Advanced Certificate in Neurological Physiotherapy 2013 Fast Facts The Advanced Certificate in Neurological Physiotherapy (ACNP) is conducted jointly by SGH Department of Physiotherapy and SGH Postgraduate Allied Health Institute (PGAHI). This program arose from a need to address gaps in the post professional training of neurological physiotherapists in Singapore and Asia. Besides incorporating current trends in medical practices, technological advances and healthcare delivery, this program provides opportunities for practical, skills based training to enhance neurological physiotherapy practice. Through an evidence based practice approach, this course aims to develop and enhance clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills of physiotherapists. Advanced Certificate in Neurological Physiotherapy (ACNP) 2013 The ACNP is designed to provide advanced level training to practicing physiotherapists in the management of patients with neurological disorders. Participants of the ACNP will gain advanced knowledge and skills competencies, together with the ability to critique and analyse the existing body of literature pertaining to neurological physiotherapy. The course also paves the way for those who wish to further specialize in neurological physiotherapy through formal postgraduate studies at Masters and Doctorate levels.
Advanced Certificate in Neurological Physiotherapy The ACNP curriculum is outcome based, and therefore the specific outcomes or competencies expected from an advanced neurological physiotherapy practitioner will reflect the appropriate level of knowledge, skills and attitudes beyond the professional entry level. The ACNP course consists of 4 Core workshops and 2 Elective workshops. The Core workshops cover topics such as Stroke, Parkinson s Disease and Neuromuscular diseases. Workshops on the Bobath Approach, PNF technique and Geriatric Rehabilitation will be featured as Elective workshops in the ACNP program. Participants can choose to complete the certificate over 1 or 2 years. Core Workshops Complete all 4 workshops Assessment Advanced Certificate in Neurological Physiotherapy Complete 2 workshops Participants will be assessed via formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments will serve primarily to help the candidates learn better. This will be achieved through systematically building into the curriculum regular assessments of how the candidates are learning and to identify areas or topics that the candidates need further guidance in order to improve. Examples of formative assessments include review exercises, questioning and interviews. Summative assessments provide the assessors of the course an overview of the level of competency acquisition in the participants. Such assessments typically require a demonstration of knowledge, skills and attitude necessary for the award of the Certificate of Advanced Neurological Physiotherapy. Examples of summative assessments include written tests, practical and portfolios. To achieve full certification (Certificate of Achievement), the candidate from the Advanced Certificate in Neurological Physiotherapy Course must fulfill the following requirements: Proficiencies Developed Physiotherapists who complete the ACNP course will develop the following competencies: Gain advanced knowledge of neuroanatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacodynamics; Possess in depth understanding and ability to apply knowledge to treat complex conditions; Be competent in various treatment approach techniques, such as the motor learning program, the Bobath Approach or PNF; Able to apply clinical reasoning at an advanced level; Be skilled in methods of neurological assessment; Able to apply evidence based practices in the management of patients; Able to assess and treat patients using a holistic and comprehensive approach. In addition, the course provides opportunities for participants to learn from and interact with local and international experts in the field of neurological physiotherapy. Target Participants Practicing physiotherapists in the field of neurological physiotherapy and who are interested in furthering their knowledge and skill, and/or looking to specialize in this area. At least 90% attendance for the entire program; and Pass all assessment components.
Topic Outline 2013 Core Workshops (complete ALL core workshops) Core Workshop 01: Framework for Physiotherapy Intervention in Neurological Conditions This workshop provides an evidence based framework for physiotherapy intervention in neurological conditions. It covers important issues in neurological rehabilitation such as spasticity, strength, contracture, loss of dexterity and contribution of sensory impairments to activity limitations.. Core Workshop 02: Physiotherapy Management of Parkinson's Disease This workshop aims to provide participants with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the current evidence based assessment and management of people with Parkinson s disease (PD). It also covers the use of cueing to address gait and freezing issues, and design of treatment programs for people with PD. Core Workshop 03: Physiotherapy in Neuromuscular Diseases: Respiratory Care and Rehabilitation Strategies Physiotherapists are often involved in the management of people with neuromuscular diseases such as multiple sclerosis and motor neuron disease. The workshops aim to provide the participant with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the evidence based assessment and management of people with neuromuscular diseases. Topics such as exercise testing, goal setting, outcome measures and orthotic management will be covered. Core Workshop 04: Physiotherapy in Stroke Rehabilitation Patients post stroke may present with a plethora of movement disorders. Physiotherapists managing these patients need to efficiently diagnose movement problems and deliver effective treatment programs. This workshop aims to develop advanced assessment, practical and critical thinking skills to optimize patient outcomes. (complete TWO elective workshops) Elective Workshop 01: Evidence Based Practice in Physiotherapy Evidence based practice is a healthcare practice approach in which patient management is driven by clinical expertise, patient preference, and best possible scientific evidence. This workshop covers the principles of evidence based practice and it specifically caters to clinicians who wish to improve their clinical practice through enhanced skills in sourcing, interpreting, and applying the scientific literature. Elective Workshop 02: Clinical Application of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Introductory Course This workshop introduces participants to the PNF approach. The PNF approach identifies mass movement patterns that are spiral and diagonal in character, and aims to successfully facilitate the response of a weak muscle by irradiation from a stronger muscle which is related to the same function. The course will focus on skill development, clinical assessment and functional application utilising the PNF approach in management of a variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. It has a large practical component and will include a patient demonstration. Elective Workshop 03: Workshop on Bobath Approach (Normal Movement) The Bobath concept is a rehabilitation approach used to restore functional movement in patients that have developed movement/postural dysfunctions due to brain injuries, such as stroke and cerebral palsy. This workshop introduces participants to the concepts of normal movement used in the assessment and treatment of adults with neurological or neuromuscular impairments. It consists of a theoretical introduction to normal movement, practical sessions and a patient demonstration.
Topic Outline 2013 (complete TWO elective workshops) Elective Workshop 04: Physiotherapy in Geriatric Rehabilitation There will be 2 components in this workshop: PART 1 Functional Assessment and Exercise Prescription for Aging This course will introduce objective functional and impairment tests. Various tests will be practiced and interpreted within clinical case examples. Using knowledge of the most current evidence regarding exercise, treatment plans will be formulated to demonstrate clinical decision making using the measurements previously learned. PART 2 Fall Risk Management in the Older Adult Across the Continuum Using the American Geriatric Association/British Geriatric Society 2010 Guidelines, fall prevention across the continuum of care will be discussed and explored. The physiotherapy role involving exercise prescription, home modifications and footwear evaluation will be discussed. Specific exercises and fall risk assessment will be practiced. Elective Workshop 05: Neurobiomechanical Perspectives on Walking, Balance and Strength Testing: Applications to Clinical Practice This workshop introduces participants to the basics of laboratory based gait analysis. Topics covered include kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity during walking; recognising gait features secondary to neuromuscular and orthopedic disorders such as spasticity, muscle weakness and contractures; surgery and post surgical rehabilitation; EMG interpretation; evaluation of outcomes. This workshop comprises of practicals and case studies and is useful for clinicians and researchers. Elective Workshop 06: Pain Management This workshop will provide participants with a current understanding of pain mechanisms and the effects of physiotherapy intervention. Participants will be able to widen their knowledge of physiological and neurological aspects of pain, thereby enabling them to manage patients with complex pain conditions.
Course Timetable 2013 Core Workshops TOPIC DATE FACULTY Framework for Physiotherapy Intervention in Neurological Conditions 17 19 Jan 2014 Assoc Prof Colleen Canning Faculty of Health Sciences University of Sydney Physiotherapy Management of Parkinson's Disease Mar 2014 TBC Physiotherapy in Neuromuscular Diseases: Respiratory Care and Rehabilitation Strategies 30 Aug 1 Sep 2013 Dr Miguel Gonçalves Physiotherapy in Stroke Rehabilitation 25 27 Oct 2013 Dr Simone Dorsch Senior Physiotherapist, Stroke unit, Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital, Sydney, Australia TOPIC DATE FACULTY Evidence Based Practice in Physiotherapy: Part I Literature Search & Critical Appraisal Part II Fundamentals of Clinical Research Oct 2013 (1 day) & Mar 2014 (2 days) (Total of 3 days) Singhealth Centre for Research Services Clinical Application of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Introductory Course 21 23 Sep 2013 Workshop on Bobath Approach (Normal Movement) 11 13 May 2013 Physiotherapy in Geriatric Rehabilitation 5 7 Jan 2014 Neurobiomechanical Perspectives on Walking, Balance and Strength Testing: Applications to Clinical Practice Jan or Mar 2014 Pain Management 1 2 Jul 2013 (2 days) Brendon Haslam Physiotherapist Melbourne, Australia Kim Jennings Australian Bobath Tutors Association A/Prof Dale Avers Department of Physical Therapy Education, College of Health Professions, SUNY Upstate Medical University TBC Assoc Prof Helen Slater School of Physiotherapy Faculty of Health Sciences Curtin University *Information correct as at January 2013
Application Admission Requirements Physiotherapists who possess a diploma in physiotherapy or above from a recognized institution and with a minimum of 6 months of work experience in the field of Neurological Physiotherapy. However, exceptions may be given by the programme director on a case by case basis. To Apply Please contact SGH PGAHI for the registration form. Resume must be submitted together with the application form. Participants can enroll anytime over the course of the certification programme as the majority of the workshops will be repeated yearly. Please note that ACNP workshops attended prior to actual application for the full certification course, do not count toward fulfilling course graduation requirements. However, participants of the individual workshops may matriculate into the ACNP if they choose to be assessed at the end of specific workshops. ACNP Course Fees The total course fee for 4 Core + 2 Elective ACNP workshops is S$5,680. However, candidates who sign up for the whole certification program will enjoy the following discounted fees (inclusive of exam fees and 7% GST): ACNP course fees = S$5,110 ACNP course fees (SPA members) = SGD$4,635 Re test fees will be charged separately. Quoted prices are valid for participants who register between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013. For Enquiries SGH Postgraduate Allied Health Institute (PGAHI) Contact no. 6576 2708 Fax 6270 7047 Email pgahi@sgh.com.sg Visit us at www.sgh.com.sg/pgahi