Advancing Physiotherapy Practice MSc

" Advancing Physiotherapy Practice MSc

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— Coventry University (@covcampus) September 26, 2012 OVERVIEW

This clinically focused course will develop your knowledge and skills in assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment, in the core areas of physiotherapy practice.

The course aims to produce therapists who have strong clinical and communication skills, who can also influence practice and service delivery, working in line with government initiatives.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

You will have the opportunity to:

• gain in-depth knowledge of the theory underpinning evidence based physiotherapy,
• reflect and apply theoretical knowledge to physiotherapy practice,
• gain the skills, concepts and knowledge related to advanced physiotherapy practice to strengthen a career in physiotherapy,
• critically analyse relevant literature,
• evaluate clinical practice,
• gain the appropriate intellectual skills, in order to meet the demands of a more advanced professional role,
• understand the importance of research and the evaluation of clinical outcomes in the development of professional knowledge and practice.

For more information on MSc Advancing Physiotherapy Practice, click here.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

All modules are mandatory and the programme is structured so that whether you choose to take the part-time or full-time route, the first stage of the course will enhance your knowledge and understanding of research and evidence based practice. Thus, you will be equipped to develop a more critical approach to clinical practice, through the core skills modules. You will complete 6 modules (each carrying 20 credits) and finally undertake the 60 credit dissertation module.

Course modules:

Developing Expertise in Therapy Professionals

The aims of this module are to enable students to understand the professional context of therapy and the nature of therapy expertise. Students will consider the development of therapy from the perspectives of both the profession and the individual therapist. The module encourages each individual practitioner to consider his or her own current and future development within the context of the broader professional picture. The module content covers tools for development such as reflection and evidence based practice, clinical reasoning, knowledge, novice and expert continuum and continuing professional development.

Research Methodology, Methods and Design

This module aims to provide an overview of the key approaches to designing practice based health care research. The module’s objective is to develop students’ ability to construct a cogent and reasoned research proposal in their field of academic study or area of professional practice. The module enables students to consider the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings to research design across a spectrum of methodologies. This includes primary research associated with quantitative, qualitative and survey methods, and secondary research associated with literature based studies. Research ethics and principles of data analysis are introduced.

Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-based medicine (EBM), evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-based management are all prominent issues on the contemporary healthcare agenda. This module is designed to examine the theoretical and philosophical basis of EBP and to explore the practical implications involved in achieving EBP in a clinical or health and social care setting. The development of EBP as a concept and more recently as a 'movement' is traced and the inter-relationship of the differing and competing fields of knowledge inherent in EBM are analysed in depth. The overall intention is twofold. Firstly, to build a critical awareness of the complex nature of the concept which warrants attention if EBP is to have an effect on the reality of practice. Secondly, to provide the opportunity for students to develop a thorough understanding of the process of EBP (from the formulation of a problem or question to answer, through to the evaluation of activities intended to disseminate and implement the recommendations from the evidence).

Advancing Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Practice

The aim of this module is to develop the breadth and depth of students' theoretical and clinical knowledge of the assessment and management of patients with cardio-respiratory dysfunction. The module will explore the concepts underpinning current approaches to the assessment and management of cardio-respiratory dysfunction. There will be analysis of the supporting theory and available evidence alongside some practical application of assessment and management techniques. A strong emphasis will be placed on the development of clinical reasoning in the evaluation and management of patients with cardio-respiratory dysfunction. Students will be encouraged to critically appraise and evaluate the underpinning theory, evidence base and practical application of current cardio-respiratory physiotherapy practice.

Advancing Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Practice

This module aims to develop the breadth and depth of students' theoretical and clinical knowledge of the wide range of approaches currently used within manual therapy in the holistic assessment and management of neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction. Students will be encouraged to appraise and evaluate the underpinning theory, evidence base and practical application of each approach and to integrate this into their clinical practice through the use of clinical reasoning skills. The module provides the opportunity for students to learn a wide range of current manual therapy techniques from specialists teaching in these clinical areas. A strong emphasis will be placed on the development of clinical reasoning and handling skills in the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal dysfunction to an advanced level.

Advancing Neurological Physiotherapy Practice

The aim of this module is to develop the breadth and depth of students' theoretical and clinical knowledge of contemporary neurological physiotherapy practice. It aims to develop skills in assessment and clinical reasoning in the holistic management of people with neurological dysfunction. Students will be encouraged to appraise and evaluate the underpinning theory, evidence base and practical application of neurological physiotherapy and to integrate this into plans for clinical practice. Analysis of the supporting theory and available evidence for each approach will be included, alongside the practical application of associated assessment and management techniques. A strong emphasis will be placed on the development of clinical reasoning and handling skills in the evaluation and management of neurological dysfunction to an advanced level. Whilst specialising in neurophysiotherapy the module provides an opportunity for students to explore a range of therapy approaches within the MDT.

Research Dissertation

This module provides an opportunity for the student to propose, design, conduct and report on a research project of relevance and with potential benefit to their named area of study. It enables the student to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the philosophy and principles of research and show competence at each stage in the research process. The module makes an important contribution to the research training provided in the Master’s degree. In addition, it enhances the students’ ability to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively and engenders self-direction and originality in tackling problems.

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