vet3vpt veterinary nursing physical therapy
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR VETERINARY NURSING PATIENTS
VET3VPT
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject, students will examine the anatomy and physiology of the body systems involved with conformation, locomotion and biomechanics in a range of animal species, and will consider how damage to, or altered structure and/or function, can result in changes to animal gait and ease of movement. Aided by a work integrated learning (WIL) placement, students will learn about the types, indications and methods of physical therapy available for animals, that trained veterinary nurses are capable of competently and safely undertaking, under the direction of a trained animal physical therapist. Students will also appreciate the importance of early intervention and referral of patients to trained animal physical therapists. Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to competently and safely perform a range of basic physical therapy techniques included within prescribed plans and scope of practice as well as provide ongoing support for the provision of family centred patient care and develop an understanding of the limitations of both themselves and the client.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorDilhani Premaratna
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Must be admitted into SBVN and have passed VET2IAN and VET2PVN
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Practical Physiotherapy for Veterinary Nurses | Prescribed | Carver, D. (2015) | Wiley-Blackwell |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Examine the anatomy and physiology involved in locomotion and biomechanics in the canine species
- Activities:
- Students undertake a range of readings and watch online videos, to develop deeper underpinning knowledge in the elements of veterinary anatomy and physiology involved with locomotion and biomechanics. During their workshops, students use canine skeletons to determine muscles location and insertion, and to examine joint structure and support, and to deduce what their potential ranges of movements are. They also observe animals as they move (live and video) and discuss gait variations.
02. Analyse the physical therapy requirements of veterinary patients
- Activities:
- Students undertake readings on the physical therapy management of a range of common veterinary conditions. In a workshop, student teams are given case studies of a range of patients and conditions, and analyse the physical therapy requirements of each of these patients. The tutor then leads a class discussion of these cases, and focuses particularly on determining the holistic long term physical therapy requirements of the patient as well as the specific condition requirements.
03. Perform a range of physical therapy techniques in veterinary care
- Activities:
- Students undertake pre-workshop readings and watch videos on a range of physical therapy techniques. During the workshops these are demonstrated, and students then practice these techniques under supervision. Students are finally tested individually in a practical examination, on their ability to perform a range of physical therapy techniques.
04. Support family centred patient care through the implemention of prescribed physical therapy care plans for a range of species, life stages and conditions
- Activities:
- Students select a case study of a musculoskeletal or neurological disorder and an associated prescribed physical therapy plan, which they are interested in learning more about. They research the condition, to help them to understand the underlying anatomical and physiological changes in the patient. They then research the prescribed physical therapy techniques, and combine this knowledge with that of the patient's history, temperament life-stage and family environment, to provide family centred support tailored to that patient's needs.
Subject options
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Epping, 2019, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDilhani Premaratna
Class requirements
WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 5.0 hours workshop every two weeks on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Placement - Off SiteWeek: 31 - 43
Six 7.5 hours placement - off site per study period on any day including weekend during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"WIL Placement. Roster-dependent."
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 1.0 hours unscheduled online class per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"Delivered as reading material, quizzes, video clips."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 x 10 min pre-workshop online quizzes (850 words equiv.) | 4% each Fortnightly | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| 30 min practical examination (1200 words equiv.) | Held during examination period | 30 | 02, 03, 04 |
| Physical Therapy Plan: 1000 word literature review | Literature review of a musculoskeletal or neurological disorder requiring physical therapy | 25 | 02, 03, 04 |
| Physical Therapy Plan: 4 min video presentation and 600 word written therapy plan (1000 word equiv) | The client education video introduces the case, presents the prescribed plan and demonstrates how and why to perform the physical therapy required within the plan (10%, 4 minutes video, 400 words equivalent approx). The written client information details the physical therapy plan and explains the client#s role in safely implementing this. (15%, 600 words) | 25 | 02, 03, 04 |