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Unit of study_

PHTY1024: Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice B

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The unit builds upon the material covered and the skills learned during PHTY1023. It continues the context of physiotherapy professional practice on issues and practices in healthcare delivery affecting physiotherapists. As pain and muscle weakness are among the main complaints of most people seeking physiotherapy management, understanding and providing interventions to address these symptoms will be a focus. These interventions include, but are not limited to, patient education and exercise prescription. Several patient case studies will be introduced, and tools enabling students to find and determine current evidence for potential therapeutic interventions specific for these case studies will be provided and practiced. At the end of the unit, the students will be expected to be able to devise appropriate treatment plans for these simple case studies. The importance of communication, documentation and respect for cultural differences in profession practice is continued throughout this unit.

Unit details and rules

Unit code PHTY1024
Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
BIOS1168 and PHTY1023
Corequisites
? 
BIOS1169 and (EXSS1029 or EXSS2030)
Assumed knowledge
? 

High School Physics

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Claire Hiller, claire.hiller@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Alison Harmer, alison.harmer@sydney.edu.au
Fereshteh Pourkazemi, fereshteh.pourkazemi@sydney.edu.au
Tom Gwinn, tom.gwinn@sydney.edu.au
Susan Coulson, susan.coulson@sydney.edu.au
Debra Shirley, debra.shirley@sydney.edu.au
Jane Grayson, jane.grayson@sydney.edu.au
Claire Hiller, claire.hiller@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam Final Written Exam
Written exam with MCQs, Short/LongAQs covering all the content taught.
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Skills-based evaluation Practical exam
Clinical skills assessment
30% Formal exam period 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
In-semester test (On-campus supervised) Mid-Semester Exam
RE students online. CC students to do BringYourOwnLaptop test in class.
20% Week 07
Due date: 12 Sep 2022 at 09:00
50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

Mid Semester Exam: Multiple-choice and short-answer problem-based questions covering the content taught in weeks 1-6;

Final Written Exam: Multiple-choice, multiple-answer, and short-answer problem-based questionsconvering all the content taught in Sem2.

Final Pracitcal Exam: Skill-based assessment of basic treatment skills taugh during weeks 8-12.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. Students must attempt all assessments.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties for submitted assessments will be applied according to the University Assessment Procedures 2011. For every calendar day up to and including ten calendar days after the due date, a penalty of 5% of the maximum awardable marks will be applied to late work. The penalty will be calculated by first marking the work, and then subtracting 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. For work submitted more than ten calendar days after the due date a mark of zero will be awarded. The marker may elect to, but is not required to, provide feedback on such work. For the Mid-semester and Final Written Exams (ProctorU Review+), the exam must be attempted and finished within the allocated time. Exams submitted later than the allocated time will have 20% of mark deduction penalty. For the Final Practical Exam, the exam must be attempted at the allocated time. If you arrive late to your exam and your allocated time has passed, you will not be assessed and it is marked AF. If you do not finish your exam within your allocated time, marks will be deducted depending on the remaining content of your assessment.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Intro to PHTY1024; 2. EBP: Locating the Evidence, Evaluating Internal Validity Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO6 LO7
EPB: Locating the evidence, Evaluating Internal Validity Tutorial (2 hr) LO6 LO7
Week 02 1. EBP Evaluating Trials of Treatment Efficacy 2. Introduction to Osteoarthritis (1) Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
EBP: Evaluating trials of treatment efficacy Tutorial (2 hr) LO6 LO7
Week 03 1. Introduction To Osteoarthritis (2); 2. Introduction To Rheumatology Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO6
1. Presentation of Case Studies 2. Planning assessments for case studies; Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO7
Week 04 Electrophysical agents for pain management Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO6
Interpreting Assessment Findings Planning treatments for case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO7
Week 05 Muscle mechanics Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Safe application of electrophysical agents Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 06 1. Foundations of exercise prescription 2. Exercise to improve physical performance Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO7
Exercise prescription Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Q & A session Lecture (2 hr) LO7
Week 08 Clinical Reasoning Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO6 LO7
Exercise prescription Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 09 Introduction to Manual Therapy Lecture (2 hr) LO4 LO6
Introduction to manual therapy: massage Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 10 Pain A Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO5
Introduction to Manual Therapy: Mobilisations Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Pain B Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO5
Case studies of patients with acute and chronic pain. Introduction to pain management techniques Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO5 LO7
Week 12 Pain C Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO5
Principles of exercise prescription for patients with chronic pain Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 1. Legislation, informed consent, record keeping; 2. Professional boundaries in physiotherapy practice Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Self-assessment and peer assessment of therapeutic skills Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7
Extra hours allocated to provide guidance in a form of Q&A and discussion to assist students in preparation for the final exam. Tutorial (2 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend/watch all online lectures prior to the tutorial in this unit of study. Students are also required to attend all online and face to face tutorials, in their allocated timetable only. There is no recorded tutorial. If the student fails to attend a minimum of 80% of tutorials for the unit of study, the Dean, Head of School, or Professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate tutorial attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 80%.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

  • Dutton M. Introduction to Physical Therapy and Patient Skills, 2014

Access here: http://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/book.aspx?bookid=465

 

  • Prentice W E, Quillen W S, Underwood F. Therapeutic Modalities in Rehabilitation. 4th ed, 2011

Access here: http://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=465&sectionid=40195339  

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. explain the protective legislation, the need for informed consent, and professional boundaries that apply to physiotherapy practice
  • LO2. explain the pathology and clinical presentation of common conditions presenting to physiotherapists, such as chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and inflammatory arthritis
  • LO3. prescribe (teach) exercises using the principles of exercise prescription
  • LO4. plan for, and safely treat a person with a musculoskeletal condition, using a selected range of therapeutic skills, including the use of electro-physical agents (EPA) and manual therapy (e.g., soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation)
  • LO5. explain types of pain and their management
  • LO6. define and apply evidence-based practice (EBP) to physiotherapy practice and patient-centred care
  • LO7. demonstrate critical reflection skills in physiotherapy contexts.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
2.3. recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
LO2
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
LO3
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.2. evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
LO4
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.2. evaluate their learning needs, engage in relevant continuing professional development and recognise when to seek professional support, including peer review
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
LO5
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
4.5. recognise situations that are outside their scope of expertise or competence and take appropriate and timely action
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
5.2. engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
7.2. lead others effectively and efficiently within relevant professional, ethical and legal frameworks
LO6
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
LO7
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2 A involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
1.4 A advocate for clients and their rights to health care
2.1 A comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2 A make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
3.1 A use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
4.1 A assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.3 A efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
5.1 A engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
7.1 A organise and prioritise their workload and resources to provide safe, effective and efficient physiotherapy autonomously and, where relevant, as a team member
8.A A knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, other biomedical sciences relevant to human health and function, and psychosocial and other determinants of health encompassing cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological and other body systems within the context of physiotherapy and best available research evidence
8.B A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
8.C A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice with clients across the lifespan, from birth to end of life care, who present with one or more problems such as pain and/or impairment or dysfunction contributing to impairment, activity limitations and participation restriction
8.D A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice across acute, rehabilitation and community practice in a range of environments and settings
8.F A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice in health promotion and facilitation of client self-management strategies to enhance their health and well-being

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The changes made in this unit are due to the impacts of Covid-19. These include: 1) having online lectures 2) having the first weeks of tutorials online (50%) 3) Replacing the Mentored Clinical Placement and its relevant assessment by a mid-sem online exam (20%).

Work, health and safety

Once the face-to-face classes are commenced, all students should carefully follow the health advice and comply with requirements of Covid-safe practice. 

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.