MARE520 Rehabilitation: Theoretical Foundation

Contents and structure

The course will critically engage with various theoretical perspectives on rehabilitation, including differing definitions and interpretations of the concept, as well as how rehabilitation is understood and applied in practice. Students will be introduced to the rehabilitation trajectory at the macro level, along with the distinct stages of the rehabilitation process. Key concepts such as disability and normality will be explored, alongside critical appraisal of various disability models and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

This course will examine the global unmet needs in rehabilitation across low-, middle-, and high-income countries. These issues will be explored through key World Health Organization (WHO) policy documents, enabling comparative analysis of rehabilitation systems and services worldwide.

Measurement in rehabilitation will be a core theme, with attention given to its significance and challenges. The course will also highlight the benefits and complexities of interprofessional collaboration in rehabilitation settings.

A special focus will be placed on reablement (also known as restorative care), a relatively new approach to rehabilitation. Another central focus will be the WHO’s Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation, which outlines essential rehabilitation practices.

Finally, the course will encourage critical reflection on the underlying assumptions and practices of rehabilitation, offering ideas for making rehabilitation more relevant and effective in contemporary contexts.

Learning Outcome

A student who has completed the course will achieve the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge: The student...

• can strategically analyse different and emerging concepts of rehabilitation
• has advanced knowledge about the rehabilitation trajectory on macro-level
• can analyse the International classification of function, disability, and health (ICF)
• has advanced knowledge of the concepts of normality and disability
• has a thorough insight into the medical, social, and biopsychosocial disability models
• has advanced knowledge about reablement and WHO`s package of interventions for rehabilitation
• has advanced knowledge of theories, models, and types of outcomes measures in rehabilitation

Skills: The student...

• can analyse critically how biomedical, psychological, and sociological perspectives reflect rehabilitation within the global context
• can analyse, critically reflect on and apply the rehabilitation process (problem identification, needs assessment, goal setting, implementation, evaluation)
• can acknowledge opportunities and challenges within the various types of interprofessional teamwork
• can conduct cross- and within-country analysis of rehabilitation services models
• can create and defend an argument in written format using published literature

General competence: The student...

• can communicate theoretical foundation, policy, and legal frameworks related to rehabilitation to various audiences
• can critically communicate common assumptions within rehabilitation
• can meaningfully and thoughtfully contribute to discussions of existing theories and practice, and identify knowledge gaps and the need for new knowledge regarding rehabilitation
• can communicate the global needs for rehabilitation

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Teaching methods

Online

• Synchronous sessions
• Asynchronous learning activities
• Individual and teamwork
• Supervision and feedback
• Assigned readings

Compulsory learning activities

The course requirements must be approved in order to take the exam.

1. Individual oral case presentation in group with fellow students and supervisor
2. Initiate one posting to all online discussions, and reply to one fellow student's postings in online discussions
3. A written case of 3000 words +/- 10%

Approved course requirements are valid for four subsequent semesters.

Assessment

Individual oral examination of maximum 30 minutes.

Grading scaleThe grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade on the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

New exam

A resit exam shall be conducted in the same way as the ordinary exam.

Examination support material

No limitations

More about examination support material