PT4001 - Foundations of Physiotherapy Practice

You will learn through practical sessions, and independent learning with supporting materials on eLP. The module staff will support your learning and development across the module. You will work in small groups to develop your skills within practicals where lecturers will facilitate context driven application and learning of your professional skills. There will be a strong emphasis on professional practical skills and the knowledge that underpins this, with opportunities to evaluate your learning formatively through active engagement in feedback. Peer support is also encouraged from week one of the module delivery. You will also be set tasks to complete outside of class time to further develop your understanding of the taught content.

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content, and all staff members provide 4 hours of tutorial support per week.

Tutors can be accessed via email, or using the online booking system which can be accessed via your mobile phone or computer. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff during a tutorial. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

Successful academic achievement requires a system of robust support and guidance to help you focus on your learning needs. In addition to the pastoral support you will receive, the tutors involved in delivering this module will provide guidance and academic counselling to ensure that you are able to confidently engage with the academic and practical rigour of this module. This dialogue will be face to face in practicals with tutorial support available, and is an essential aspect of the programme’s assessment for learning strategy. Extensive support is also accessible online using eLP as part of the University’s commitment to technology enhanced learning.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Describe movement characteristics of everyday, functional tasks such as walking, standing from sitting and reach and grasp.

2. Use your understanding of movement to underpin foundation physiotherapy practice skills such as exercise therapy.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Develop safe and effective physiotherapeutic handling skills and use of assistive devices such as crutches and wheelchairs.

2. Demonstrate professionalism in your approach to patient treatment and communications with the wider therapy team.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. Apply professional principles such as ethics, equality, cultural challenges and person-centred care within effective Physiotherapy Practice.

Formative opportunities: Within the module there is the opportunity to prepare for your assessment through formative feedback at two revision points. This will provide you with feedback about your strengths and weaknesses and suggestions for improving your overall performance.

Summative assessment: You will be assessed through a practical exam.

Your practical exam will assess your ability to effectively complete a range of therapeutic and assessment skills to the satisfaction of the examiner. You will work with a model and an assistant in a role play context, in relation to a scenario with which you will already be familiar. This assessment evaluates your knowledge and your practical and professional skills as it simulates practice in a clinical environment.

Written feedback will be provided following the summative assessment with the opportunity to explore this further in person with the tutor.

K&U 1&2, IPSA 1&2, PVA 1

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This module develops skills that are keystones of Physiotherapy practice, providing a unique opportunity for students to learn fundamental skills from the outset of the programme, that can be applied in placement immediately. From the first session, students are encouraged to develop behaviours and values that underpin the Health and Caring Professions Council codes of conduct. Practicals are conducted with an emphasis on simulating clinical practice and students are encouraged to focus upon the application of theoretical skills to the practice environment. Areas of study provide skills that are integral to every area of Physiotherapy practice, underpinning all other modules and placement experiences. Students are introduced to topic areas, behaviours and practical skills with reference to contemporary literature and relevant governing and professional standards and codes of practice developing a skillset that allows the student to practice foundation Physiotherapy skills effectively in a clinical environment from the very beginning of the programme.