PTAS 202 - Treatment Interventions for Special Populations

7A2. Body system interactions, health, and surgical conditions across the life span, movement sciences, pain and pain experiences, and psychological aspects of health and disability.

BODY SYSTEMS:

• Genital and reproductive: Identify normal and abnormal changes in related body systems associated with pregnancy and postpartum conditions
• Hepatic and biliary: Identify abnormal conditions of the hematological systems in patient populations
• Immune: Describe the role of the immune system in healthy and abnormal tissue
• Integumentary: Discern etiology and risk factors of wounds
• Musculoskeletal: Name levels of lower amputation using appropriate medical terminology
• Renal and urological
  • List health conditions and diagnoses related to pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Describe the different forms of incontinence.

OTHER:

• Defining the role of the PTA in medical intervention settings across the lifespan
• Describe the principles for standards diagnostic and surgical procedures used for assessment and treatment of neurological, cardiovascular, and pulmonary system disorders
• Describe the principles for standard diagnostic and surgical procedures used for assessment and treatment of disorders associated with special populations
• Discern effective motor learning strategies for improvement of functional skills
• Identify pharmacology associated with various body system dysfunctions
• Report on the rehabilitation implications of pharmacology associated with system interventions
• Deliberate how bias and exclusion affects the health and well-being of individuals across the lifespan

7B. Ethics and values, professional development and responsibilities, service, leadership, lifelong learning, along with teaching and learning with an every-changing healthcare environment.

7B1. Standards of Ethical Conduct (APTA) and APTA Core Values for the PT and PTA

• Demonstrate professional behavior reflecting the role of a physical therapist assistant
• Demonstrate understanding of APTA Core Values when interacting with a patient or caregiver, associated with special populations
• Compare the physical therapist assistant role to the physical therapist for patient management within special populations

7B2. Develop services and leadership skills and abilities that address legislative and political advocacy, community collaboration, and health care disparity.

• Recognize a personal role and the responsibilities of a PTA in physical therapy within legislative, political, and community organizations, including the APTA
• Identify the potential for physical therapist assistant advanced proficiency in the physical therapy field for special populations related to patient care

7B3. Practices within the legal framework of one’s jurisdiction(s) and relevant federal and state requirements.

• Demonstrate the legal and ethical scope of the physical therapist assistant under the supervision of the physical therapist in the intervention of patients with vascular, integumentary, and/or traumatic disorders

7C. Lifelong learning, education, and health care disparities in the ever-changing health care environment.

7C1. Contemporary physical therapy knowledge and practice including evidence-informed practice, interpretation of statistical evidence, and clinical reasoning and decision-making.

• Effectively appraise research literature in physical therapy in peer discussion
• Determine appropriate resources of quality healthcare literature in the field of physical therapy based on components of evidence-based practice
• Implement appropriate physical therapy related literature in written and/or oral presentation
• Apply healthcare literature to justify the continuation, modification, review, or discontinuation of physical therapy services to the supervising physical therapist

7C2. Improve skills to educate and communicate in a manner that meets the needs of the patient, caregivers, and other health care professionals

• Demonstrate effective communication (including the subjective interview) in a patient simulated scenario
• Dramatize patient education strategies for the delivery of the physical therapy plan of care for a patient within special populations in a patient simulated scenario
• Identify best practices of communication for a patient with cognitive impairment

7C3. Advance understanding of health care disparities in relation to physical therapy, recognizing and adjusting personal behavior to optimize inclusive and equitable patient care and patient care environments.

• Recognize the impact of health care disparities in the delivery of care for a patient within special populations
• Illustrate the role of the PTA in the delivery of the physical therapy plan of care with consideration of self and others for patients within special populations

7D1. Implementation of the plan of care established by the physical therapist:

• Obtain and review current information from physical therapy documentation, health records, patient and clients, caregivers, and family members related to general health status, consults, prior and current level of function before carrying out the physical therapy plan of care.
  • Identify relevant information from medical records and physical therapy evaluations for safe and effective care for patients of special populations in a simulated patient scenario
  • Decipher medical terminology related to special populations
  • Identify laboratory data commonly completed in special populations
• Recognize need for clarification, supervision, or action by the supervising PT
  • Identify health information that requires treatment modification within the physical therapy plan of care or consultation with the supervising physical therapist
  • Explore changes in patient status which would warrant consultation with the supervising physical therapist to modify or discontinue an established plan of care
  • Recognize the impact of pharmaceuticals, activity and medical laboratory outcomes on vital signs within a patient population potentially requiring consultation with the supervising physical therapist
• Determine when an intervention is inappropriate
  • Recognize specific contraindications for the rehabilitation of special populations noted in the physical therapy plan of care
  • Report indications and contraindications for interventions for patients in special populations in the physical therapy plan of care
  • Demonstrate effective development of a treatment strategy for special populations
  • Describe the impact of abnormal diagnostic results for special populations, including the effects on the physical therapy plan of care
• Select interventions as determined by the supervising PT based on clinical data, goals, and intended outcomes.
  • Determine he appropriate intervention theories, strategies, and treatment techniques for various phases of recovery noted in the physical therapy plan of care
  • Discern appropriate interventions based on the PT Plan of Care that maximize potential gains for the established short-term and long-term goal expectations
  • Demonstrate ability to discern motor function limitations and develop effective treatment strategies within the plan of care
• Modify, adjust, and discontinue interventions based on the patient response and clinical data in collaboration with the supervising PT
  • Demonstrate effective modification of treatment strategies within the plan of care based on patient responses and clinical findings
  • Identify subjective and objective information that requires treatment modification within the physical therapy plan of care
• Contribute to the d/c and follow-up planning with the supervising PT.
  • In collaboration with the PT, differentiate appropriate discharge criteria and follow-up care options for patient in special populations
• Use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).
  • Provide examples of common impairments to body structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions affecting patients within special populations according to the ICF

7D2. Select and preform components of data collection using appropriate tests and measures for all phases of PT interventions in:

• Cardiovascular system
  • Demonstrate ability to calculate factors for monitoring exercise tolerance and endurance within special populations
  • Clinically judge cardiovascular function tests or measures used to examine patient health and response to treatment interventions
• Pulmonary system
  • Demonstrate ability to calculate factors for monitoring exercise tolerance and endurance
  • Clinically judge pulmonary function tests or measures used to examine patient health and response to treatment interventions
• Musculoskeletal system
  • Demonstrate ability to calculate factors associated with body dimensions associated with musculoskeletal conditions
  • Define the purpose and special populations for musculoskeletal orthotic, protective or supportive devices
  • Identify special populations and the signs and symptoms that necessitate recommendations and possible treatment with orthotic, protective, or supportive devices
  • Define characteristics justifying specific prosthetic device use
  • Discern anatomical, orthotic, or prosthetic gait disturbances
  • Discern muscle involvement in specific assumed postures related to musculoskeletal conditions and lifespan changes
  • Discern postural preferences and limitations for special populations
• Integumentary and lymphatic system
  • Discern the appropriate wound management measurement and treatment strategies for various wound classifications
  • Demonstrate ability to calculate factors of body features associated with integumentary and lymphatic conditions
  • Demonstrate edema measurement techniques for the application of supportive devices
  • Determine appropriate orthotic or assistive device use to modify weight bearing for a patient with LE wound
  • Identify skin precautions with orthotic, protective, or supportive devices
• Pain and pain experiences
  • Discern relevant subjective and objective tests and measures for pain for a given special population
• Psychosocial aspects
  • Identify psychosocial factors associated within special populations, including patients with amputations
• Mental health aspects
  • Compare and contrast factors of cognitive health and well-being to signs and symptoms of cognitive decline

7D3. Select and perform physical therapy interventions for each of the following as identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist to achieve goals and outcomes:

• Cardiovascular conditions
  • Determine the appropriate intervention theories, strategies, and treatment techniques for cardiovascular phases of recovery noted in the physical therapy
  • Report the indications and contraindications for cardiovascular interventions 
  • Discern the appropriate parameters for cardiovascular interventions 
  • Demonstrate effective and safe application for cardiovascular interventions in a simulated patient scenario
  • Discern the appropriate parameters of therapeutic exercise for cardiovascular interventions
• Pulmonary conditions
  • Determine the appropriate intervention theories, strategies, and treatment techniques for pulmonary phases of recovery noted in the physical therapy
  • Report the indications and contraindications for pulmonary interventions 
  • Discern the appropriate parameters for pulmonary interventions 
  • Demonstrate effective and safe application for pulmonary interventions in a simulated patient scenario
  • Discern the appropriate parameters of therapeutic exercise for pulmonary interventions
• Musculoskeletal conditions
  • Determine the appropriate intervention theories, strategies, and treatment techniques for musculoskeletal phases of recovery noted in the physical therapy
  • Report the indications and contraindications for musculoskeletal interventions 
  • Discern the appropriate parameters for musculoskeletal interventions 
  • Demonstrate effective and safe application for musculoskeletal interventions in a simulated patient scenario
  • Demonstrate ability to discern motor function limitations and develop effective treatment strategies within the plan of care
  • Discern the appropriate parameters of therapeutic exercise for musculoskeletal interventions
  • Apply parameters of muscle performance for strengthening, endurance, and stability
  • Express appropriate exercise prescription to treat common musculoskeletal conditions associated with pregnancy and/or postpartum conditions
  • Implement a safe and effective exercise program to treat common musculoskeletal conditions associated with pregnancy and/or postpartum conditions
  • Implement an appropriate exercise program to treat a simulated patient scenario involving incontinence.
  • Implement gait parameters, weight bearing status, and assistance levels in musculoskeletal interventions for the treatment strategy of a simulated patient
  • Describe/demonstrate positioning guidelines for a patient with a lower extremity amputation 
  • Classify joint restrictions specific to amputations
• Integumentary and lymphatic conditions
  • Determine the appropriate intervention theories, strategies, and treatment techniques for integumentary and lymphatic phases of recovery noted in the physical therapy
  • Report the indications and contraindications for integumentary and lymphatic interventions 
  • Discern the appropriate parameters for integumentary and lymphatic interventions 
  • Demonstrate effective and safe application for integumentary and lymphatic interventions in a simulated patient scenario
  • Identify self-care aide needs
  • Discern the appropriate parameters of therapeutic exercise for patients in special populations 
  • Demonstrate effective and safe application and removal of wound care treatment modalities for patients with integumentary and lymphatic conditions in a patient scenario
  • Identify appropriate treatment and positional techniques in the care of extremity edema
• Metabolic Conditions
  • Determine the appropriate intervention theories, strategies, and treatment techniques for metabolic phases of recovery noted in the physical therapy
  • Report the indications and contraindications for metabolic interventions 
  • Discern the appropriate parameters for metabolic interventions 
  • Demonstrate effective and safe application for metabolic interventions in a simulated patient scenario
  • Discern the appropriate parameters of therapeutic exercise for patients in special populations 
• Pain and pain experiences
  • Determine the appropriate intervention theories, strategies, and treatment techniques for pain phases of recovery noted in the physical therapy
  • Report the indications and contraindications for pain interventions 
  • Discern the appropriate parameters for pain interventions 
  • Demonstrate effective and safe application for pain interventions in a simulated patient scenario

7D4. Delivery of Physical Therapy Services: Complete documentation according to legal framework of one’s jurisdiction, practice setting, and regulating agencies.

• Distinguish relevant information from a written medical record when determining treatment intervention for a patient with an established plan of care
• Accurately document characteristics and measurements of integumentary wounds

7D5. Delivery of Physical Therapy Services: Respond effectively to environmental emergencies that may occur in the clinical setting.

• Differentiate situations that require immediate emergency response for patients within clinical settings

7D6. Delivery of Physical Therapy Services: Educate others using teaching methods that are commensurate with the needs of the learner, including participation in the clinical education of students, incorporate cultural humility and social determinants of health when providing patient and/or caregiver education.

• Discuss elements of informed consent in the context of treatment interventions within a simulated patient scenario
• Illustrate the role of the PTA during an effective treatment protocol with appropriate data collection and traditional special population intervention strategies under the physical therapy plan of care
• Dramatize the education of others with effective strategies interventions considering learner needs related to education, culture, and social determinants in the delivery of the physical therapy plan of care
• Develop an educational session to support the established plan of care of a patient with a chronic disorder or disability

7D7. Health Care Activities: Participate in efforts to ensure patient and health care provider safety

• Apply appropriate patient care requirements of safety, privacy, dignity, and efficiency in simulated patient scenarios
• Articulate effective body mechanics to a simulated patient of special populations
• Report standard precautions of tubes, secretion mobilization, and open wounds for patients within special populations
• Apply effective body mechanics for self in a simulated patient scenario
• Demonstrate effective don/doffing of personal protective equipment for sterile wound care management
• Demonstrate safe/effective set up of a sterile field for wound care procedure
• Determine appropriate precautions when treating immunocompromised populations
• Apply safety considerations for treatment based on reported laboratory values in a patient care scenario
• Identify safety concerns in regard to orthotic or prosthetic device use

7D8. Health Care Activities: Participate in patient-centered interprofessional collaborative care.

• Recognize the role of a prosthetist/orthotist in coordination with physical therapy practitioner for the care of a patient with a lower extremity amputation
• Recognize distinct pain presentations following amputations requiring consultation with other medical professionals

7D10. Community Health: Provide services and/or educational resources informed by cultural humility that address primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, health promotion, and wellness to individuals, groups, and communities.

• Demonstrate the ability to adjust care to address social determinants of health and potential disparities in patient care
• Dramatize provision of patient and caregiver education strategies with a focus on prevention, health promotion, and wellness for special populations
• Identify patient scenarios where home and/or community environment assessment are appropriate for the reintegration of patients within special populations

7D11. Community Health: Provide physical therapy services that address: JEDI, belonging, and anti-racism, and health care disparities, and social determinants of health.

• Discuss effective development of a treatment strategy considering JEDI, belonging, and anti-racism, health care disparities, or social determinants for a patient within special populations
• Demonstrate professional behavior reflecting the scope of the physical therapist assistant to provide patient-centered care across the range of patient needs

7D13. Practice Management: Participate in the financial management of the practice setting, including accurate billing and payment for services rendered

• Discern appropriate billing codes for skilled procedures and interventions in a patient scenario for special populations
• Recognize the impact of physical therapy documentation on the acquisition of equipment provided to a patient within a special population