Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PHT3107

 
TITLE Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy 1

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

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Physiotherapy

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit will consist of a mix of lectures, practical skills sessions and independent study. It will introduce the student to the practice of cardiopulmonary physiotherapy built soundly on knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the relevant systems. The study-unit includes introductory studies in physiotherapy practice related to the pulmonary, cardiac and vascular systems, including surgical care. International guidelines will be followed to allow the student to develop competencies that will be tested by written and practical examinations.

Study-Unit Aims:

This study-unit aims to give the student the competencies to explain the factors that influence adverse functions of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems due to disease, in a way that contributes to the basic examination and treatment of a patient.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Analyse the patho-mechanics of problems with breathing and respiration;
- Describe the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical presentation of common simple pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders;
- Select, justify and apply appropriate physiotherapy techniques including manual, mechanical and exercise prescription;
- Describe the application and use of non-invasive ventilation in patients with neuromuscular disorders;
- Demonstrate an understanding of breathing strategies, including the management of breathlessness and dysfunctional breathing;
- Demonstrate an understanding of ventilatory support, sleep and positive pressure ventilation, including lung protection strategies and non-invasive ventilation;
- Explain the physiological basis for excess bronchial secretions, the properties of sputum and muccociliary clearance;
- Describe the surgical management of common simple pulmonary, cardiovascular vascular disorders;
- Identify contraindications to treatment and precautions in the management of pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders;
- Discuss relevant lifespan, gender, cultural, legal and ethical considerations in performing basic cardiopulmonary physiotherapy evaluation and management procedures;
- Analyse the 4 phases of cardiac rehabilitation for their potential benefit, risk and timeliness;
- Discuss the psychosocial implications of cardiac episodes; and
- Criticise the evidence base of physiotherapy in cardiac rehabilitation.

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

- Conduct an appropriate basic examination of the cardiopulmonary system, including history and physical examination;
- Appropriately select, modify as necessary, and correctly demonstrate basic measurement and testing procedures commonly used in assessing cardiopulmonary dysfunction; and
- Appropriately select, modify as necessary, and correctly demonstrate basic physiotherapeutic treatment procedures commonly used in the management of cardiopulmonary dysfunction.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

Pryor J. and Prasad S (2016) Physiotherapy for respiratory and cardiac problems: adults and paediatrics. 5th Ed. Churchill Livingstone, Oxford.

Supplementary Readings:

- https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/publication-library/bts-guidelines/
- Cardiac Rehabilitation guidelines from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network - to be updated Spring 2017. www.sign.ac.uk
- http://professional.heart.org/professional/GuidelinesStatements/UCM_316885_GuidelineStatements.jsp
- http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/104/14/1694.full

Various published literature highlighting current evidence

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lect, Ind Study, Group Learn, Practicum & Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Practical (1 Hour) SEM1 Yes 30%
Examination (2 Hours) SEM1 Yes 70%

 
LECTURER/S Anabel Sciriha

 

 
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