This unit aims to develop the clinical decision making processes, knowledge and skills necessary for effective assessment and treatment of patients with disorders of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Students will evaluate the pathophysiology and functional consequences of respiratory disorders (such as airflow limitation; inflammatory and infective conditions) on pulmonary function. Students will become familiar with the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and ischaemic heart disease. They will examine management strategies for the patient following cardiothoracic surgery; abdominal and vascular surgery. The role of exercise and rehabilitation in the management of these conditions will also be examined.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Critically apply knowledge of cardiorespiratory physiology and pathophysiology to the assessment and intervention management of medically stable patients in acute and surgical contexts;
2. Perform comprehensive clinical assessment of the cardiorespiratory system, accurately interpreting and integrating findings to inform safe and effective physiotherapy interventions, while demonstrating culturally responsive practice, appropriate to the clinical context;
3. Justify clinical decisions using in-depth clinical reasoning grounded in current and relevant evidence;
4. Synthesise clinical information to communicate outcomes and management plans clearly and respectfully with interprofessional teams and patients; and
5. Develop knowledge, skills and attitudes for positive engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in healthcare.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

This unit is only available to students enrolled in 768AA Master of Physiotherapy.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.