PHTA 2242 - Gait Analysis and Training Lab

Description
This lab course provides PTA students with skills in analysis of normal and abnormal gait patterns, measuring and fitting ambulatory aids, safety and guarding, patient education in the use of ambulation aids, transfer techniques, amputee rehabilitation techniques, and special equipment line management. This course fosters the development of communication skills, interpersonal relationships and professionalism required for the health care field. It also requires a high level of critical thinking skills related to implementing and modifying physical therapy interventions to accompany PHTA 2241

Pre-Requisite
Acceptance into the Physical Therapist Assistant program of study.

2 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
90 lab hours

6 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Fall

ACTS Equivalent
N/A

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

Given a mock patient, and PT initial evaluation, demonstrate the ability to assess appropriate treatment techniques for this particular patient and perform them correctly to meet the goals set by the PT within the parameters of the plan of care.
Demonstrate good communication skills to include verbal and non-verbal with a mock patient, and the ability to discuss and explain your treatment, the goals you’re addressing, and your rationale to the supervising PT.
Demonstrate ability to recognize when the direction to perform a patient treatment intervention is beyond the scope of the PTA practice act and/or standards of normal and ethical practice and report this to the PT.
Demonstrate good body mechanics during mock patient treatments and transfers.
Demonstrate conduct that reflects knowledge of practice standards that are legal, ethical, and safe in lab practical examinations.
Demonstrate ability to recognize changes in a patient’s cognitive, mental or arousal level and appropriate action to take if there is a change.
Demonstrate safety awareness and correct guarding techniques, keeping the patient safe during all aspects of the treatment session.
Demonstrate ability to accurately document treatment in a SOAP note format.
Demonstrate ability to establish a therapeutic relationship with the patient, considering their perspective and needs, by utilizing verbal and non-verbal communication and instructing the patient clearly and concisely in terminology the patient can understand.
Be able to provide the rationale for your treatment selections based on knowledge of the developmental sequence, treatment strategies available, patient’s functional level, patient’s cognitive status, objective findings, goals, and parameters of the plan of care.
Demonstrate ability to adjust interventions within the POC established by the P.T. in response to patient clinical indications and changes in patient’s status and take appropriate action to include reporting to the P.T.
Demonstrate ability to provide education to other health care providers via inservice on assistive devices, gait, ROM, and transfers

General Education Outcomes Supported

Students develop higher order thinking skills.
Students can employ a variety of sources to locate, evaluate, and use Information.
Students gain greater awareness of cultural perspectives.
Students can write clear, coherent, well-organized documents, substantially free of errors.
Students develop effective oral communication skills.