Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PHT3103

 
TITLE Physiotherapy for Older Adults

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 6

 
DEPARTMENT Physiotherapy

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit utilises the knowledge acquired through other study-units in the programme and personal experiences to allow interactive participation in a classroom setting. The student will have the opportunity to study independently with focused guidelines, have conversations with healthy older adults in their environment, liaise with health care professionals and contribute to debates on issues that are relevant to physiotherapy for people later in life. Lecture based presentations ensure that new knowledge is presented using a uniform platform, aimed at provoking curiosity rather than close-ended delivery.

Study-Unit Aims:

The aim of this study-unit is to enable students to use evidence in the literature and local knowledge to plan and implement physiotherapeutic management strategies for older adults who have a movement problem or wish to remain healthy and independent.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Apply a knowledge of the manifestations of ageing process to patient care;
- Discuss the potential of community care and primary care in the maintenance of health throughout life;
- Explain the challenges associated with multiple pathologies in older persons; and
- Discuss the role of the interdisciplinary team in the care of older persons.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Carry out detailed assessments, formulate realistic treatment plans and adapt intervention to the particular problems of older persons, giving consideration to a holistic approach to management;
- Extract evidence from various sources to influence care and rehabilitation;
- Argue with peers and the public on issues of contemporary importance in the rehabilitation of older persons; and
- Communicate with older persons.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

Sullivan, G. and Alice K. Pomidor, A. (2015) Exercise for Aging Adults. Switzerland, Springer

Supplementary Readings:

- Kauffman, T., Barr, J., Moran, M. and Wolf, S. (2007) Geriatric rehabilitation manual. Philadelphia, Elsevier.
- Pickles, B., Cott, C., Simpson, J. and Vandervoot, A. (1995) Physiotherapy for older people. London, Saunders.
- Rose, D. (2019) Physical Activity Instruction of Older Adults, 2nd Ed. Leeds, Human Kinetics

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Fieldwork, Grp Learning, Indep Study, Lect & Semi

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Presentation (1 Hour) SEM2 No 20%
Assignment SEM2 Yes 80%

 
LECTURER/S Stephen Lungaro Mifsud
Charmaine Mallia
Anthony Scerri

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit