PT5000 - Acute and Early Management

What will I learn on this module?

This module explores the physiotherapy role in the early management of patients presenting with an acute episode of ill health with a particular emphasis on assessment and intervention in the acute hospital setting. The module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to provide therapeutic interventions safely and to work as a member of the multidisciplinary team to provide collaborative care throughout a patient’s early management. We will explore the role of the physiotherapist in the management of patients presenting with acute respiratory, cardiovascular, medical and neurological ill health and consider the impact of an episode of ill health on longer term recovery.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, practical session, seminars, tutorials and independent learning. The module staff will support your learning and development across the module. There will be a strong emphasis on professional skills, including communication, and the knowledge that underpins this, with opportunities to evaluate your learning formatively through active engagement in feedback.

Lectures will introduce you to key ideas and theories around the role of the physiotherapist in the early management of patients with an acute episode of ill health, and seminars will develop your understanding of approaches used to support patients in their recovery and rehabilitation. Practical sessions will enable you to develop appropriate intervention skills as well as enhancing your communication and educational skills.

You will be expected to:
• Attend teaching sessions
• Be dressed appropriately for practical sessions
• Behave in a professional manner
• Engage and contribute to the learning and development of yourself and others

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module information, assessment requirements and expectations, and important module announcements will be made through the eLP. Material to support your learning will be uploaded in advance of sessions. You will be provided with content verbally and guided through tasks during timetabled sessions. A dedicated assessment session will afford you the opportunity to ask assessment related questions in class. The Module Leader is there to support you with any queries that you may have about the module content. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on your development during the module, and you will receive feedback on summative work to help you identify areas of strength and areas for development. There will be the opportunity to discuss your feedback with a member of staff. There is also further academic skills support available from the University Library services.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Discuss the principles underpinning the management of patients presenting with a new or acute illness and how this relates to the role of the Physiotherapist
2. Demonstrate understanding of the assessment and examination of patients hospitalised with acute episode of illness in order to identify and prioritise physical and non-physical problems, integrating knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and other body systems within the context of the acute patient.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Demonstrate approaches to assessment that consider safety, risk assessment and acuity of illness, adapting communication as appropriate.
2. Use clinical reasoning skills to justify the selection and safe application of physiotherapy management approaches according to the needs of individual patients presenting with acute illness within the hospital environment.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. Demonstrate insight into the psychosocial impact that a period of critical or acute illness might have on an individual and their loved ones, and reflect this in the ability to communicate empathetically.

How will I be assessed?

The module will provide you with a number of opportunities for formative assessment of a range of practical and communication skills. For example, you will get verbal feedback from lecturers in practical and seminar activities. There will also be opportunities during seminars for you to receive feedback from peers.

Summative assessment will be a 20-minute practical examination with a simulated patient demonstrating your approach to assessment and management, followed by a 10-minute viva discussion.
You will be given written feedback on your summative assessment which can be discussed in person with the module tutor.


K&U 1,2; IPSA 1,2; PVA 1

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

In this module you will develop an understanding of the how physiotherapists work to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of patients presenting with a new or acute episode of ill health. With a key focus on patient safety, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of assessment and management of patients primarily presenting with acute respiratory, neurological and cardiovascular ill health. You will also consider the integral role of the physiotherapist in post-operative recovery period across a number of clinical speciality areas and develop understanding of safe early mobilisation and physical activity within the acute hospital setting. You will develop further understanding of the role of the physiotherapist as part of the hospital multi-disciplinary team in order to provide a collaborative approach to care. There will be a specific focus on the assessment of risk when reasoning physiotherapy interventions in the acute setting, in addition to understanding how to recognise when a patient is deteriorating and the need for effective therapeutic and professional communication. This module will build upon knowledge and understanding gained in your Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology and of Neurological Anatomy and Physiology modules at Level 4 and provide you with the opportunity to apply this knowledge within the context of the acute patient.

Course info

UCAS Code B165

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time

Department Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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