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Unit outline_

PHTY2062: PT in Respiratory and Cardiac Conditions A

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study will introduce students to the knowledge, skills and clinical decision making processes necessary for effective assessment and treatment of patients across the age spectrum with acute and chronic respiratory and cardiac dysfunction. In particular, students will evaluate the patho-physiological and functional consequences of surgery (abdominal, thoracic and cardiac); infective, inflammatory; restrictive; and obstructive pulmonary disorders, and coronary artery disease. Additionally, this unit will develop the student's knowledge of exercise and aims to apply the principles of exercise testing, prescription and training to patients who have cardiac and pulmonary limitations and other co-morbidities to exercise. Students will learn the practical skills and develop treatment strategies to effectively manage respiratory problems.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Movement Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
BIOS1170 and (EXSS1029 OR EXSS2030) and PHTY1024 and (EXSS2027 OR EXSS3061)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Christina Darwell, christina.darwell@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Sonia Cheng, sonia.cheng@sydney.edu.au
Christina Darwell, christina.darwell@sydney.edu.au
Marita Dale, marita.dale@sydney.edu.au
Tiffany Dwyer, tiffany.dwyer@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Anne McAuley, anne.mcauley@sydney.edu.au
Mohammad Fauzan Bin Maideen, mohammad.fauzan@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Written exam
Written exam (short answer and MCQ)
35% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Skills-based evaluation Practical viva examination (treatment skills)
Oral and practical skills assessment
25% STUVAC 8 minutes (+10 minutes reading time)
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
Skills-based evaluation Online chest x-ray quiz
Online quiz (short answer and MCQ)
10% Week 07 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Skills-based evaluation Practical viva examination (assessment skills)
Oral and practical skills assessment
15% Week 07 8 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Assignment group assignment Case study written assignment
Written assignment completed in pairs
15% Week 11
Due date: 20 Oct 2024 at 23:59
400 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Online chest X-ray quiz: This online quiz is completed on Canvas, as an invigilated in-class assessment. There will be a series of short answer questions relating to a case study, including a short medical history and chest x-ray, plus some multiple choice questions not related to the case study.
  • Practical viva examination (assessment skills): Demonstration of practical assessment skills on a simulated patient with questions related to theoretical content. These skills will include observation/palpation, auscultation and spirometry.
  • Case study written assignment: This assignment is completed in pairs. Students are required to use clinical reasoning to interpret the assessment findings, determine the patient’s respiratory impairments, choose appropriate physiotherapy interventions, estimate the effect of those interventions, and develop a plan for future treatment.
  • Practical viva examination (treatment skills): Demonstration of practical treatment skills on a simulated patient with questions related to theoretical content.
  • Written exam: This written exam will cover all material covered in lectures, tutorials, and essential readings as referred to in lectures and tutorials.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Assessment and clinical reasoning 1: an introduction to cardiopulmonary physiotherapy; 2. Health condition: restrictive disorders of the respiratory system Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Assessment: observation and palpation Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 02 1. Health condition: obstructive disorders of the lung; 2. Assessment: measurement of lung function: spirometry and lung volumes Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6
Assessment: auscultation Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 03 1. Health condition: normal mucociliary clearance and infective disorders of the lung; 2. Health condition: suppurative disorders of the lung Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Assessment: pulmonary function tests Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 04 1. Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: to improve secretion movement 1; 2. Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: to improve secretion movement 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Assessment: history taking and assessment case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 05 1. Impairment: consequences of low lung volumes on gas movement; 2. Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: to improve gas movement Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: strategies to improve gas movement and treatments for difficulty clearing secretions Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 06 1. Impairment: effects of anaesthesia and surgery on lung function; 2. Clinical reasoning 2: interpretation of assessment findings and selection of interventions applied to a surgical case study Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: treatments for excessive secretions 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 08 1. Clinical reasoning 3: interpretation of assessment findings and selection of interventions applied to a medical case study; 2. Evidence-based interventions: oxygen therapy and devices Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Evidence-based physiotherapy interventions: treatments for excessive secretions 2 (selecting and combining interventions) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 09 1. Health condition: respiratory load, disordered mechanics of breathing and COPD; 2. Health condition: Dyspnoea and COPD Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6
Interventions: clinical reasoning and implementation of appropriate interventions specific to a case study 1 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 10 1. Impairment: pulmonary rehabilitation 1: limitations to exercise in patients with lung disease; 2. Assessment: pulmonary rehabilitation 2: assessment of exercise capacity Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
Interventions: clinical reasoning and implementation of appropriate interventions specific to a case study 2 Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 11 1. Activity: pulmonary rehabilitation 3: exercise prescription; 2. Health condition: cardiovascular disease Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO7
1. Health condition: heart failure; 2. Activity: cardiac rehabilitation: adaptations to training Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO7
Assessments and Interventions: exercise testing and prescription for patients with respiratory conditions Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 1. Activity: exercise for cardiopulmonary patients with comorbidities 1; 2. Activity: exercise for cardiopulmonary patients with comorbidities 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5 LO7
Assessments and Intervention: exercise testing and prescription for patients with cardiovascular disease Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 13 Revision: practice of treatment skills Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum 80% of online or face to face tutorials for a unit of study, unless granted exemption from the Program Director or Head of Discipline.

Additional assessment items may be set where attendance is lower than 80%. Under exceptional circumstances, swapping to alternate tutorials on one-off occasions is possible only by prior agreement with the unit of study co-ordinator. Class numbers may be limited by available tutorial capacity.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Essential textbook

  • Main E and Denehy L (2016) Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy: Adults and paediatrics (5th ed). Edinburgh: Elsevier.

Recommended textbook

  • Hough (2014) Physiotherapy in Respiratory and Cardiac Care: An evidence-based approach (4th ed). Andover: Cengage Learning.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate sound clinical reasoning to determine patient problems (by interpretation of assessment findings), establish treatment goals, and using evidence-based practice, determine and implement safe and effective physiotherapy interventions for patients with cardiorespiratory problems
  • LO2. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive, and client-centred physiotherapy assessment of a patient with a cardiorespiratory problem (including history taking, observation, palpation, auscultation, chest X-ray interpretation, and spirometry)
  • LO3. communicate effectively to develop trust and rapport with patients
  • LO4. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings and outcomes in the medical record, to the patient and other health professionals
  • LO5. interpret exercise data from patients with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, prescribe evidence-based exercise training for patients with cardiovascular or respiratory disease, and explain the effects of exercise training for these patients
  • LO6. describe the pathophysiological and functional consequences of surgery and anaesthesia, infective, inflammatory, and restrictive respiratory conditions, and airflow limitation, on the respiratory system
  • LO7. describe the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and its related co-morbidities.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         
LO7         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2. make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
LO2
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.1. assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
LO3
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
LO4
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
LO5
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.1. plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2. involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
2.1. comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
3.1. use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
5.1. engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
6.1. use education to empower themselves and provide knowledge to themselves and others.
LO6
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
LO7
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements - APC
1.3. review the continuation of physiotherapy and facilitate the client’s optimal participation in their everyday life
3.2. record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.3. efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
Physiotherapy Practice Threshold Statements -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A plan and implement an efficient, effective, culturally responsive and client-centred physiotherapy assessment
1.2 A involve the client and relevant others in the planning and implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy using evidence-based practice to inform decision-making
2.1 A comply with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards, codes and guidelines
2.2 A make and act on informed and appropriate decisions about acceptable professional and ethical behaviours
2.3 A recognise the need for, and implement, appropriate strategies to manage their physical and mental health and resilience
3.1 A use clear, accurate, sensitive and effective communication to support the development of trust and rapport in professional relationships with the client and relevant others
3.2 A record and effectively communicate physiotherapy assessment findings, outcomes and decisions
4.1 A assess their practice against relevant professional benchmarks and take action to continually improve their practice
4.3 A efficiently consume and effectively apply research and commit to practice informed by best available research evidence and new knowledge
5.1 A engage in an inclusive, collaborative, consultative, culturally responsive and client-centred model of practice
5.2 A engage in safe, effective and collaborative interprofessional practice
8.A A knowledge of relevant anatomy, physiology, pathology, other biomedical sciences relevant to human health and function, and psychosocial and other determinants of health encompassing cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological and other body systems within the context of physiotherapy and best available research evidence
8.B A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice including evidence-based practice
8.D A knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and principles relevant to physiotherapy practice across acute, rehabilitation and community practice in a range of environments and settings
8.E A competence to practise as a physiotherapist autonomously as well as a member of an interprofessional team in relevant clinical situations

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

PTRCCA was reviewed highly by most students, with an average score of 4.62 out of 5; the highest scores were for satisfaction with the quality of the teachers (4.70 out of 5) and the work being intellectually rewarding (4.70 out of 5). What changes we plan to make to PTRCCA in response to feedback: • Unfortunately none of the theoretical or practical skills content can be removed from PTRCCA as they are essential elements of physiotherapy and required for registration as a physio in Australia. All of the PTRCCA content needs to be covered before starting the second CP unit of study in UG3 (PHTY3087). • Staff have negotiated with the Simulation Team to facilitate independent practice sessions prior to practical exams in Weeks 7 and 14

Teacher consultation guidelines: Please note that correspondence will only be answered if students use their university email address. You are encouraged to divert your university email address to alternate accounts and to check it regularly. Consultation is by appointment only.

This unit of study may require you to attend a teaching activity timetabled in teaching venues installed with the University’s Clinical Recording and Observation System (CROS) in the Susan Wakil Health Building. Students should be aware of the privacy and information management implications of this system. For more information, please refer to the University’s Privacy Statement.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.