Psychomotor physiotherapy - a body therapy approach in physiotherapy, 30 credits

A minimum of 120 credits including a degree in physiotherapy, and 15 credits in psychosomatic physiotherapy or the equivalent. English and Swedish language skills equivalent to English A and Swedish B at Swedish upper secondary school are also required.

The aim of the course is to give in-depth knowledge and skills in the field of psychosomatic physiotherapy with a special focus on psychomotor physical therapy (PMP). After completed education, within the frame of physiotherapeutic rehabilitation work, the student should be able to carry out treatment based on psychomotor principles integrated with focus on affect- and self psychology.

On completion of the course, the student should:
- be able to account for and apply adequate models to understand mental/psychosomatic disease and account for how body therapy interventions, within physiotherapy,can be based on the understanding of the psychosomatic disorder.
- be able to apply different examination instruments and to choose adequate body therapy treatment interventions and to evaluate and document treatment results.
- be able to account for and apply body therapy methods such as PMP and integrate these with an affect-focused and self psychological approach.
- have obtained an understanding of the therapist's part in the therapeutic process and developed his ability to reflect on his/her own possibilities and limitations in the treatment situation.
- be able to work in multi-disciplinary teams and argue for the physiotherapist's specific knowledge and role treating patients with mental/psychosomatic disorder
- have acquired a scientific and critical attitude in order to be able to participate in quality assurance work.

The course is divided into four parts.

The course contains lectures, demonstrations, practical training, seminars and literature studies. In addition, experience of body treatment and group supervision concerning patient treatment including video-recorded treatments. Group supervision is a continuos process throughout the education period. The supervisor is a physiotherapist with further education in Psychodynamic body therapy (PDK). Strong emphasis is put on experience-based learning and a reflective and critical view concerning the treatment process. Therefore, the student keep notes in a reflection diary during the course.

Supervision and attendance at demonstrations are compulsory parts in the course. Attendance at practical training and other elements in the course are not compulsory, but are strong recommended. Certain absence from compulsory parts can be compensated at later seminars or the equivalent. Large absence renders failure on the part to which the compulsory element is linked (see timetable). Possibility to supplement compulsory parts may be given at coming course date, provided that there is a determined course date however it can not be guaranteed.

Part 1 is examined through:
- Knowledge, skills and attitudes are assessed continuous in supervision concerning patient treatment.
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Written patient case report containing a description of the patient with an emphasis on examination and assessment.
- Examination of practical skill.

Part 2 is examined through:
- Group assignment: Written account for a mental disturbance/diagnosis and oral presentation.
- Written patient case report containing a description of the patient and the treatment process based on an affect theoretical perspective.

Part 3 is examined through:
- Clinical knowledge, skills and attitudes are assessed continuous in connection under supervision on the patient care.
- Written patient case report containing a description of the patient and the treatment with an emphasis on understanding of the treatment process based on basic psychological and psychosomatic theories.
- Examination of clinical treatment techniques.

Part 4 is examined through:
- Summary of reflection diary that be sent to the supervisor and be discussed with a fellow student.
- Oral literature seminar on current research in the area.
- Written report of an affect-interview.
- Written final report containing a description of the patient, the treatment process and a theoretical part based on the course literature. The report is also presented orally on a compulsory seminar.

The examiner may with immediate effect interrupt a student's clinical rotation (VFU), or the equivalent, if the student demonstrates such serious deficiencies in knowledge, skills or attitudes that patient safety or patient confidence in healthcare is at risk. When clinical rotation is interrupted according to this, it implies that the student fails in the current part, and that one clinical rotation opportunity is used up.

In such cases, an individual action plan should be set up for required activities and examinations, before the student is given a possibility for a new clinical rotation in the course.

Course participant that do not pass after regular examination is entitled to go through renewed examination no more than five times. Course participants who fail on part 1 and 3 above can be examined on these parts no more than one additional time.

Examination will be possible during one year after a possible close-down of the course. Examination may take place under a previous reading list during a period of one year after the date of the renewal of the reading list.

Language of instruction: Swedish

Course evaluation is carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Education. During the course, views on the course contents etc are encouraged. Moreover, a possibility to express oral criticism to the respective supervisor and teacher is given.

This course replaces earlier course syllabus:
Psychosomatic physiotherapy with a specialisation in PMP, QSOD07.