Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics) (GD-PHTYPAE) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Paediatric Physiotherapy Theory & Practice

• Evaluate and synthesise information from a complex body of knowledge in the assessment, provision of intervention and family-centred care for infants, children, adolescents and their families
• Critically integrate evidence in the provision of intervention, education and promotion of health in diverse paediatric patient populations
• Discuss principles and frameworks of professional and ethical practice in paediatric physiotherapy; integrating interdisciplinary practice models within own professional and ethical practice frameworks
• Utilise technical and communication skills to design, implement, evaluate, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to advancement of practice in paediatric physiotherapy
• Plan and manage independent learning and develop sustainable strategies for lifelong learning and reflective practice

Clinical Practice in Context 

• Design advanced clinical management plans to optimise functional independence, promote participation and enhance quality of life for infants, children and adolescents with conditions relevant to paediatric physiotherapy
• Critically evaluate the scope of practice and expertise of other relevant health professionals, leading to appropriate referral, communication of information and a high standard of professional and ethical practice
• Research and organise evidence-based theory in clinical case management
• Integrate theory, evidence and clinical reasoning in astute clinical decision making in patients of all ages and conditions related to paediatric physiotherapy

Evidence and Innovation

• Critically evaluate research methodology and evidence quality in the context of paediatric physiotherapy; including critical analysis of practice and research evidence, identification of questions for further investigation, and synthesis of current evidence for best practice in service delivery and resource management
• Explain the application of research and evidence to clinical practice in the field of paediatric physiotherapy
• Analyse, synthesise and evaluate literature to address questions relevant to the management of infants, children and adolescents, emphasising evidence-based practice and critical discussion of the potential of incorporating new developments into clinical practice

Academic distinction

• This degree provides graduates with in-depth knowledge and skills in examining interdisciplinary issues within paediatric physiotherapy. Graduates are critical, creative thinkers with strong clinical reasoning skills. They can apply knowledge, information and research skills to complex patient management in a range of contexts and are effective oral and written communicators. The Melbourne educational experience prepares graduates to be entrepreneurial and innovative thought-leaders. Melbourne graduates bring research and inquiry skills to challenges in their workplaces, communities and specific professional practice domains. They are adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.

Active citizenship

• Melbourne graduates have engaged with contemporary local, national and global issues, with a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment. They have developed an appreciation of social and cultural diversity that influences paediatric physiotherapy clinical practice and can work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds; equipping them to be active, well-informed citizens and have the potential to be leaders in their professions and communities. Through advocacy and innovation, they are able to lead change for a sustainable future in health and their profession.

Integrity and self-awareness

• Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics) are motivated, self-directed and well-organised for life-long learning. They are also highly self-aware and reflective practitioners, with skills in self-assessment. They place great importance on their personal and professional integrity and are confident of their knowledge, yet flexible, adaptable and aware of their role and responsibilities within an interdisciplinary professional network.