Some information about the ATACP Foundation Programme in Aquatic Physiotherapy
I teach part 1, the "taught" element on my foundation courses
The taught element of the Post Graduate ATACP Foundation Programme in Aquatic Physiotherapy course is aimed primarily but not exclusively at physiotherapists - only HCPC registered physiotherapists can continue on to the assessment process and gain accreditation . The taught element of the course has been attended by many people working in aquatic therapy but not qualified as physiotherapists who have found it very useful. Potential non-physiotherapist candidates should take note that this course builds on 3 years of university level study needed to qualify as a physiotherapist and is conducted using phrases and terminology familiar to physiotherapists.
Having studied at the 2 day taught element of the ATACP Foundation Programme in Aquatic Physiotherapy, students will receive a certificate of attendance for their continuing professional development folder but not a qualification as such - there are further practical and exam parts only open to HCPC registered Physiotherapists which need to be successfully completed in order to achieve accreditation.
Although it is not mandatory for physiotherapists to undergo formal post graduate training in aquatic physiotherapy, the ATACP recommends completion of the taught element and successful completion of the accreditation process of the foundation programme as a robust route for developing capability and competency in aquatic physiotherapy practice, particularly given the lack of undergraduate training!
The ATACP highlights that each individual has a responsibility to work within their scope of practice. Therefore if a Physiotherapist were required to work in a pool and has not yet undertaken learning and development in line with "ATACP Guidance on Aquatic Physiotherapy 2021", the ATACP recommends that he or she should be directly supervised by a Physiotherapist whose learning and development does fulfil these requirements.
please click the button to reach the page on the ATACP website with information about the full ATACP Foundation Accreditation Process
Scroll down to read the Aims and learning outcomes for the taught element of the course by way of information on it.
the course is based around the ATACP publication ‘ATACP Guidance on Aquatic Physiotherapy 2021’, (available from the ATACP website, free to ATACP members or cost of £25 to non-members) and forms the taught element of the Foundation Programme in Aquatic Therapy.
AIM
“To equip a physiotherapist with the knowledge and clinical reasoning skills necessary to work safely and unsupervised in a pool”.
LEARNING OUTCOMES - On completion of the course the participant should be able to: -:
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
TIMETABLE
DAY ONE SESSION ONE
08.45–09.00 Registration
09.00–10.30 Welcome & Introduction - Theory of hydrostatic and hydrodynamic principles
10.30–10.45 Tea/Coffee
10.45–12.30 Pool Practical session – hydrostatic and hydrodynamic principles - Application to muscle strengthening
12.30–13.15 LUNCH FOLLOWED BY SESSION 2
13.15–14.45 Value and uses of aquatic physiotherapy, theory of physiological effects, contraindications
14.45–15.00 Tea/Coffee
15.00–16.45 Pool Practical session – Handling skills, joint mobility, stretching techniques.
DAY TWO SESSION 3
09.00–10.45 Theory of pool management – infection control, safety precautions, emergency procedures
10.45–11.00 Tea/Coffee
11.00–12.30 Pool Practical session – Patient handling skills, rhythmic stabilisations
12.30–13.15 LUNCH FOLLOWED BY SESSION 4
13.15–14.30 Preparation of treatment programmes - Presentation of prepared programmes
14.30–14.45 Tea/Coffee
14.45–16.45 Pool Practical session - Presentation of practical techniques in the pool, with discussion around alternative techniques, and devising treatment plans. Relaxation techniques.