These processes will include attention to the patient's social and cultural context. Describe, discuss, and justify selection of various tests and measurements in performing examinations, particularly of the cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, and neuromuscular systems, of patients presenting for physical therapy services, with or without physician referral. Describe the evaluation process which leads to a diagnosis that guides care, a prognosis for recovery, and interventions designed to meet mutually agreed-upon outcomes. These goals will include, as appropriate, health promotion and disease prevention and take into consideration the effects of biological, psychosocial, and economic factors on the achievement of the selected goals. The goals will include, as appropriate, collaboration with the patient, the patient's family, and with other health care practitioners and will recognize the patient as the primary decision-maker.
Management includes diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, referral, and discharge.
Recognize, incorporate and reference relevant research findings, known theoretical bases, and conventional clinical wisdom in designing this plan of care. Describe, discuss, and justify quantitative and qualitative evaluation techniques to determine the success of continuing intervention and to make appropriate adjustments in the plan of care. Recognize, through appropriate initial and continuing evaluation of the patient, when a problem needs to be referred to other health care practitioners for appropriate follow-up. Utilize the patient management model, the description of physical therapist examinations and interventions, and the practice patterns included in the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice. This course uses case methodology for instruction.