| Module Title |
Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy |
| Module Code |
TRE1022 |
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Faculty |
Science & Health |
School |
Health & Human Performance |
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NFQ level |
9 |
Credit Rating |
10 |
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Description
The Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy module equips MSc Physiotherapy students with in-depth knowledge and clinical expertise in managing cardiorespiratory conditions. Covering anatomy and physiology of the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems and conditions like COPD, asthma, heart failure, and acute respiratory disorders, it emphasizes physiological mechanisms, evidence-based interventions, and clinical reasoning.
Students will develop assessment and treatment skills across the lifespan, integrating theory with practical application. Learning is reinforced through clinical placements in diverse healthcare settings, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and patient-centered care. The module focuses on safe, holistic management, ensuring students can deliver effective, evidence-based physiotherapy interventions tailored to individual patients needs.
The module aligns with the CORU Standards of Proficiency for Physiotherapists and upholds the CORU Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Physiotherapists to ensure ethical and high-quality professional practice.
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Learning Outcomes
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| Workload | Full time hours per semester | | Type | Hours | Description |
|---|
| Lecture | 24 | Interactive lectures | | Clinical Skills/Practical Session | 18 | Practical workshops (auscultation, spirometry, exercise testing).
Role-playing and motivational interviewing.
MDT case conferences and care planning. | | Case-Based Learning | 15 | Case-based discussions.
Small-group problem-based learning (PBL).
Clinical reasoning exercises using video vignettes.
Guided reflection on case scenarios.
Literature appraisal and evidence-based discussions. | | Simulation/Interactive Workshops | 15 | Simulation training (ICU and acute care).
MDT case conferences and care planning.
Literature appraisal and evidence-based discussions | | Self Directed Learning | 178 | Developing critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and lifelong learning skills for evidence-based, patient-centred, and innovative physiotherapy practice. |
| Total Workload: 250 |
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| Section Breakdown | | CRN | 12231 | Part of Term | Semester 1 & 2 | | Coursework | 100% | Examination Weight | 0% | | Grade Scale | 40PASS | Pass Both Elements | N | | Resit Category | RC1 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Deirdre Phelan | Module Teacher | |
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| Assessment Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
|---|
| Performance evaluation | The oral/practical exam assesses students' ability to apply clinical reasoning, evidence-based interventions, and practical physiotherapy techniques, covered in semester 1.
It evaluates assessment skills, manual handling skills, treatment planning, and professional communication, ensuring competence in safe, patient-centred care. | 15% | n/a | | In Class Test | This test will be 2 hours in length and will be held in the last week of semester 1. The written exam evaluates students' understanding of cardiorespiratory pathophysiology, assessment, and evidence-based physiotherapy interventions covered in semester 1. | 35% | n/a | | Performance evaluation | Practical + and Oral Examination 2 The oral/practical exam assesses students' ability to apply clinical reasoning, evidence-based interventions, and practical physiotherapy techniques, covered in semester 2.
It evaluates assessment skills, manual handling skills, treatment planning, and professional communication, ensuring competence in safe, patient-centred care. | 15% | n/a | | In Class Test | This test will be 2 hours in length and will be held in the last week of semester 2. The written exam evaluates students' understanding of cardiorespiratory pathophysiology, assessment, and evidence-based physiotherapy interventions covered in semester 2. | 35% | n/a |
| Reassessment Requirement Type |
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
, |
| Compatibles |
None |
| Incompatibles |
None |
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Pathophysiology of Common Cardiorespiratory Conditions
Interactive lectures with case-based discussions.
Small-group problem-based learning (PBL) sessions on disease progression and patient case studies.
Virtual or cadaveric anatomy workshops focused on the cardiopulmonary system.
Clinical Assessment & Analysis of Haemodynamic and Ventilatory Parameters
Practical workshops on auscultation and spirometry.
Case-based scenario discussions using real patient data.
Physiotherapy Management in Critical Care & Acute Settings
Simulation training with deteriorating patient scenarios.
Clinical reasoning exercises using video vignettes.
Evidence-Based Interventions for Respiratory & Cardiovascular Function
Skills lab sessions for hands-on practice.
Literature appraisal workshops to evaluate recent research.
Patient video sessions where individuals with chronic respiratory conditions share their experiences.
Individualised Care Planning & Patient-Centred Approaches
Role-playing scenarios focusing on motivational interviewing and shared decision-making.
Development of case-based treatment plans in groups.
Digital health and telehealth application workshops.
Multidisciplinary Team Working & Holistic Care
Interprofessional education (IPE) sessions with nursing students.
Simulated MDT case conferences and patient-centred care planning exercises.
Simulation-based team training in complex patient care.
Ethical & Professional Considerations in Cardiorespiratory Care
Ethics debates and reflection exercises on real-world dilemmas.
Case study discussions on patient consent and capacity.
Research & Evidence-Based Practice in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
Journal club with facilitated discussions on recent studies.
Audit and quality improvement project presentations
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Indicative Reading List
Books:
- Pryor, J.A., & Prasad, S.A.: 2015, Physiotherapy for Respiratory and Cardiac Problems: Adults and Paediatrics, 5th ed, Churchill Livingstone,
- Boron, W.F., & Boulpaep, E.L.: 2021, Medical Physiology, 3rd ed, Elsevier,
- Hillegass, E.A.: 2016, Essentials of Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy, 4th ed, Elsevier,
- Levine, B.D., & Baggish, A.L: 2021, Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Cardiovascular Disease, 1st ed, Springer,
- Bendall, R: 2020, Cardiorespiratory Assessment and Monitoring in Children and Adults, 1st ed, Routledge,
Articles:
None |
Other Resources
- 1: Holland, A.E., Malaguti, C., Hoffman, M., Lahham, A., Burge, A.T., Rasekaba, T., & Spruit, M.A, 2021, Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
- 425859: 1, 2021, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,
- 425860: 1, Physiopedia,
- www.physio-pedia.com:
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