PHT2820L - Physical Therapy Clinical Education III

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 Program Outcomes

Polk State College, a quality driven institution, transforms lives through the power of education by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates, and workforce employment programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s Associate in Science and baccalaureate degree programs develop competence in various career-related skills. This course focuses on the development of competencies related to the following program outcomes:

1. Communication: Communicate verbally and nonverbally with the patient, the physical therapist, healthcare delivery personnel, and others in an effective, appropriate, and capable manner.

2. Individual and cultural differences: Demonstrate sensitivity to individual and cultural differences during all aspects of physical therapy services.

3. Behavior and Conduct: Exhibit conduct that reflects a commitment to meet or exceed the expectations of members of society and the profession.

4. Clinical Problem Solving and Judgment: Demonstrate clinical problem-solving skills and professional judgment.

5. Education: Instruct aides, volunteers, peers, and coworkers using established techniques, programs, and instructional materials commensurate with the learning characteristics of the audience.

6. Data Collection: Demonstrate competence in performing specific data-collection techniques as delegated by the supervising physical therapist.

7. Plan of Care: Apply the written plan of care for a patient appropriately, and implement delegated interventions to achieve the short- and long-term goals and outcomes identified in the plan of care.

8. Intervention: Implement the delegated inventions within the plan of care established by the physical therapist, monitor the patient’s response, and respond accordingly.

9. Outcomes, Measurements, and Evaluation: Use data collection and communication to participate in determining a patient’s progress toward specific outcomes as established in the plan of care by the physical therapist.

10. Healthcare Delivery Systems: Provide services under the direction of the physical therapist in primary, secondary, and tertiary settings.

11. Administration: Supervise the physical therapy aide in patient-related activities as delegated to the aide by the physical therapist, and in non-patient care activities as defined by the policies and procedures of the practice setting.

12. Social Responsibility: Demonstrate social responsibility, citizenship, and advocacy, including participation in community and service organizations and activities.

13. Career Development: Participate in career development that is based on self-assessment, performance appraisals, work-setting opportunities, and special interests.

 
Course Objectives:
 

At the conclusion of this course and upon assessment, the student is able to:
(T = Program Thread; O = Program Outcome)

1. Communication (T-8; O-1, O-5): 
The student is able to communicate verbally and non-verbally with patients, caregivers, and their families; the supervising clinical instructor and physical therapist; and healthcare delivery personnel in an appropriate, effective, and capable manner. With supervision and minimal guidance from the clinical instructor (CI), the student is able to:

a. Communicate in a respectful and timely manner.
b. Initiate communication with the CI and patients.
c. Listen actively and attentively.
d. Demonstrate nonverbal communication consistent with intended messages.
e. Interpret and respond to the nonverbal communication of others, and determine and modify behavior and communication accordingly.
f. Demonstrate effective communication skills in oral, written, and non-verbal communication with patients, the patients’ families, and other members of the healthcare team in the delivery of care through the use of physical agents and assistive devices, with gait and transfer devices, and training and bed mobility devices, and basic therapeutic exercise equipment.
g. Instruct patients and explain treatment interventions in simple terms that are able to be understood.

2. Individual and Cultural Differences (T-5; O-2):
With supervision and minimal guidance from the clinical instructor (CI), the student is able to:

a. Demonstrate respect for individuals’ differences and various cultural sensitivities.
b. Deliver established patient care with concern for the dignity and welfare of patients, and maintain confidentiality.
c. Communicate and adjust his or her interpersonal style of communication and interaction with sensitivity to individual and cultural differences.
d. Recognize personal capabilities and limits, and seek assistance when needed in a timely manner (i.e. language difference or barrier).
e. Seek information regarding cultural and or individual differences once identified, discuss these with the clinical instructor, and identify any differences that may affect the interventions, outcomes, or processes of therapy.
f. Implement interventions with respect to cultural and/or individual differences.
g. Recognize and refrain from acting on stereotypes, biases, and prejudices.

3. Behavior and Conduct (T-5; O-3):
With supervision and minimal guidance from the clinical instructor (CI), the student is able to:

a. Exhibit, at all times, conduct that reflects a commitment to meet or exceed the expectations of society, as well as maintain the expectations of members of the physical therapy profession.
b. Demonstrate a professional appearance and attitude that is consistent with the role of a physical therapist’s assistant and follow the chain of command, policies, and procedures delineated by the facility in a safe and ethical manner.
c. Exhibit behaviors that are consistent with the profession’s guidelines (i.e. Code of Ethics and Florida Practice Act).
d. Respect and honor the relationship of teamwork between the physical therapist and his or her assistant (PT/PTA Team).
e. Demonstrate courtesy and respect for the dignity of individuals.
f. Perform treatment interventions in a safe, ethical, and legal manner.
g. Respect the confidentiality of patient information and delegated interventions.
h. Recognize ethical and legal responsibilities with regard to documentation and billing information that reflects the actual interventions given.
i. Produce documentation that is accurate, concise, timely, and legible (with initial guidance from CI), and make immediate changes as recommended.
j. Identify situations in which ethical dilemmas or legal questions are present.

4. Clinical problem solving and judgment (T-1, T-2, T-3; O-4): 
With supervision and minimal guidance from the clinical instructor (CI), the student is able to:

a. Demonstrate clinical problem-solving skills and professional judgment.
b. Develop self-confidence, accurately recognizing personal strengths and limitations.
c. Identify and participate in patient-status judgments within the clinical environment based on the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
d. Explain the rationale for judgments.
e. Make judgments with regard to ethical, informed-consent, and safety considerations.
f. Use information from multiple data sources to make judgments.
g. Identify major muscle groups and their actions, as well as bones and bony prominences of the head, trunk, and extremities.
h. Use a clinical problem-solving process that includes identifying a problem, collecting and assessing the significance of the data, explaining changes in the data, and accepting responsibility for the effects and consequences of one’s actions.
i. Progress patients through the plans of care established and delegated by the physical therapist.
j. Identify and act in a timely and responsible manner during an emergency by informing the CI, filling out an incident report, and addressing any other required duties.
k. Apply information appropriately regarding purpose and effects, indications, contra-indications, and precautions; proper application of physical agents, assistive devices for gait/transfer, and devices for training/bed mobility; and basic therapeutic exercises as related to specific body segments or joints in orthopedic, pathologic, or diagnostic conditions.
l. Recognize and demonstrate knowledge of physiological changes associated with treatments and applications of physical agents, assistive devices for gait/transfer, assistive devices for training/bed mobility, and therapeutic exercises that are related to specific body segments or joints in orthopedic, pathologic, or diagnostic conditions.
m. Make adequate recommendations by informing, communicating, and consulting (in a timely manner) with the clinical instructor and physical therapist regarding if an intervention should be changed or withheld.

5. Education (T-5, T-8; O-5):
The student demonstrates an ability to instruct aides, volunteers, and peers, using established techniques, programs, and instructional materials that are commensurate with the abilities of the audience. In consultation, and with minimal supervision or guidance from the Clinical Instructor (CI), the student is able to:

a. Educate others regarding the roles performed by the physical therapist’s assistant and physical therapist in the healthcare delivery system.
b. Inform a variety of learners such as patients and their families, aides, volunteers, and co-workers, and utilize appropriate techniques to meet individuals’ needs.
c. Recognize personal capabilities and limitations, and defer instruction to the CI when needed.
d. Design, organize, and deliver an effective and efficient presentation.

6. Data Collection (T-6; O-6):
The student demonstrates competence in performing specific data-collection techniques as delegated by the supervising Clinical Instructor (CI) or physical therapist with regard to: goniometric measurements, anthropometric measurements, and manual muscle testing (MMT). With minimal supervision, the student makes appropriate and effective use of physical agents, assistive devices with gait/transfer and training/bed mobility, and basic therapeutic exercise equipment.

7. Plan of Care (T-4, T-9; O-7):
With minimal guidance and supervision from the Clinical Instructor (CI) or physical therapist, the student demonstrates the ability to:

a. Interpret and apply the written plans of care for individual patients.
b. Implement delegated interventions to achieve the short- and long-term goals for individual patients.
c. Achieve outcomes identified in the plans of care for individual patients.
d. Recommend and modify treatment techniques based on patients’ responses (after approval) while following the plans of care established by the physical therapist.

8. Intervention (T-7; O-8):
The student observes, assists, and demonstrates delegated treatment techniques under the direct supervision and guidance of the Clinical Instructor (CI) or physical therapist. The student is able to:

a. Perform basic duties in the department, prepare and clean the treatment areas, and stock supplies and linens.
b. Assist the therapist in the safe transportation of patients to and from treatment areas.
c. Assist in the preparation of patients before and after treatment.
d. Observe and assist in implementing the delegated interventions within the plan of care established by the physical therapist, and monitor the patient’s response and respond accordingly.
e. Perform treatment techniques related to specific body segments or joints in orthopedic, pathologic, or diagnostic conditions under direct supervision and with minimal guidance from the Clinical Instructor or physical therapist.
f. Recognize the basic gait patterns and demonstrate the ability to teach proper gait (i.e., 2-point, 4-point, and 3-point gait) under direct supervision and with minimal   guidance from the Clinical Instructor or physical therapist. 
g. Adjust ambulatory assistive devices under direct supervision and with minimal   guidance from the Clinical Instructor or physical therapist.
h. Use modalities and therapies such as: hydrotherapy, moist heat, infrared therapy, phonophoresis, ultrasound (with and without electrical stimulation), ultraviolet therapy, manual and mechanical traction, paraffin therapy, cryotherapy, mechanical and non-mechanical compression, and short-wave diathermy (as available) under direct supervision and with minimal guidance from the Clinical Instructor or physical therapist. Additionally, the student is able to demonstrate appropriate use of therapeutic electrical current including HVPGs, TENS, IFC, and NMES-unipolar and bipolar devices; EMG biofeedback; and iontophoresis under direct supervision and with minimal guidance from the Clinical Instructor or physical therapist.
i. Observe proper sterile procedures in wound-care treatment interventions under direct supervision and with minimal guidance from the Clinical Instructor or physical therapist. 
j. Identify and explain the rationale for utilization of different dressings with wounds at different stages.
k. Perform accurate wound measurements and demonstrate an ability to describe the wound under direct supervision and with minimal guidance from the Clinical Instructor or physical therapist.
l. Document wound treatment interventions under direct supervision and with minimal guidance from the Clinical Instructor or physical therapist.
m. Perform chest physical therapy under direct supervision and with minimal guidance from the Clinical Instructor or physical therapist.
n. Perform massage techniques under direct supervision and with minimal guidance from the Clinical Instructor or physical therapist.
o. Observe all safety precautions at all times when working with patients (e.g., transfer protocols, gait belts, wheelchair locks, and proper body mechanics).
p. Assist in discharge planning and formal discharge processes, including making recommendations for follow-up care, use of assistive devices, and design of home exercise programs, etc.

9. Outcomes, Measurements, and Evaluation (T-6, T-8; O-9):
The student 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 physical therapist. With minimal guidance and supervision from the Clinical Instructor (CI) and physical therapist, the student demonstrates the ability to:

a. Interpret and apply the written plan of care for an individual patient and interpret data from the physical therapist’s evaluation.
b. Assess the short- and long-term goals for the individual patient and implement delegated interventions to achieve them.
c. Collect data, communicate a patient’s progress, and recommend interventions when short- or long-term goals are achieved.
d. Recognize achieved outcomes identified in the plan of care and make appropriate recommendations.
e. Recognize the impact of reimbursement, and discuss the rationale for performance- improvement activities.
f. Recommend and modify treatment techniques (after approval by the evaluating physical therapist), as indicated by the patient’s response.
g. Demonstrate integration of goniometric measurements and manual muscle testing (MMT) for appropriate and effective decision making in the use of physical agents, assistive devices with gait and transfer, devices or processes for training and bed mobility, and the use of basic therapeutic exercise equipment.
h. Document the patient’s change and progress as observed using the format(s)  designated by the facility.

10. Healthcare Delivery Systems (T-9; O-10): 
With minimal guidance and supervision, the student demonstrates the ability to:

a. Provide services under the direction of the physical therapist in primary, secondary, and tertiary settings.
b. Interact and differentiate between the different roles of members of the healthcare team.
c. Recognize the need for healthcare services, and explain mechanisms for referral and reimbursement of physical therapy services within the designated clinical site.
d. Recognize the impact of reimbursement on physical therapy services.
e. Identify the equipment necessary to meet a patient’s goals and needs.

11. Administration (T-5, T-9; O-11):
The student is able to supervise a physical therapy aide in patient-related activities (as delegated to the aide by the physical therapist) and in non-patient care activities as defined by the policies and procedures of the practice setting. With approval, supervision, and minimal guidance from the Clinical Instructor and physical therapist, the student is able to:

a. Use support personnel when appropriate and within applicable laws and regulations.
b. Request assistance when needed (e.g., two-person transfer).

12. Social Responsibility (T-6, T-8, T-9; O-12):
The student demonstrates social responsibility, good citizenship, and advocacy through participation in community and service organizations and activities. The student assists the Clinical Instructor and physical therapist in addressing the primary and secondary prevention needs of individuals and groups. To this end, the student demonstrates the ability to:

a. Use established screening tools.
b. Educate patients, individuals, and groups in the prevention of healthcare issues (e.g., clinical-site employee orientations).
c. Incorporate the concept of personal responsibility into wellness and health promotion.
d. Assist staff willingly and as appropriate.

13. Career Development (T-5; O-13): 
The student is able to participate in career development that is based on self-assessment, performance appraisals, work-setting opportunities, and special interests. Additionally, the student is able to:

a. Recognize the role of the physical therapist’s assistant in the clinical education team (PT/PTA Team) and prepare to assume this role.
b. Implement a self-directed plan for career development and lifelong learning.
c. Participate in learning experiences within the clinical setting.
d. Demonstrate an interest in learning different types of treatments and information about various patient conditions.
e. Seek opportunities to learn.
f. Accept personal responsibility for continuous learning.
g. Demonstrate an awareness of personal limitations and seek guidance to address these.
h. Demonstrate independence, accountability, and responsibility by participating as an active partner in the clinical education component of the program.

Program Threads Supported by this Course:
1. Structure and function of the human body
2. Normal and abnormal conditions across the lifespan
3. Logical and critical thinking
4. Physical therapy theory and practice
5. Professional roles and behaviors
6. Patient screening and data collection
7. Treatment interventions and implementations
8. Written, oral, and non-verbal communication
9. Management of physical therapy services

 

Course Content:
During this course, the student demonstrates independence, accountability, and responsibility by participating as an active partner in the clinical education curriculum. It is an expectation of the program that each student become a competent, responsible, and accountable clinician upon program completion. To ensure achievement of this goal, the program has developed Program Performance Expectations. This entire document, including the specific course objectives, has been created to ensure congruence between the curriculum design and the clinical practicum component of the program, and includes the final outcomes of PTA Program. The following references have been utilized in the development of this document: a) A Normative Model of Physical Therapist Assistant Education, and b) The Physical Therapist Assistant Clinical Performance Instrument. The program acknowledges its appreciation to the American Physical Therapy Association for these excellent and thorough documents.

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, on the campus bookstore website (www.polk.bncollege.com), or via the “Shop Textbooks” button on the PASSPORT schedule of classes.

College-Level Communication and Computation Skills

State Rule 6A-10.030 does not apply to this course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Each student is encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the campus Teaching/Learning and Computing Centers (TLCCs), JDA Student Success Center, and campus libraries, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide 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. The Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

A student may officially withdraw from a course during any given term, provided he or she follows the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop period, students may officially withdraw without receiving a grade from any course, provided they do so no later than the published withdrawal 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 course withdrawal that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific program handbooks. 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 third attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating courses that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific handbooks. 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 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 or 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. More specific information can be found in the Course Syllabus.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

The information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must be used 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 and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director, Equity and Diversity (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Office: WAD 227
Telephone: (863) 292-3602
e-mail: 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 Coordinator or Director of Disability Services. Note: Limited admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

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