513-303 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy 1

On completion of this subject, students should comprehend the mechanisms by which the pathophysiology, history and physical examination of medical and surgical cardiothoracic conditions are integrated to produce a problem list from which an effective physiotherapy management plan is derived. Students will have developed skills in managing uncomplicated medical and surgical patients including accurate assessment, performance of basic techniques and the ability to safely implement and modify these as necessary. The theoretical component will cover the evidence for and the use of cardiothoracic techniques, the role of exercise in both respiratory and cardiac conditions and the management of paediatric cardiothoracic conditions. It will build on theory gained in Cardiorespiratory Systems in second year. Equipment used in the management of cardiothoracic patients will also be studied. Clinical practice will emphasise performance of assessment and treatment skills and an ability to formulate basic management plans for medical and surgical patients.

Clinical: continuous clinical assessment (40%), clinical examination (10%). Theory: case presentation (5%), end of theory block 2-hour written examination (20%), 2-hour written examination at the end of the year (25%).

Students must pass both clinical and theoretical components of the assessment in order to pass the subject.

• JA Pryor and SA Prasad, Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiac Problems - Adults and Paediatrics. 3rd edn, Churchill Livingstone, 2002.
• JB Wes, Respiratory Physiology - The Essentials. 6th edn, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2000.