Introduction

Pharmacology studies medications and drug action principles, while pharmacotherapy involves using medications to treat diseases and manage symptoms in clinical settings. Rehabilitation professionals should understand patient medications and their effects on physiology and function, as all medications carry risks of side effects and interactions that could affect therapy participation. This knowledge is increasingly important as rehabilitation professionals assume primary care roles and assess patient function over time. This course introduces pharmacological concepts and foundational pharmacotherapy knowledge, discussing potential side effects of medications commonly encountered in rehabilitation settings.

Learning outcomes

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

• describe the relationship between pharmacology and pharmacotherapy, and the role rehabilitation professionals can play in medication management
• discuss the World Health Organization's Analgesic Ladder and side effects of commonly prescribed pain medications relevant to rehabilitation professionals
• analyse the potential side effects of commonly used medications in rehabilitation, such as: muscle relaxants, antidepressants and anxiolytics, cardiovascular and blood pressure drugs, corticosteroids, diabetes medications, and central nervous system agents

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, 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 2.5-3 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 2.5 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

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.