Certificate for Advanced Practice in Hand Therapy Curriculum Effective: March 2016
EBP 6100 Evidence-based Practice I (15 hours/1 credit) ONLINE SELF-PACED, SELF-STUDY 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. At the end of the course the student will be able to 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) Introduction to Tissue Healing & Splinting Overview (4 weeks/1 credit) ONLINE SELF-PACED, SELF STUDY This course introduces the general concepts of tissue healing used to progress patients through the rehabilitation process. Students will develop an in-depth understanding of the inflammatory and scarring process, as well as how to use this natural healing to appropriately progress therapy intervention. This course also introduces the general concepts of splinting. Students acquire an understanding of types of splinting material and general concepts in fabricating static and dynamic splints. Upon completion of this course students will be able to 1. Understand general concepts of tissue healing including the inflammatory and scarring process,
2. Discuss general therapy progression guidelines based concepts of tissue healing, 3. Compare and contrast types of splinting materials and rationale for the variety of materials 4. Apply general splinting concepts dependent upon intended action of splint. Management of the Shoulder (8 weeks online with virtual rounds and 2 day onsite combined with Management of the Elbow/5 credits) BLENDED and treatment of the shoulder complex. Students will receive an extensive overview of anatomy and pathology of this complicated joint, while gaining the knowledge and ability to perform a comprehensive shoulder evaluation. Students will also learn a variety of evidence-based treatments and progression of therapy for an extensive list of shoulder conditions. Conservative treatment as well as post-operative care of a variety conditions including, but not limited to rotator cuff tears, impingement syndromes, scapular dysfunction, labral tears, and fractures will be extensively discussed. 1. Locate and discuss appropriate shoulder anatomy and pathology, 2. Perform a comprehensive shoulder evaluation to determine the cause of dysfunction, 3. Select appropriate special tests to evaluate the shoulder complex, shoulder injuries, 6. Demonstrate splinting and appropriate immobilization and progression of fractures related to the shoulder complex. Management of the Elbow (8 weeks online with virtual rounds and 2 day on-site combined with Management of the Shoulder/4 credits) BLENDED and treatment of the elbow. Students will receive an extensive overview of anatomy and pathology, while gaining the knowledge and ability to perform a comprehensive elbow evaluation. Students will also learn a variety of evidencebased treatments and progression of therapy for an extensive list of elbow conditions. Conservative care and post-operative interventions for chronic conditions such as lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, and arthritis will be
reviewed, along with conservative and post-operative care for acute conditions such as fractures, dislocations, and ligament injuries. 1. Locate and discuss appropriate elbow anatomy and pathology, 2. Perform a comprehensive elbow evaluation to determine the cause of dysfunction, 3. Select appropriate special tests to evaluate for a variety of elbow diagnoses, elbow injuries, 6. Demonstrate splinting and appropriate immobilization and progression of chronic and acute elbow diagnoses. Management of Wrist & Forearm (8 weeks online with virtual rounds and 2 day on-site combined with Management of the Hand/5 credits) BLENDED and treatment of the wrist and forearm. Students will receive an extensive overview of anatomy and pathology, while gaining the knowledge and ability to perform comprehensive evaluations of the wrist and forearm. Students will also learn a variety of evidence-based treatments and progression of therapy for an extensive list of wrist and forearm conditions. Conservative care and postoperative interventions for a variety of conditions including, but not limited to fractures and dislocations, sprains and ligaments tears, tendonitis and tendinosis diagnoses, and carpal instabilities will be extensively discussed. Students will learn to determine and fabricate appropriate splinting for a variety of wrist and forearm diagnoses. 1. Locate and discuss appropriate wrist and forearm anatomy and pathology, 2. Perform comprehensive evaluations of the wrist and forearm to determine the cause of dysfunction, 3. Select appropriate special tests to evaluate for a variety of wrist and forearm diagnoses, wrist and forearm injuries,
6. Demonstrate splinting and appropriate immobilization and progression of chronic and acute wrist and forearm diagnoses. Management of the Hand (8 weeks online with virtual rounds and 2 day on-site combined with Management of the Wrist & Forearm/5 credits) BLENDED and treatment of the hand. Students will receive an extensive overview of anatomy and pathology, while gaining the knowledge and ability to perform comprehensive evaluations of the hand. Students will also learn a variety of evidence-based treatments and progression of therapy for an extensive list of hand conditions. Conservative care and post-operative interventions for a variety of conditions including, but not limited to fractures and dislocations, sprains and ligaments tears, and tendonitis and tendinosis diagnoses will be extensively discussed. Students will learn to determine and fabricate appropriate splinting for a variety of hand diagnoses. 1. Locate and discuss appropriate hand anatomy and pathology, 2. Perform comprehensive evaluations of the hand to determine the cause of dysfunction, 3. Select appropriate special tests to evaluate for a variety of hand diagnoses, hand injuries, 6. Demonstrate splinting and appropriate immobilization and progression of chronic and acute hand diagnoses. Evaluation and Treatment of Tendon and Nerve Diagnoses (6 weeks/2 credits) ONLINE, FACULTY-DIRECTED and treatment of upper quarter nervous system as well as tendon injuries. Students will receive an extensive overview of anatomy and pathology of the complicated upper extremity nervous system and tendons of the upper quarter. Students will also learn a variety of evidence-based treatments and progression of therapy for an extensive list of nerve and tendon dysfunction. Conservative treatment as well as post-operative care of nerve and tendon injuries including compression diagnoses, traction injuries, ruptures, and lacerations will be extensively discussed. Students will learn to determine and fabricate appropriate splinting for a variety of nerve and tendon diagnoses.
1. Locate and discuss appropriate upper quarter nerve and tendon anatomy and pathology, 2. Perform a comprehensive evaluation of the upper quarter tendong and nervous system, 3. Select appropriate special tests to evaluate for a variety of nerve and tendon diagnoses, nerve and tendon diagnoses, 6. Demonstrate splinting and appropriate immobilization and progression of treatment for a variety of upper quarter nerve and tendon diagnoses. Management of Trauma, Edema, and Wounds (4 weeks/1 credit) ONLINE SELF- PACED, SELF STUDY Multiple diagnoses sent to hand therapy present due to trauma and most present with edema and some with wounds. This course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of trauma and evidence-based treatment in progress of traumatic injuries. Students will learn how to manage edema correctly, as well as discuss wound care and the pathology and anatomy behind wound healing. Students will learn when immobilization or progression of motion is appropriate in providing patients with the best possible outcome. 1. Understand trauma and determine appropriate order of treatment for traumatic injuries, 2. Demonstrate edema management techniques, 3. Discuss wound healing and evidence-based treatment for a variety of wounds. Special Topics in Upper Quarter Rehabilitation (4 weeks per course/1 credit each) ONLINE SELF-PACED, SELF-STUDY choose TWO Special Topics from the course offerings. Special Topics A: Complex Injuries and Amputations & Prosthetics This course will provide students with knowledge and skills in the rehabilitation of complex injuries and amputations. Students will learn the appropriate order of treatment for complex injuries, as well as care of amputations and use of a
variety of upper extremity prosthetics. Students will also review the psychological components of coping with complex injuries and amputations. : 1. Determine the correct order of treatment in the healing and rehabilitation process of complex injuries, 2. Understand care and rehabilitation progression of upper extremity amputations, 3. Demonstrate compensatory techniques and adaptive equipment appropriate for upper extremity amputations and complex injuries limiting function, 4. Understand selection and use of appropriate prosthetics for a variety of upper extremity amputations and dysfunctions, 5. Discuss the psychological components associated with amputations and use of prosthetics. Special Topics B: Pediatric Disorders, Special Populations, and Industrial Rehabilitation In this course, students will learn the special concepts of rehabilitation in pediatric disorders and other special populations. The first half of the course will include discussion of evaluation and rehabilitation of upper extremity disorders in pediatrics and other special populations including, but not limited to genetic disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and strokes that affect upper limb function. The second aspect of this course will include hand therapy in industrial rehabilitation. Students will review ergonomics and work rehabilitation as it relates to upper quarter diagnoses. : 1. Evaluate upper extremity function and dysfunction in pediatrics and special populations, 2. Determine evidence-based rehabilitation for upper quarter dysfunction in pediatrics and special populations, 3. Select appropriate adaptive equipment and fabricate appropriate splints when indicated, 4. Understand ergonomic components and work-site evaluations related to upper quarter diagnoses, 5. Discuss work-rehabilitation and use of adaptive equipment for return to work related to upper quarter diagnoses.
Special Topics C: Imaging & Modalities This course encompasses the essentials of musculoskeletal radiology and other common imaging modalities such as MRI, CT and musculoskeletal ultrasound of the upper quarter. This course helps students confidence grow in the areas of common radiographic views, radiographic presentation of common upper quarter musculoskeletal conditions, and communicating with doctors and patients how the diagnostic imaging results relate to the current problem. Students will also develop understanding of the use of a variety of modalities including therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, interferential stimulation, iontophoresis, paraffin, heat, and ice. Evidence-based and appropriate use of these modalities will be extensively discussed. : 1. Engage in the diagnostic process using musculoskeletal imaging procedures when appropriate to establish differential diagnoses across upper quarter systems and across the lifespan, 2. Determine the most appropriate imaging procedure based on the patient presentation and current best evidence for diagnosis, 3. Use evidence-based diagnostic imaging procedures as appropriate to help determine the patient who would benefit from therapy intervention and the patient who requires referral for further medical 4. Effectively educate patients regarding their diagnostic imaging results and formulate an enhanced working vocabulary of diagnostic imaging terminology in order to appropriately communicate with other medical professionals, 5. Effectively review with patients how and why modalities work in helping them improve in upper quarter function, 6. Select appropriate modalities based on current evidence. Capstone Examination (4 weeks/1 credit and Capstone credit) ONLINE, SELF- PACED, SELF-STUDY Students will have four weeks to complete a final comprehensive written examination that focuses on medical screening, evaluation, clinical reasoning, decision-making, and the application of evidence-based approaches in the rehabilitation process of the upper quarter.