Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Cardiorespiratory Acute Care)

This course aims to further enhance physiotherapists' knowledge and skills of processing and treating patients with acute cardiorespiratory conditions. An enhanced knowledge of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology and anatomy gained from the science subject underpins the course. The course covers areas of evidence based physiotherapy practice, diagnostic and investigative procedures and physiotherapy techniques used in the management of acute complex patients. Current management issues in the areas of adult, paediatric and neonatal critical care, major surgery and complex medical patients will be covered. Evaluation of current clinical practice and the reliability and validity of cardiothoracic outcome measures used in the acute care area will be explored. In addition, practical and equipment based skills will be extended, including non invasive ventilation. Students will have the opportunity to practice these both at the School and in the clinical setting.

On completion of the course graduates will be expected to be able to demonstrate:

• Understanding of recent advances in respiratory and cardiac medicine and cardiothoracic surgery and the current investigative and diagnostic approaches used in these areas.
• Developed specialised assessment, diagnostic and management skills for the appraisal of patients with cardiothoracic pathologies, including patients in intensive care, high dependency and cardiothoracic and other major surgery.
• Ability to debate current approaches for the treatment/management of specific conditions.
• Understanding of methods of evaluation of patient progress and outcome including clinical assessment tools and application of research findings.
• Undertake clinical practice to enhance patient assessment and treatment planning skills including integration and interpretation of patient problems and effective goal setting.
• Undertake physiotherapeutic intervention that is based on sound evidence and sensitive to service delivery models and the culture of both the patient and the organisation.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Cardiorespiratory Acute Care) comprises one core subject and two (2) specialist subjects. The specialist subjects are taught throughout semester one. The core subject is 513-699 Physiotherapy Professional Portfolio which entails submitting a portfolio of professional development activities attended within the last 5 years.

Students must complete three (3) subjects to be eligible to graduate.

Applicants must be qualified to practise as physiotherapists and should normally have at least two years clinical experience with one of the two years preferably being in the area of course specialisation. Both academic achievement and clinical experience will be considered by the Selection Committee.

This program is normally offered in alternative years, with the next intake expected in 2009 (subject to sufficient enrolments). Please consult with the School of Physiotherapy to confirm the next available year of admission.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

On completion of the course graduates will be expected to be able to demonstrate:

• An appreciation of the team approach to learning in complex areas.
• The capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self directed learning.
• Development of critical thinking and analytical skills
• The ability to evaluate and synthesise research and professional literature
• A capacity to articulate knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations at an academic level and at a level appropriate for individuals who deliver services or receive healthcare services