Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the role of ergonomics within the rehabilitation process. Provides knowledge about tools and techniques for improving the rehabilitation process for patients, health care providers and organizations. The course includes a 34 hour unpaid practicum with an industry partner. The partner may require the student to enter into (1) a confidentiality agreement and (2) an Intellectual property agreement the result of which will be that the SFU Intellectual Policy R 30.03 will not apply to the intellectual property created by the student during the practicum. By registering for the course, each student acknowledges that it is aware of these requirements and understands that their entering into these agreements may be a requirement to complete the applicable course work.

COURSE DETAILS:

3 hour Lecture/Lab  (13 weeks), 33 hour practicum
This course is intended for students with an interest in occupational ergonomics.  It is also suitable for those considering kinesiology, health and safety, physical therapy, occupational therapy or chiropractic professions.  The emphasis on the course is to provide both practical skills and theoretical knowledge in the area of occupational rehabilitation from injury. Ergonomic theory and skills can be applied in prevention and treatment of workplace injuries.  Returning workers back to productive work is known to be an important part of healing.  Understanding risk factors for injury, assessment techniques to quantify risk and solution development and implementation techniques is critical in the rehabilitation process.  You will learn how to integrate ergonomics into other rehabilitation practices and develop skills which will assist you in a variety of careers related to rehabilitation.

PRACTICUM
A 33 hour practicum with an ergonomic/rehabilitation department within a company in the Lower Mainland is required.  Due to on-going COVID-19, some virtual practicums will be available for those who do not want to be physically in another workplace.  Practicums have already been procured and will be selected for you based on your rated preference and your qualifications. They will begin week 3. Your work in the practicum comprises 25% of your mark.  A criminal records check is required.  Visit http://students.sfu.ca/criminalrecords.html for more information

CASE STUDIES
Case studies will be presented at two different points in the course.  You will be asked to reflect on the case and answer specific questions relevant to the situation presented.

LABS
Labs will be held during class time.  Several different assessment techniques will be presented in the labs.  You will have an opportunity to practice techniques in groups.  You will hand in lab reports addressing specific questions and techniques taught in the labs.

EXAMINATIONS
The exam will consist of questions requiring short answers (1-2 paragraphs) and  longer answers (1 page). 

The final exam is cumulative over the entire. Exam answers can be written in sentence or point form; however, it must be evident that you have understood the question and are answering it clearly. Course Notes information and designated text and Web readings are examinable.

LATE SUBMISSION
In fairness to all students, extensions for Wiki, case studies or lab submission will not be given except for serious medical extenuating circumstances (completion of the Health Care Provider Statement is required within 4 days of the due date). The late penalty will be 10 per cent per day. Any assignment that is more than 8 days late will not be marked and will receive a mark of zero.

MISSED EXAMINATION
A missed exam can only be rewritten if medical evidence of inability to write the exam is presented within 4 days of the scheduled exam. Contact the Dept of Biomedical Physiology & Kinesiology (778-782-3573) if you have missed or are unable to attend a scheduled midterm or final exam. You must also download and complete a Health Care Provider Statement from the SFU web site and hand it in to the course instructor.

LECTURE TOPICS

• Roles of professionals in the return to work process
• Interdisciplinary approach in return to work
• Disabled persons, law and society
• Regulation and legislation
• Aging in the workplace
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Short-term vs. long-term disability
• Physical demands analysis
• How to use best practices to select defensible assessment tools
• Assessment of biomechanical, environmental and psychosocial factors
• Familiarization with rehabilitation protocols, work hardening and work accommodation
• How to support Return to Work Programs such as OR1 and OR 2
• Case management
• The elements of effective occupational health & safety and employee wellness programs

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• Develop a framework of strategies to facilitate life-long learning 
• Appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of occupational ergonomics
• Describe the role of ergonomics in the rehabilitation process
• Engage in systems design analysis and appreciate the influence of elements and interactions
• Analyze the range of user needs, limitations and capabilities within the workplace
• Conduct a physical demands analysis
• Interpret a functional capacity evaluation
• Integrate strategies to support an effective return to work program
• Conduct an occupational biomechanical analysis
• Develop an understanding of the important of return to work programs in developing healthy individuals, organizations and societies
• Experience analyzing case studies

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: