Health Sciences

This module aims to develop an in-depth understanding of the exercise management for patients with chronic disease. The scientific basis for optimum exercise prescription and response in health and disease will be critically evaluated. While there is strong evidence at an epidemiological level for the benefit of exercise in the prevention and treatment of disease, much remains to be discovered regarding dose response and exercise prescription in clinical populations. With an increase in the incidence of obesity and chronic diseases there is considerable need for further investigation into optimising therapeutic responses through exercise. This area of research is a particular strength of the Discipline of Physiotherapy in TCD.

In this module, students will be guided on the process of systematically examining research findings. The module will provide the knowledge and skills in finding and using the best evidence to support practice. How evidence can be used to inform practice will be discussed.

In recent years, the opportunities for physiotherapy have expanded considerably with the development of specialist posts, extended scope of practice positions and consultant therapy posts. This module is designed so that students have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in areas of advanced physiotherapy practice. This module will facilitate learning in areas of extended practice, primary care, screening and long term extended care.

The Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP) is part of this module and students will spend three of six weeks in Dublin on clinical placements in areas of Primary Care, Rehabilitation, Long-term/Extended Care, Early Intervention and Care of the Elderly. Prior to the immersion programme there will be a series of lectures/seminars introducing students to areas of advanced practice.

The first week of the OIP will consist of seminars on the areas of practice so that on placement they can apply the concepts acquired. There are a number of supports for students prior to and during clinical placements. At all times students will be supported in their learning and assisted in being part of the multidisciplinary team. Each student will complete a case study where the justification for the physiotherapy management of a specific patient will be communicated to the group and academic staff.

The diversity of health care services both nationally and internationally and the changing and developing role of physiotherapists within such services requires that entry-level students are equipped with an understanding of management, leadership and wider issues such as health policy, health service delivery and implementation strategies for change and development.

This module recognises that graduates may be called to develop and manage their own service or other services from an early stage in their career. The course considers the 'individual and the organisation' where organisations may be units within more complex organisations, services and practice environments as well as communities of users. It places individual knowledge and skills within the context of service development/delivery and evaluation and explores how health policy and the nature and structure of health services impact on the experience of both health care professionals, and the patients and clients of such services.

Understanding organisational culture, individual and interpersonal behaviours, team roles as well as leadership styles will enable graduates to navigate the complex situations that face them in their early careers. Understanding the development of services within organisational strategy and wider policy will be considered. Examples of successful implementation strategies and evaluation methods will be examined as a method of application of new learning.

The students will be exposed to examples of various health care systems and funding models. Dr. Stokes will draw on an extensive network of international peers as well as close collaboration with the Singapore Physiotherapy Association.

This module provides the opportunity for students to expand their knowledge and understanding of global health issues. The major challenges in global health will be discussed and the management of such addressed. The main focus will be on the four main non-communicable diseases: cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease and diabetes which lead to death in three in five people worldwide.