On completion of the module, students should be able to:

1. Understand the theoretical principles behind cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, based on knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
2. Understand the pathology of common obstructive and restrictive respiratory disorders.
3. Interpret basic investigations and demonstrate competency in physiotherapy assessment relevant to the cardiorespiratory patient.
4. Design an effective treatment plan based on the assessment finding, risk analysis and in line with the best available evidence
5. Demonstrate safe and effective physiotherapy treatments for the cardiorespiratory patient treatment including exercise and mobilisation; ACBT, adjunct airway clearance techniques; positioning and non-invasive ventilation.
6. Understand and interpret relevant outcome measures for the cardiorespiratory patient, e.g., 6MWT and Chester Step Test
7. Understand safety considerations and the role of exercise in the prevention and management of chronic cardiorespiratory disease including pulmonary rehabilitation and the hypertensive patients.
8. Recognise the role of the multidisciplinary team in the collaborative care of the cardiorespiratory patient and be aware of appropriate referral to relevant members in acute and community care settings.

Topics covered include:
• Anatomy of the mediastinum, heart, lungs, pleural cavity and diaphragm
• Applied cardiorespiratory physiology
• Common obstructive and restrictive respiratory pathologies including COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, asthma, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis and thoracic surgeries
• Interpretation of relevant investigations of the cardiovascular, respiratory, haematological and renal systems including chest X-Rays; ABGs; bloods work including platelets and urinary output.
• Safe and effective physiotherapy assessment of the respiratory patient, including observation, auscultation, chest expansion, vital signs, SpO2, oxygen therapy and interpretation of the National Early Warning Score system.
• Safe and effective respiratory physiotherapy treatment techniques for the self- ventilating patient including exercise and mobilisation, ACBT, adjuncts, positioning, suctioning and non-invasive ventilation. All techniques are based on international evidence-based best practice guidelines.
• Safety in exercise testing and prescription for individuals with cardiorespiratory disease – pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise for hypertensive patients

Not applicable to this module.

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

- Case- studies/ Formative quizzes & Self-assessment activities throughout module - Feedback individually to students, post-assessment