Advancing Clinical Practice (Diagnostics)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| PHRS4019 | Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- PHRS4019
- School
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This course will:
- Examine, evaluate and advance the theoretical and practical principles underpinning contemporary practices in the identification and management of NMS disorders;
- Emphasis will be on advanced clinical reasoning, diagnostic testing and the interpretation of tests typically considered 'outside the scope of physiotherapy practice' This will lead on to relevant decision making, patient management and appropriate triage;
- The conceptual basis of diagnosis, interventions and therapy will be explored, and a review of the literature undertaken based on documented research evidence;
- The practical focus will be on the enhancement and develoment of psychomotor, communication and presentation skills, with an emphasis on interpersonal communication and appropriate triage.
Target Students
Registered healthcare professionals specifically aimed at physiotherapists but would be relevant for any healthcare professional working within the neuromusculoskeletal speciality.
Classes
Activity - Lecture/workshop Number of Weeks 6 Number of sessions 1/w Duration of a session 1 day/7h
Assessment
- 100% Presentation: 20 minute oral presentaton and questions (10 minutes)
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The course aims to develop advanced decision-making skills for the assessment and management of patients with NMS presentations. It aims to develop the skills of differential diagnosis, integrating advanced clinical reasoning and diagnostic testing considered outside the scope of usual physiotherapy practice. There will be an emphasis on the medical model of hypothesis generation and refinement. There will be an examination of the medico-legal, ethical and professional dilemmas commonly encountered in this area of work. The course aims to facilitate the students’ ability to evaluate the evidence upon which established practices and interventions are based. The programme integrates research, theory and clinical practice and is designed to facilitate supported personal and professional development in your own area, as a strategy for advancing practice.Learning Outcomes
1. Understand and interpret the examination findings of patients presenting with complex NMS disorders (including ‘masqueraders’).
2. Define, and (where appropriate) interpret, relevant diagnostic tests, including those outside the scope of physiotherapy practice, for patients with complex NMS clinical presentations and understand the need for early appropriate triage in the light of such diagnostic tests and/or findings.
3. Critically evaluate accepted and developing theories and practice in advanced NMS practice.
4. Demonstrate skills of effective triage in the assessment and management of patients with NMS clinical presentations.
5. Demonstrate the application of a variety of communication skills e.g. patient interaction, presentations, written reports and triage letters.
6. Display skills of critical analysis, problem solving and reflective practice.