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AHPT 816

AHPT 816: Theory and Practice I
               
Prerequisite: Admission to the doctor of physical therapy program or permission of the Department
               
Credit Hours: (4) 

The course will introduce students to basic therapeutic technique such as banding, positioning, transfers, gait training, and the use of modalities



Detailed Description of Course

Content: The course will cover basic clinical techniques such as bandaging, positioning, transfers, gait training, and wheel chair assessment and fitting, the use therapeutic exercise, application of modalities heat/cold, ultrasound, and nerve and muscle stimulating currents. The course is designed to prepare students to critically analyze a patient case scenario and provide appropriate interventions to maximize patient outcomes in the acute, sub-acute, and homecare environments. Theory and Practice I is a prerequisite requirement for Theory and Practice II. This course prepares students to participate in their first clinical internship experience.
    


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Didactic and laboratory learning will occur in both laboratory and classroom environments. Students must demonstrate clinical skill- based competencies and pass a clinical practical examination to successfully pass course requirements. Students will participate in small group and cooperative learning experiences. Students will participate in hands-on methods and techniques related to therapeutic exercise, modalities, gait training, and patient handling techniques. Students will analyze patient case scenarios and develop appropriate intervention plans. Students will participate in didactic and laboratory oral/ participatory demonstrates of patient care situations.


Goals and Objectives of this Course

Will require students to:
1) Explain the modes of transmission of infectious agents; 2) Demonstrate and apply universal precautions; 3) Describe and demonstrate proper body mechanics; 4) Position and drape a patient appropriately in prone, supine, and sideling positions; 5) Demonstrate safe transfer techniques to and from wheelchair, to and from mat table, treatment table, and sitting position according to specific patient needs; 6) Identify components of and assemble a standard wheelchair; 7) Assess and fit patients appropriately with assistive devices such as crutches, canes, and walkers; 8) Instruct patients in appropriate weight-bearing status from non-weight bearing to full weight-bearing status; 9) Demonstrate the ability to illustrate to a patient effective and appropriate ambulation with assistive devices utilizing specific patterns of gait to maximize functional goals; 10) Demonstrate proper wheelchair assessment and adjust to meet patient needs; 11) Demonstrate safe and appropriate patient guarding techniques; 12) describe the physiological effects of heat and cold; 13) Differentiate indications and contraindications for the use of various modalities, such as heat, cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound; 14) Demonstrate safe application of modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation (including nerve and muscle stimulating currents), iontophoresis, diathermy, whirlpool, hot/ cold, biofeedback and mechanical traction; 15) After utilizing pain assessments, compare and contrast various methods of assessing pain; 16)  Prescribe appropriate modalities based on evidence and theory of pain modulation; 17) Analyze PT Literature in regards to clinical modalities  in order to determine its clinical relevance; 18) Demonstrate safe and competent clinical practice in laboratory competency testing and practical laboratory examinations; 19) Demonstrate appropriate and effective hand washing; 20) teach patients, faculty members, and care-givers principles of skin care management for the prevention of wounds based on current research; 21) Assess an individual’s safety and effective mobility using a wheelchair in both indoor and outdoor environments; 22) Based on observation of patient’s gait, indicate the appropriate assistive device and gait pattern to improve patient's safety; 23) Given a hypothetical clinical situation, critically analyze which modality would be most appropriate and provide rational for that decision; 24) Demonstrate appropriate selection of electrotherapy including type, dose, patient positioning, and accurate placement of electrodes based on current evidence and practice; 25) Following the application of a modality including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, diathermy, whirlpool, hot/cold therapies, and mechanical traction, assess whether the modality intervention was effective; 26) Demonstrate proper application of intermittent pneumatic compression pumps.


Assessment Measures may include

Examinations, Lab Practice Examination, Writing Assignments, and Quizzes.


Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

February 10, 2014