Clinical Education IV

Knowledge of physiotherapy assessment and intervention techniques, particularly in the areas of cardiorespiratory, neurological and neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Clinical Education IV comprises all activities undertaken by the student under the responsibility and supervision of the physiotherapist designated as the Clinical Educator, in coordination with the School’s academic staff.

The development of competencies will be promoted through:

• Observation of clinical practice
• Supervised assessment of patients/users
• Physiotherapy diagnosis
• Intervention planning
• Supervised implementation of therapeutic interventions
• Monitoring of outcomes and record-keeping
• Discussion and improvement strategies with the Clinical Educator
• Critical reflection on practice
• Research and critical integration of scientific evidence

Acquisition of the following knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of physiotherapy for cardiorespiratory, neurological or neuromusculoskeletal conditions:

a) Assess and treat a variety of patients;

b) Work under the supervision of qualified Physiotherapists and in institutions recognised as suitable by the School;

c) Integrate theoretical and theoretical-practical studies;

d) Enable students to learn to view their intervention within the context of the patient’s/user’s overall needs;

e) Reinforce the principles of efficiency, effectiveness and safety in their work;

f) Maintain an ethical approach towards patients and the healthcare team;

g) Establish links between the various disciplines related to healthcare;

h) Accurately and objectively collect and interpret relevant information about the patient, using appropriate assessment procedures;

i) Assess general and specific problems;

j) Determine short- and long-term goals among the established objectives;

k) Appropriately select the intervention, taking into account the patient’s prognosis, social involvement and overall treatment;

l) Assess the outcomes of the intervention in the short and long term, taking into account the overall assessment of the patient, family and other members of the team, where necessary;

m) Keep treatment and patient progress records up to date;

n) Plan an educational programme for the patient, family and others involved in their care.

Supervised practice in the assessment and intervention of patients/users with cardiorespiratory, neurological or neuromusculoskeletal conditions:

a) Taking a clinical history for physiotherapy purposes;

b) Observation and examination of the patient/user, focusing on problems requiring physiotherapy intervention;

c) Recording assessment and intervention findings;

d) Planning an intervention programme;

e) Performing specific treatment techniques;

f) Developing interpersonal and communication skills with the patient/user;

g) Developing professional behaviour and attitudes in accordance with the principles of professional ethics.

The final grade for Clinical Education IV is based on the continuous assessment form (70%) and the Portfolio assessment (30%).

The continuous assessment is carried out by the clinical education supervisors, while the Portfolio assessment is the responsibility of the academic staff (module coordinator and teaching staff).

Assessment Domains (Continuous Assessment Form):

• Clinical (40%)
• Communicator (10%)
• Collaborator (10%)
• Manager (10%)
• Leader (10%)
• Scholar (10%)
• Professionalism Promoter (10%)

The assessment is based on a performance rating scale for each competency:

• 0: Extremely poor
• 1-3: Very poor
• 4-5: Poor
• 6-9: Unsatisfactory
• 10-13: Satisfactory
• 14-16: Good
• 17-19: Very good
• 20: Excellent

The Clinical Education Portfolio includes the following sections:

• Introduction/Context (maximum 1 page)
• Complete clinical case reports (minimum of 4 cases)
  • Each case report should reflect the different stages of the physiotherapy process
• Critical reflection (maximum 6 pages) - must include reflection on each competency domain
• Appendices (work completed at the clinical placement)

The Portfolio must be submitted via the Inforestudante platform on the last day of the clinical placement. In addition, it must be sent by email to the module teaching staff, with the Clinical Educator included in Cc.

Successful completion of the course unit requires a final grade of 10 or above on a scale of 0 to 20. The grade for each component (continuous assessment and Portfolio assessment) must not be below 9.5.

The course unit is not subject to a final examination.

Attendance on the course unit is subject to a mandatory attendance requirement of 90%.

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