapy practice in the acute care setting includes basic pharmacology, medical terminology, occupational health and safety, and ethical and medico-legal requirements. Physiotherapy processes that are applied in the clinical setting include, assessment, clinical reasoning, intervention with a range of techniques, use of outcome measures, implementation of evidence based practice, evaluation, and comprehensive management that includes discharge planning and communication with the broader healthcare team.

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Common to all relevant programs
Subject Area & Catalogue Number	Course Name
HLTH 2006	Exercise Physiology 1
REHB 2042	Physiotherapy Studies 201
REHB 2012	Physiotherapy Practice with Older Adults
PHAR 2019	Fundamentals of Pharmacology
REHB 2048	Neurosciences in Physiotherapy

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, CITY EAST
Lecture	21.5 hours x over 2 weeks
Practical	24.5 hours x over 2 weeks
Clinical	5 days x 7 hours x 5 weeks
Tutorial	6 hours x over 2 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Placement, Skills demonstration, Test/Quiz

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.250
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.