University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The module will introduce students to a variety of clinical conditions commonly encountered by occupational therapists. Various teaching strategies will be used, including lectures, case-based learning, problem-solving approaches, group work, and participation in activities such as splinting, wheelchair skills, transfers, etc. The lecture, seminar and workshop content for a week will cover the same client condition when possible. Case studies used in seminars and workshops will be organised using the format of an occupational therapy model. The case studies will also reflect the diversity of cultures and genders. Through this course, students will be given the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge, and understanding related to treatment approaches used to enhance occupational performance. A description of the occupational therapy process will be provided throughout the module.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Be able to demonstrate knowledge of common physical dysfunctions in adult life
  2. Respect and uphold the rights, dignity and autonomy of every service user including their role in the diagnostic, therapeutic and social care process
  3. Be able to act in the best interest of service users at all times with due regard to their will and preference
  4. Understand the need to work in partnership with service users, their relatives/carers and other professionals in planning and evaluating goals, treatments and interventions
  5. Be able to apply assessment, goal setting and intervention strategies collaboratively with service users across the lifespan who are experiencing recently acquired and/or long-standing health issues which affect their performance and engagement in their everyday occupations in a variety of acute, rehabilitation and community settings
  6. Recognise the importance of practising in a non-discriminatory, culturally sensitive way and acknowledge and respect the differences in beliefs and cultural practices of individuals or groups
  7. Be able to gather all appropriate background information relevant to the service user’s health and social care needs
  8. Be able to justify the selection of and implement appropriate assessment techniques and be able to undertake and record a thorough, sensitive and detailed assessment
  9. Be able to determine the appropriate tests/assessments required and undertake/arrange these tests
  10. Be able to prioritise and maintain the safety of both service users and those involved in their care
  11. Be able to recognise important risk factors and implement risk management strategies; be able to make reasoned decisions and/or provide guidance to others to initiate, continue, modify or cease interventions, techniques or courses of action and record decisions and concerns
  12. Demonstrate an understanding of the wide range of occupations and activities used as part of occupational therapy intervention and understand the importance of using occupations and activities that reflect the occupational needs of the service user
  13. Be able to select and use appropriate assistive technologies and therapeutic modalities for the service user’s occupational needs and functional level
  14. Be able to home, school, work and other settings
  15. Be able to use manual handling skills appropriately; be able to identify the need for and be able to use aids for manual handling in a variety of practice settings
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (90%)
  • Continuous Assessment (10%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction" by Diane P. Dirette, Sharon A. Gutman
    ISBN: 9781975110550.
    Publisher: LWW
  2. "Pedretti's Occupational Therapy" by Heidi Mchugh Pendleton,Winifred Schultz-krohn
    ISBN: 9780323339278.
    Publisher: Mosby
  3. "Willard and Spackman's Occupational Therapy" by Barbara A. Boyt Schell, Glen Gillen, Marjorie Scaffa, Ellen Cohn (Editor)
    ISBN: 1451110804.
    Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
  4. "Braddom's physical medicine & rehabilitation" by edited by David X. Cifu ; associate editors, Darryl L. Kaelin, Karen J. Kowalske, Henry L. Lew, Michelle A. Miller, Kristjan T. Ragnarsson, Gregory Worsowicz.
    ISBN: 0323280463.
    Publisher: Amsterdam; Elsevier
The above information outlines module OY108: "Enabling Occupation - Physical Disability" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.