Geriatric Certification Curriculum 2017
Geriatric Certification Program Program Director: Cody Thompson, PT, DPT, GCS, CSCS Program Description This program offers PTs and OTs the opportunity to develop expertise in the clinical management of the aging patient population. Our evidence-based curriculum focuses on the development of clinical competencies in the treatment of older adults with functional and cognitive decline with the intention of returning patients to active and healthy lifestyles. Become a highly skilled practitioner with advanced clinical skills and competency in the areas of prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation for the aging population. Program Objectives 1. Grow as practitioners skilled in geriatric physical therapy. 2. Become highly skilled, autonomous practitioners who have substantially increased their ability to provide care to patients with various and multiple pathologies and comorbidities. 3. Gain a stronger knowledge base and skill set in evidence-based practice, geriatric patient management, advanced medical screening and radiology. 4. Be more strongly positioned in preparation for the ABPTS Geriatric Certified Specialist (GCS) certification exam 5. To be exceptionally well-prepared leaders in the geriatric physical therapy field. Admission Requirements 1. All Rehabilitation Specialists must meet the minimum education/credentialing requirements for their respective career (to be evaluated during application process). 2. If English is not the applicant s native/first language, specified language proficiency requirements must be met. 3. All physical and occupational therapist applicants must possess a current and valid license to practice physical or occupational therapy. This license must not be under suspension, revocation, probationary status, or subject to disciplinary proceedings or inquiry. 4. All physical and occupational therapist applicants to the optional Postprofessional DPT/OTD must have completed either a Bachelor s or Master s Degree level CAPTE or ACOTE accredited physical therapy or occupational therapy curriculum, respectively, or have had a state physical or occupational therapy board approve the applicant s first-professional physical or occupational therapy program to be equivalent to a US CAPTE or ACOTE accredited physical or occupational therapy, respectively, program. Applicants who have graduated from a university outside of the US must provide a copy of their physical or occupational therapy degree equivalency evaluation for admission. 2
Curriculum The EIM Geriatric Certification program consists of 16 credit hours of blended online and onsite learning. The student has 2 years (24 months) of active enrollment to complete the program. The curriculum consists of the following outlined academic courses: Core EBP 6100 Evidence-based Practice 1 GERI 6110 Introduction to Geriatric Rehabilitation 1 GERI 6510WI Management of Geriatric Neurologic Conditions 5 GERI 6520WI Management of Geriatric Musculoskeletal Conditions 5 GERI 6120 Geriatric Cardiopulmonary Conditions 1 Elective Options (Choose Two) GERI 6130 Geriatric Integumentary Conditions 1 GERI 6140 Wellness and Health Promotion in the Geriatric Population 1 GERI 6150 Complementary Therapies in Geriatric Rehabilitation 1 GERI 6160 Regulatory, Legal, and Ethical Issues in Geriatric Rehabilitation 1 GERI 7170 Geriatric Virtual Rounds and Case Presentations 1 GERI 7080 Geriatric Certification Capstone Examination N/C 16 credits *Elective courses: Geriatric Certification students will complete a minimum of (3) 3
EIM Certification in Geriatrics EBP 6100 Evidence-based Practice I (15 hours/1 credit) ONLINE, SELF-DIRECTED This course is designed to improve the participant's understanding and use of evidence-based practice (EBP). The course will discuss the evolution of EBP and its impact in the physical rehabilitation practice. Using case scenarios, guided tutorials and journal references, participants will learn how to ask clinically relevant questions, search available literature, appraise selected studies, synthesize and interpret the evidence, and apply this evidence to clinical practice. The goal of this course is to develop clinicians who are informed consumers and users of clinical research literature that will improve the quality and impact of the participant s clinical practice on the patients they serve. 1. Define EBP and discuss its philosophy and fundamental principles. 2. Construct a well-built clinical question. 3. Search the literature using available search portals, engines and databases effectively and efficiently. 4. Critically appraise diagnostic, prognostic or intervention studies involving the geriatric population. 5. Understand basic statistical concepts that convey clinically important change. 6. Discuss the application of current best evidence into geriatric clinical practice, 7. Effective communicate evidence-based clinical decisions to stakeholders (patients/families, other medical professionals, third party payors and policymakers) GERI 6110 Introduction to Geriatric Rehabilitation (15 hours/1 credit) ONLINE, SELF-DIRECTED Older adults have complex health care needs, and it is important for rehabilitation professionals to be able to meet them. Older adults are more likely to have multiple co-morbidities and require more medication. Both normal and pathological aging processes have significant effects on the structure and function of the body, which lead to limitations in functional independence, increased cost of health care, and decreased quality of life. This course will focus on the basic principles of geriatric rehabilitation and provide a foundation for future courses in the curriculum. This course is self-paced and is designed to be completed in a 4-week time period with 2 modules per week. 1. Describe key principles in geriatric practice, such as evidence-based practice, successful vs. optimal aging, and clinical decision-making using the ICF model. 2. Identify multiple roles of a geriatric practitioner and member of an interprofessional team. 3. Introduce the role of physical activity in managing physiological effects of age and lifestyle-related decline on multiple body systems. 4. Integrate medical complications and pharmacological considerations in the rehab examination and interventions for older adults 5. Critically appraise evidence surrounding examination and intervention for older adults 6. Incorporate current best evidence, patient preferences and motivation, and clinical expertise into examinations and interventions for older adults 7. Incorporate activity, exercise and behavioral change considerations into geriatric rehabilitation 4
GERI 6510 Management of Geriatric Neurologic Conditions (8 weeks online with 2-day onsite lab/5 credits) BLENDED The course will provide the rehabilitation clinician with knowledge and skills in managing balance and falls in older adults as well as adults with neurological diagnosis. The course is designed for you to be able to gain knowledge in physiology, pathology, clinical reasoning, evidence based practice, screening, assessment, and intervention strategies to apply to your practice. This course will have several distinct sections: normal and pathological aging of the brain and nervous system and the impact on fall risk screening techniques for identifying someone at risk for falling and completing evaluations to identify areas of impairment, functional limitations, or activity limitations. writing assessment techniques to support the plan of care for your patient. Prescribing evidence based interventions. identifying and establishing an appropriate discharge plan. The weekly readings, lectures, and discussion will provide the student with the foundation to critically reason through their practice. The two-day onsite session is designed to integrate the clinical knowledge you gained through this course and apply it to case studies. This will occur through specific discussion, laboratory sessions, and case presentation with the goal of promoting clinical reasoning process that is expected from a skilled Geriatric Clinician. All students are expected to write a case study about a patient that has/had a balance deficit, this will include specifications on assessments, interventions, how the patient has benefited from your intervention and how you determined that the patient is appropriate for DC. 1. Discuss the neurophysiological basis underlying postural control and how it varies over a lifespan. 2. Explain how principles of motor learning and neural plasticity relate to balance and fall risk. 3. Apply the concepts of the continuum of healthy aging to your clinical practice. 4. Analyze the impact of the pathological process on common central nervous system disorders in terms of function and fall risk. 5. Analyze and identify an older adult s impairment/functional limitation in order to write an appropriate plan of care. 6. Apply understanding of the pathology of the nervous system and aging into evidence-based treatment plans. 7. Select and perform tests and measures appropriate for your patient population to identify a person s fall risk. 8. Identify and perform evidenced-based interventions tailored to your patient to decrease fall risk. 9. Identify and develop and appropriate discharge plan. 10. Review the role of technology and the aging services network as an extender of therapy to achieve the best outcomes. 11. 11. Describe how to integrate evidence-based fall risk management into the workflow and plan of care. 5
GERI 6520 Management of Geriatric Musculoskeletal Conditions (8 weeks online with 2 day onsite lab/5 credits) BLENDED This course will provide physical and occupational therapists with knowledge and skills in managing older adults with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions that impact their movement and function. Musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction is a leading cause of disability in older adults. Lower extremity arthritic conditions and aging spine problems such as lumbar spinal stenosis frequently result in decreased fitness levels and increased fall risk. This course will focus on evidence-based treatments to address these problems, including hands-on manual therapy and exercise management strategies, for the older adult. 1. Analyze the different elements of patient/client management for the older adult with selected musculoskeletal disorders 2. Select and apply tests and measures used in the examination of the person with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. 3. Demonstrate appropriate manual and manipulative therapy and therapeutic exercise for older adults with selected musculoskeletal disorders 4. Discuss appropriate exercise dosing and progression for older adults 5. Appraise the role of the physical and occupational therapist in prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system. 6. Discuss and analyze evidence for the management of persons with musculoskeletal disorders. GERI 6120 Geriatric Cardiopulmonary Conditions (15 hours 1 credit)- ONLINE, SELF-DIRECTED This course will provide the clinician with knowledge and skills in the rehabilitation management of cardiopulmonary disorders. Emphasis will be placed on selected cardiopulmonary conditions such as heart attacks, COPD and emphysema. 1. Recognize and understand the normal age related changes to the cardiovascular system. 2. Appreciate the effects of aging on exercise capacity and response to activity in the older adult. 3. Understand the clinical implications of common cardiovascular conditions encountered in the older adult patient. 4. Modify exercise based treatments to account for the normal effects of aging in the older adult. 5. Learn ways to address barriers to physical activity and exercise in the older adult. 6. Appreciate the importance and understand the structural process of cardiac rehabilitation. 6
Geriatric Certification Program Electives- (4 week/ 1 credit each) ONLINE, SELF-DIRECTED CHOOSE TWO GERI 6130 Geriatric Integumentary Conditions (15 hours 1 credit) ONLINE, SELF-DIRECTED This course will provide the clinician with knowledge and skills in the rehabilitation management of integumentary problems. The course will cover risks for skin breakdown, prevention of integumentary problems in the geriatric population, and wound care management. 1. Describe risk assessment tools to determine skin integrity 2. Describe the elements of a comprehensive wound evaluation 3. Describe evidence-based approaches to manage wounds 4. Describe pressure ulcer prevention interventions in various postures. 5. Describe signs of abuse/neglect as they relate to wounds GERI 6140 Wellness and Health Promotion in the Geriatric Population (15 hours 1 credit) ONLINE, SELF-DIRECTED This course covers evidence-based approaches to optimize health and wellness in the older adults. It will discuss issues regarding readiness of an individual to change behaviors related to health promotion, and interventions to optimize adherence to exercise or other health behaviors to support health aging. 1. Discuss evidence-based theories of behavior change in older adults 2. Develop program and approaches that optimize adherence to exercise and/or healthy behaviors 3. Discuss specific barriers and facilitators to health promotion and illness prevention in older adults 4. Discuss environmental modifications to allow the older adult to live as independently as possible 5. Discuss implementation of wellness and health promotion initiatives GERI 6150 Complementary Therapies in Geriatric Rehabilitation (15 hours 1 credit) ONLINE, SELF-DIRECTED This course will provide the clinical with theoretical foundations and practical applications of selected complementary therapies that may be applied in geriatric rehabilitation practice. 1. Discuss the theories behind selected complimentary therapies 2. Identify indications and contraindications of the selected complimentary therapies 3. Select and implement complimentary therapies that improve health outcomes of the older adult 4. Assess outcomes following implementation of selected complementary therapies (myofascial release, acupressure, etc.) GERI 6160 Regulatory, Legal and Ethical Issues in Geriatric Rehabilitation (15 hours 1 credit) ONLINE, SELF-DIRECTED This course covers special health policy issues that affect the geriatric population. This is one of four special topic courses, of which students must select 7 two for completion. This course consists of 4 lecture
modules, with students anticipated to complete 1 module per week for completion of the course in a 4- week period. 1. Recognize selected health policy issues affecting geriatric rehabilitation practice. 2. Identify and discuss selected legal and ethical issues in geriatric rehabilitation practice 3. Discuss approaches to manage ethical issues in the older adults GERI 7170 Geriatric Certification Virtual Rounds and Case Presentations (4 weeks, 1 credit) ONLINE WITH LIVE WEBINAR This capstone course for the Geriatric Certificate Program introduces the student to the Virtual Rounds environment. The course focuses on advanced clinical decision-making regarding clinical care in a collaborative virtual environment. This course will be a little different from your previous courses. There are no online quizzes. No online reading. Each week you will find instructions posted on Moodle, regarding this "rounding" project. This course is a virtual way of performing "rounds" on patients. In medical rounds, interns/residents/students are taken around to patients with different diagnoses, to discuss their signs/symptoms, medications, presentation, physical and history, etc. One key piece is to determine a diagnosis and course of treatment. 1. Clearly and concisely provide feedback on patient cases that includes key elements of the patient interview and examination to include valid and reliable age-related tests and measures, generation of a diagnosis, prognosis and plan of care. 2. Independently present patient cases as evidence of application of EBP across a broad spectrum of patients. 3. Participate in peer-assessment and provide feedback to colleagues that encourage the application of current best evidence into practice. 4. Demonstrate clinical decision-making skills, including clinical reasoning, clinical judgment, and reflective practice. 5. Demonstrate mastery of clinical decision-making in geriatric rehabilitation, with appropriate incorporation of interventions, throughout the entire course of care. 6. Understand and apply the disablement, patient/client management, and ICF models in physical rehabilitation practice. 7. Synthesize data from the examination and analyze data to make clinical judgments regarding patient/client management. 8. Select patient/client variables that allow research evidence to be collected and applied. 9. Incorporate evidence/consensus-based practice in the management of patients/clients. GERI 7080 Geriatric Certification Program Capstone Examination (2-weeks to complete) ONLINE, SELF-DIRECTED This capstone course consists of the final examination process for Geriatric Certificate Program students. Geriatric certificate students will complete a final comprehensive written examination that focuses on medical screening, clinical reasoning, decision-making, and the application of evidence-based approaches in the rehabilitation management involving older adults. 8