Handbook

This course will focus on physiotherapy management of clients requiring acute cardiopulmonary support, including those in intensive care units and in post-surgical care. It builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in EXPT3178 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy and will focus on cardiopulmonary physiotherapy in the acute care environment including acute post-surgical care, as well as assessment and treatment of clients with acute pulmonary, neurological and musculoskeletal dysfunction/complications. You will also examine specific clinical and professional issues related to the intensive care and acute care settings and self-reflect on your skills and professional development needs. For example, you will develop your clinical reasoning skills, and learn to undertake evidenced based, appropriate, and culturally sensitive assessment, and safe and effective management of intubated and non-intubated patients. You will develop skills to communicate clearly and effectively in these stressful and high stakes environments and engage in interprofessional, collaborative practice to maximise patient outcomes.