Advanced Professional Practice 2

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

Any one of the following:

Undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy together with clinical experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

None

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

This capstone subject is directed at post graduate students to prepare them to work clinically at an advanced level in the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy. It builds on their past knowledge and skills as well as the theoretical concepts and practical and clinical skills acquired in PHTY90084 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy A, PHTY90085 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy B and PHTY90087 Advanced Professional Practice 1 and applies them in the clinical setting. Furthermore the subject aims to create an opportunity for students to refine their clinical reasoning and manual skills to enable clinical examination, differential diagnosis, patient education and management including implementation of appropriate treatment regimes, exercise prescription, preventative programs, as well as provision of patient education and advice, at an advanced level.

On completion of this subject, students will have had the opportunity to build on the knowledge and skills acquired in PHTY90084 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy A, PHTY90085 Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy B and PHTY90087 Advanced Professional Practice 1 and to develop:

• Advanced verbal and non-verbal communication skills with patients, their families and other health professionals
• Advanced ability to perform an appropriate and flexible subjective and physical examination with complex patients using a range of domains
• Enhanced problem-solving and analytical skills to evaluate data obtained
• The ability to select optimal treatment options based on the best evidence and availableresources
• Advanced skills in the proficient and efficient execution of treatment techniques
• The ability to develop and implement a clinical management plan with short and long term goals relevant to the patient’s problems
• An awareness of the paramount importance of patient safety at all times
• Enhanced appreciation of the health team’s approach to the management of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders
• An understanding of preventative programs for musculoskeletal health across the lifespan
• A sound appreciation of the limitations of musculoskeletal physiotherapy and the need for onward referral to other health practitioners when necessary
• High skill level of documentation appropriate to the patient and the clinical setting
• An appreciation of the need for continued professional commitment to the development of musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice

Summative assessment - Two Clinical Examinations - Up to 3 hours total (75%)

• Exam 1 (mid semester) - up to 1 hour with known patient (25%)
• Exam 2 (last week of clinic) up to 2 hours over 2 days with unknown patient (45%) Students must gain a pass in exam 2 in order to pass the subject
  
• Case presentation (mid semester) 10-15 min (5%)
  

Formative assessment - 2 x continuous supervisor clinical assessment based on performance criteria and 1 x case study presentation (25%)

• At end of 1st clinic (week 34) (10%)
• At end of 2nd clinic (mid semester) (15%)
  

None

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of the subject, students will have developed the following generic skills:

• Critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Good written and verbal communication
• Ability to apply evidence based knowledge and skills to patient management
• Effective management of competing demands on time
• Sensitivity and respect for the social and cultural diversity of individuals, organizations and communities in which they work