Acute Care in Physiotherapy Practice

Postgraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
REHB 5013
Course ID icon
Course ID
204844
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
5
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The aim of this course is to apply evidence based clinical knowledge of pathology and mastery of skills of assessment, analysis of findings, planning, intervention and evaluation required for client centred physiotherapy practice in acute care environments. Implementation of the knowledge (e.g. basic pharmacology, medical terminology, occupational health and safety), and skills required for safe and effective physiotherapy practice in acute care environments.

Experience in the assessment and management of cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and orthopaedic condition pathologies and other clinical presentations likely to require physiotherapy input in an acute care environment.

Clinical reasoning and the application and interpretation of appropriate assessments (outcome measures, investigations e.g. chest x-ray, monitoring) and treatments.

Knowledge to enable safe and effective physiotherapy practice in the acute care setting.

Implementation of evidence based practice, needs of the older patient, culturally responsive care and communication within interprofessional practice.

Course learning outcomes

  • Integrate advanced knowledge of functional anatomy and both applied and exercise physiology as relevant to selected pathological cardiorespiratory condition in the acute care clinical setting.
  • Apply knowledge of the clinical presentation of acute cardiorespiratory, orthopaedic and neurological conditions in terms of impairment, activity and participation restrictions in acute care.
  • Demonstrate safe and effective practice of physiotherapy assessments and interventions in the acute care setting.
  • Accurately interpret physiotherapy assessment findings and use clinical reasoning with a high level of autonomy to inform the planning, modification and progression of interventions in acute care.
  • Critically evaluate and reflect on the evidence-base for physiotherapy assessments and interventions in the acute care setting and integrate these reflections into their clinical practice.
  • Evaluate the efficacy of both physiotherapy interventions (including the use of outcome measures) and students own performance.
  • Demonstrate professional, culturally responsive and ethical behaviour required at entry level physiotherapist in the acute setting that is consistent with Australian Physiotherapy Association's and Physiotherapy Board of Australia's codes, policies and guidelines.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A