Psychology and sociology

Module Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The course aims to illustrate the main degenerative, autoimmune and traumatic pathologies affecting the musculoskeletal system and the central and peripheral nervous system in a rehabilitative vision, where the objective appears to be, in addition to the knowledge of the basic diseases and their treatment rehabilitation, the integration and coordination of the various rehabilitation professionals (physiotherapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychiatric rehabilitation technician, etc.) in order to create and lead a team dedicated to rehabilitation.

DESCRIPTOR 1 – Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The main degenerative, autoimmune, and traumatic disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• The principal disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems relevant to rehabilitation.
• The fundamental principles of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine.
• The biopsychosocial model of disability.
• The organization and functioning of the interprofessional rehabilitation team.
• The foundations of prescribing adapted physical exercise in rehabilitation settings.

DESCRIPTOR 2 – Applying Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Interpret the basic clinical and functional profile of individuals with musculoskeletal or neurological disorders.
• Contribute to the definition of rehabilitation goals in collaboration with the rehabilitation team.
• Design adapted physical activity programs consistent with the individual’s clinical condition.
• Apply safety and appropriateness criteria in exercise management.
• Collaborate effectively with different rehabilitation professionals.

Teaching and learning activities:

• Clinical case analysis
• Simulated planning of adapted physical activity programs
• Group work on rehabilitation projects

DESCRIPTOR 3 – Making Judgements

Students will develop the ability to:

• Critically evaluate indications and contraindications for physical activity in various pathological conditions.
• Interpret basic functional assessment data.
• Participate consciously and responsibly in the rehabilitation team’s decision-making process.
• Analyze clinical cases and propose reasoned solutions.

Teaching strategies to foster these skills:

• Guided discussion of clinical cases
• Short written reports on simulated cases
• Group work debriefing sessions

DESCRIPTOR 4 – Communication Skills

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Use appropriate technical language in the field of rehabilitation.
• Communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
• Explain goals and modalities of adapted physical activity to patients.
• Present a rehabilitation project in a clear and structured manner.

Planned activities:

• Oral presentations of clinical cases
• Simulated patient and team communication
• Group projects with final presentation

DESCRIPTOR 5 – Learning Skills

At the end of the course, students will have developed:

• The ability to consult clinical guidelines and scientific literature in the field of rehabilitation.
• An evidence-based approach to continuous professional development.
• Basic bibliographic research skills.
• The ability to pursue independent in-depth study of specific clinical conditions.

Learning tools provided:

• Updated bibliographic references
• Introduction to critical appraisal of scientific articles
• Structured teaching materials and case studies

Rehabilitation unit (code 56, long-term care, RSA, et cetera): mission, inclusion criteria, technological instrumentation and integration between the various rehabilitation professionals. Central nerve injuries and functional deficits (motor and cognitive) as outcomes related to the extent and site of injury. Pathologies of the second motor neuron, including peripheral neruopathies. Disability assessment scales (Barthel, FIM, et cetera). Spasticity assessment scales (Ashwoth and Tardieu). Principles of guided self-rehabilitation.

Consolidated knowledge of anatomy and physiology

Degenerative and traumatic diseases of the spine and rehabilitation; disorders of the CNS and rehabilitation; pathologies of the SNP and rehabilitation; instrumental therapy and EBM; rheumatic disease and rehabilitation treatment; traumatic and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system and rehabilitation treatment; functional assessment scales; utilities of the neurophysiological technique in rehabilitation; self-rehabilitation of spastic paresis. 
Integration between the various professional figures of rehabilitation (physiotherapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychiatric rehabilitation technician, etc.) in order to create and lead a team dedicated to rehabilitation.

Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 4th Edition - W.Frontera