Introduction

Respiratory dysfunction is one of the most common medical complications in individuals with a spinal cord injury. Physiotherapists can implement preventive strategies to reduce complications associated with inadequate ventilation post-spinal cord injury. Physiotherapy techniques include positioning, secretion mobilisation, specialised breathing techniques, stretching and soft tissue release, respiratory muscle training and early mobilisation. This course highlights the role of the physiotherapist in managing respiratory dysfunction post-spinal cord injury.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the principles of normal respiration
• discuss respiratory deficiencies and complications following a spinal cord injury
• explain elements of respiratory management during the acute phase of spinal cord injury
• design appropriate therapeutic interventions for an individual with respiratory deficiencies following a spinal cord injury based on a case scenario

Target audience

This programme is aimed at rehabilitation professionals, students and assistants including but not limited to Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Doctors, Rehabilitation Nurses, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Psychologists, Audiologists, Dietetics, Social Workers. Community Health Workers, Nurses or Medical Doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1.5-2 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.3 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Melanie Harding (Skeen): No financial relationships disclosed by instructor.
Non-financial disclosure: Melanie Harding is the Chairman of SASCA (Southern African Spinal Cord Association)

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.