PHT 2820L - Physical Therapy Clinical Education III

240 hours Clinical, 5 credit(s)

Lower-Division College Credit

Prerequisite(s): PHT 2810L, PHT 2930, and PHT 2253C

Course Description:
This comprehensive clinical experience serves as the final preparation of the physical therapist assistant student. The clinical experience focuses on total patient care through the application of information and skills learned in previous classes, as well as time management, and interaction with other disciplines required for patient treatment. Students carry a small patient case load under the supervision of a physical therapist or assistant.

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255              PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101      PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Polk State College Mission and Outcomes

Polk State College is a quality-driven educational institution, providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates, and workforce development programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff who are committed to student learning and achievement through the consistent practice of collaboration and focus on excellence. In line with this purpose, Polk State College’s AS programs develop competence in career areas. A primary focus of this course is the development of competencies related to the following program learning outcome(s): 

 

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to perform each outcome at entry level:

1.    Communication
Student communicates verbally and non-verbally with the patient/caregiver and their families, CI/supervising PT, health care delivery personnel in an appropriate, effective and capable manner.
With direct supervision and guidance from the CI, student will be able to:

• Communicate in a respectful and timely manner.
• Initiate communication with CI and patients.
• Listen actively and attentively.
• Demonstrate nonverbal communication consistent with intended messages.
• Interpret and respond to nonverbal communication of others and determines and modifies his/her own accordingly.
• Demonstrate effective communicative skills: oral, written and non-verbal with the patient, patient’s family and other members of the health care team in the delivery of care through the use of physical agents,assistive devices with gait/transfer training/bed mobility and basic therapeutic exercise equipment.    
• Instruct patient and explains treatment intervention in simple terms and is understood by others.

2. Individual and cultural differences

• The student demonstrates an understanding of the major differences between individuals and cultures with sensitivity.
• Delivers established patient care with concern for the dignity and welfare of patients while maintaining confidentiality.
• Communicates and adjust interpersonal style with sensitivity to individual and cultural differences.
• Recognizes own capability and seeks assistance when needed in a timely matter (i.e. language difference/barrier).
• Seeks to understand cultural and or individual differences and once identified:
• Discusses with the CI any identified difference that may affect the intervention, outcome or process of therapy.
• Implements interventions with respect to the cultural and/or individual differences
• Recognizes and refrains from acting on stereotypes, biases, and prejudices.

3. Behavior and Conduct

• Student exhibits, at all times, conduct that reflects a commitment to meet or exceed the expectations of members of society receiving health care services and as members of the physical therapy profession.
• Demonstrate a professional appearance and attitude consistent with his/her role as a PTA and follow chain of command, policies and procedures as delineated by the facility in a safe and ethical manner.
• Exhibit behaviors consistent with the profession’s guidelines (i.e. Code of Ethics & Florida Practice Act).
• Respect and honor the relationship of the PT/PTA team.
• Demonstrate courtesy, respect, and dignity of individuals.
• Perform treatment intervention in a safe, ethical and legal manner.
• Respect confidentiality of patient information and delegated interventions.
• Recognize the ethical and legal responsibility to provide documentation and billing information that reflects actual intervention given.
• Produces documentation that is accurate, concise, timely and legible, with initial guidance from CI and make immediate changes, as recommended by CI.
• Identifies situations in which ethical dilemma or legal questions are present.

4.     Clinical Problem solving and judgments

• Demonstrate clinical solving skills and professional judgment.
• Student will demonstrate clinical solving skills and professional judgment with guidance from the CI by:
• Developing self-confidence and recognizing own limitations and strength.
• Identifying and participating in the patient status judgments within the clinical environment based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
• Explains the rationale for judgments.
• Make judgments within the context of ethical issues, informed consent and safety considerations.
• Uses information from multiple data sources to make judgments.
• Possesses the requisite knowledge.
• Identifies major muscle groups and their actions, bones and bony prominences of the head, trunk and extremities.
• Uses a clinical problem solving process including identifying a problem, collecting and understanding the significance of the data, explaining changes in the data and accepting responsibility for the effects and consequences of one’s actions.
• Progresses patient through plan of care as established and delegated by the PT.
• Identify and act in a timely and responsible manner in an emergency, informing the CI, filling out incident report, etc.
• Understanding purpose & effects, indications, contra-indications, precautions, as well as proper application of physical agents, assistive devices with gait/transfer training/bed mobility and basic therapeutic exercises including ROM, stretching, strengthening and balance related-exercises.    
• Recognize and demonstrate knowledge of physiological changes associated with each treatment of the application physical agents, assistive devices with gait/transfer training/bed mobility and therapeutic exercise including ROM, stretching, strengthening, balance-related exercises.
• Make adequate recommendations by informing/communicating/consulting with CI /PT if intervention should be changed or withheld in a timely manner.

5. Education
Student will demonstrate the ability to instruct aides, volunteers and peers, using established techniques, programs and instructional materials commensurate with the learning characteristics of the audience. In consultation and with supervision/guidance from CI, student will educate:

• Others regarding the role and preferred practice of the PTA and PT in the health care delivery system.
• A variety of learners such as patients and their family, aides, volunteers, co-workers and utilize the appropriate technique required to meet the individual need.
• Recognize capabilities, recognize self-limitation, and defer instruction to the CI when needed.
• Design, organize and deliver an effective and efficient presentation.

6. Data Collection

• Demonstrates competence in performing specific data-collection techniques as delegated by the supervising CI/PT.Student will demonstrate ability to perform data collection with guidance and supervision from PT/CI in:
• Goniometric measurements, anthropometric measurements and MMT for appropriate and effective use of physical agents, assistive devices with gait/transfer training/bed mobility and basic therapeutic exercise equipment.
• Interpret the result of the PT evaluation (e.g. goniometry, anthropometric measurements, MMT) goals and treatment plan.

7. Plan of Care
Understands the plan of care written for the individual patient and implements delegated interventions to achieve the short- and long-term goals and outcomes identified in the plan of care. With guidance and supervision from CI/PT, student will demonstrate the ability to:

• Understand the plan of care written for the individual patient.
• Assist in the implementation of the delegated interventions to achieve the short and long-term goals for the individual patient.
• Assists the achievement of the outcomes identified in the plan of care for the individual patient.
• Assists in recommendation and modifying treatment techniques by following the current Plan of Care (POC) established by the Physical Therapist, as indicated by patient response.
• Assist in the discharge planning and formal discharge processes, including making recommendations for follow-up care, assistive devices, home exercise programs, etc.

8.    Intervention
Implements the delegated interventions within the plan of care established by the PT, monitors patient response, and responds accordingly. Student will observe/assist, and demonstrate delegated treatment techniques under the direct supervision and guidance of the CI/PT with the various physical treatment interventions such as:

• Performing basic duties in the department, preparing and cleaning the treatment areas, stocking supplies and linens.
• Assisting the therapist in the safe transportation of patients to and from the treatment areas.
• Assisting in the preparation of the patient before and after treatment.
• Performing transfer training/bed mobility, range of motion, positioning, basic therapeutic exercises including ROM, stretching, strengthening, gait and balance related exercises.
• Recognizing basic gait patterns and demonstrate the ability to teach gait (i.e., 2- point, 4-point, 3-point).
• Demonstrating the ability to correctly adjust ambulatory assistive devices.
• Using the modalities/physical agents as available: hydrotherapy, moist heat, infrared, ultrasound, phonophoresis, and ultrasound with electrical stimulation, ultraviolet, manual & mechanical traction, paraffin, cryotherapy, mechanical/non-mechanical compression and short-wave diathermy, therapeutic electrical current, including: HVGPs, TENS, IFC, and NMES- unipolar and bipolar, EMG biofeedback, iontophoresis.
• Observing proper sterile procedures in wound care treatment interventions.
• Identifying and explaining the rationale for the utilization of the different dressings with wounds at different stages.
• Performing accurate wound measurements and demonstrating the ability to describe the wound. Student will also be able to document wound treatment interventions accurately.
• Techniques used in chest physical therapy.
• Techniques used in massage.
• Observe all safety precautions at all times (i.e. transfers, gait belts, locking wheelchairs, body mechanics, etc.).

9.    Outcomes Measurements and Evaluation
Uses data collection and communication to participate in determining a patient’s progress toward specific outcomes as established in the plan of care by the PT. With guidance and supervision from CI/PT, student will demonstrate the ability to:

• Understand the plan of care written for the individual patient and interpret data from PT evaluation.
• Understand the short and long-term goals for the individual patient and assists the CI in implementation of delegated interventions to achieve them.
• Assist with collection of data, communicates patient’s progress, assist in identifying and recommends interventions when short or long-term goals are achieved.
• Assist in recognizing achieved outcomes identified in the plan of care for the individual patient and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Understand the impact on reimbursement, and discuss rationale for performance improvement activities.
• Assist the CI in recommendation and modification of treatment techniques, by following the current Plan of Care (POC) established by the physical therapist, as indicated by patient response.
• Demonstrate integration of goniometric measurements and MMT, for appropriate and effective decisions in the use of physical agents, assistive devices with gait/transfer training/bed mobility and basic therapeutic exercise equipment.
• Document the patient’s change progress as observed using formats as designated by facility.

10. Health Care Delivery Systems

• Provides services under the direction of the PT in primary, secondary, and tertiary settings.
• Interact and differentiate between the different roles of the health care team.
• Recognize need for health care services, explain mechanisms for referral and reimbursement of physical therapy services within the designated clinical site.
• Recognize the impact of reimbursement of physical therapy services.
• Assist in identifying equipment necessary to meet patient goals and needs.

11. Administration

• Supervises the physical therapy aide in patient-related activities as delegated to the aide by the PT and in non-patient care activities, as defined by the policies and procedures of the practice setting.
• With approval, supervision and guidance of CI/PT, uses support personnel when indicated and within applicable law and regulation.
• Request assistance when needed (i.e. two-person transfer).Social Responsibility. Demonstrates social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy, including participation in community and service organizations and activities.
• Assists CI/PT in addressing primary and secondary prevention needs of individuals and groups. Assist the PT in educating patients, individuals, and groups according to specific clinical site needs.
• Incorporates the concept self-responsibility in wellness and health promotion.
• Demonstrates the willingness to assist staff when appropriate.

12. Career Development

• Participates in career development based on self-assessment, performance appraisals, work setting, and special interest.
• Recognizes the role of the PTA in the clinical education of PT and PTA students and prepares to assume that role.
• With guidance of CI implements a self directed plan for career development and lifelong learning.
• Participates in learning experiences within the clinical setting.
• Demonstrate an interest in learning the different types of treatments and patient conditions.
• Seeks opportunity to learn.
• Accepts responsibility to learn.
• Demonstrates own limitations and seeks guidance to address these.
• Demonstrates independence, accountability and responsibility by participating as an active partner in the clinical education component of the program.
  

13. Social Responsibility:
Demonstrates social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy, including participation in community and service organizations and activities. Student assists the CI/PT in addressing primary and secondary prevention needs of individuals and groups by:

• Using established screening tools
• Educating patients, individuals, and groups in prevention (i.e. clinical site employee orientations).
• Incorporating the concept self-responsibility in wellness and health promotion
• Demonstrating the willingness to assist staff when appropriate.

This document includes the course objectives and the “Program Performance Expectations for the Clinical Affiliations” and has been created to ensure the congruence between the curriculum design and the clinical practicum component of the program.
The learning objectives of all of the clinical affiliations were revised and modified to ensure agreement with the newly developed program outcomes and were interwoven with the previous course objectives (1996 version).
The references utilized for the development of this document were the following:

• “A Normative Model of Physical Therapist Assistant Education”
• “The Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Performance Instrument” 

The program acknowledges and expresses appreciation to the American Physical Therapy Association for the excellent and thorough job in developing these two documents. They were very helpful in the development of the program’s objectives. To ensure that the PTA students will become competent, responsible and accountable clinicians upon completion of the program, the following guidelines, “Program Performance Expectations for the Clinical Affiliations”, have been developed.
Program Performance Expectations for the Clinical Affiliations:

• Student will be able to demonstrate independence, accountability and responsibility by participating as an active partner in the clinical education curriculum.
• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the clinical performance evaluation process and is aware of legal binding contract between PCC and the clinical sites.
• Completes self-assessment at midterm and end of clinical affiliation in a timely manner (before meeting with CI).
• Completes and forwards all of the required clinical affiliation documents including CI and clinical site evaluations, in a timely manner, as indicated by the ACCE.
• Ensures that the physical exam, immunizations, CPR, HIV and any specific site requirements are updated and current prior to the start of the clinical affiliation.
• Completes any required documents, interview/observation and orientation prior to the start of clinical affiliation.

Establishes rapport and communicates effectively with CI by:

• Establishing personal goals and developing clinical experience in conjunction with CI.
• Ensures the establishment of a schedule for formal/informal weekly feedback sessions with CI.
• Recognizes/identifies and discusses with CI through self-assessment, weaknesses and strengths in performance.
• Demonstrates receptiveness to feedback, help and supervision without becoming defensive.
• Accepts constructive feedback by taking immediate actions and making the necessary changes.
• Attempts to solve problems with designated CI and communicate concerns with CI and ACCE, when needed, in a timely fashion in order to facilitate a prompt resolution.

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, and on the campus bookstore website at: www.efollett.com.

The Gordon Rule

This is not a Gordon Rule course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the campus Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the Teaching/Learning and Computing Center (TLCC) and library, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote students’ academic success. The TLCC provides tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. Polk State College Library and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the Polk State College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

Students may officially withdraw from course(s) during any given term, provided they follow the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop/Add Period, a student may officially withdraw without academic penalty from any credit course, provided he or she has submitted the appropriate forms to the Student Services Office no later than the published deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding withdrawing from courses that vary from this policy. Please see the student handbook for that program for more information. If a student stops attending class, the grade earned, usually an F, is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, withdrawal from the course will have on his or her financial aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who has been penalized for academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the three attempts. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating courses that vary from this policy. Please see the student handbook for that program for more information. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State College Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating/plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. Students should also refer to the course syllabus for more specific information.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

All individuals who employ the information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State College  Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must use these resources for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access, equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to applicants for admission to the College. Polk State College is committed to the equitable treatment of all students in a learning environment free of discrimination and harassment. Polk State College’s Equity Officer ensures compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and sexual harassment. Students who believe they have been a victim of discrimination or sexual harassment should contact the Polk State College Equity Officer, Ms. Valparisa Baker, at 863-292-3602 or vbaker@polk.edu.

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Student Services Office on either campus and speak with the Coordinator of Academic Advising.

 

Attendance:

Regular attendance is the student’s responsibility. Students are required to notify the instructor at 863-669-2906 or send an e-mail if they are unable to attend clinical. Attendance is required unless the student is ill or excused by the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) PTA Program Director, Clinical Instructor (CI), or the Center Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCCE). Absences of greater than one day must be made up at the same clinical facility with no lapse in time, if possible. The student will follow facility procedure for notification of the clinical instructor of impending absence or tardy. The student will also notify the DCE of any absence from the clinical site. If more than one day is missed, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the DCE and/or assigned faculty regarding plans for making up the missed time. Make-up time must be acceptable to the facility and approved by the DCE. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Disciplinary Actions Process of your Student Orientation Manual.

Students are required to notify the instructor at 863-669-2906 or send an e-mail if they are unable to attend clinical. Students must follow procedures of the facility for reporting absence and tardiness to the clinical instructor.

Search for Open Classes