Course syllabus - Behavioural Medicine in Physiotherapy from a Cultural Perspective

Objectives

The objective of the course is for students to acquire improved knowledge of the Swedish Health Care system, Swedish physiotherapy, and cultural aspects on physiotherapy. Further, the aim is to introduce theories in behavioural medicine and motivational interviewing, and how these theories are related to the management of patients.

Learning outcomes

After completed course the students should be able to:

1 describe how physiotherapy is carried out in Sweden, and relate practice to laws and regulations that directs and influence clinical practice
2 reflect on and discuss how cultural aspects can influence the work of a physiotherapist
3 describe the theoretical bases for behavioural medicine, perform a basic functional behavioural analysis, and the relevance of both for the assessment and treatment of patients
4 carry out and document a patient interview, using the motivational interviewing method, where the patient´s needs are described from the patient´s perspective
5 carry out clinical reasoning based on a patient´s problems, and operationalize goals based on a functional behavioural analysis

Course content

The course comprises 7,5 credits worth of theoretical and clinical studies.

Laws and regulations for physiotherapists in Sweden
Cultural perspectives on physiotherapy
Theories and models for behaviour analysis
Methods for analyzing behaviour in everyday activities
Interview/anamnesis according to motivational interviewing
Pain from a psychological and behavioural perspective
Clinical reasoning
Personal learning objectives

Tuition

Teaching and learning takes place by means of individual work, seminars, and lectures. The clinical studies/internship will take place within the course.

Specific requirements

At least two years of higher studies in physical therapist education or equivalent.

Examination

Seminar (SEM1), 4,5 credits, oral and written examination during seminars. Compulsory clinical studies. Corresponds to learning outcomes 1, 2, 4 and 5. Marks Pass (G).
Examination (TEN1), 3 credits, individual written examination. Corresponds to learning outcomes 3, 4 and 5. Marks Pass (G).

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass, Fail