Basic Patient Care Skills Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

PTHA-1405-001 Basic Patient Care Skills

Prerequisites

Corequisite: PTHA 1301, PTHA 1229, PTHA 1321 and BIOL 2401

Course Description

The application of basic patient handling, functional skills, communication and selected data collection techniques.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED TEXTS: Principles and Techniques of Patient Care, 5th ed. by Frank M. Pierson and Sheryl L. Fairchild

Documentation for the Physical Therapist Assistant, 4^th  ed. by Wendy Bircher

 

Supplies

\ ADDITIONAL SUPPLES: 1 Flash Drive/removable hard drive.  BP cuff and stethoscope (optional)

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\  Lab supplies: Gait belt, procedural towels, tape measure, ace wraps. (Will be purchased at the beginning of the fall semester).&n

Student Performance

\ COURSE DESCRIPTION: The application of basic patient handling, functional skills, communication and selected data collection techniques.

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\ STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This course is designed to give the skills needed to build a foundation of knowledge upon which more advanced skills may be added as the student progresses in the program. The course also provides nursing care skills as applicable to the physical therapy clinic.

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\ ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Students demonstrating academic dishonesty as defined in the “Student Rights and Responsibilities” handout will receive a grade of “F” in the course and will be subject to all PTA program policies regarding course failure. CUEING ANOTHER PERSON DURING AN EXAM, APPLICATION, OR SKILLS CHECK-OFF WILL BE CONSIDERED CHEATING.

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\ COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

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1. \ Goals: Given the course textbook, personal notes, handouts, and other material, the student should begin to demonstrate competence with components of the following requisite skills identified by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education:\
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   1. \ Demonstrate effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
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   2. \ Demonstrate increased awareness of individual and cultural differences that may impact physical therapy services and determine appropriate responses to these differences.
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   3. \ Demonstrate a commitment to meeting societal expectations for healthcare providers.
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   4. \ Demonstrate a commitment to meeting expectations of members of the profession of physical therapy.
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   5. \ Demonstrate understanding of the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
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   6. \ Demonstrate competence with components of selected treatment interventions.
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   7. \ Perform selected data collection skills.
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   8. \ Within the plan of care, discuss alternatives to treatment interventions.
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   9. \ Identify changes in patient status that prohibit intervention.
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   10. \ Discuss appropriate ways to report changes in patient status to the supervising physical therapist.
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   11. \ Identify considerations for patient/family education.
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   12. \ Demonstrate techniques for education of pt-related information.
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   13. \ Demonstrate effective documentation skills.
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   14. \ Consider discharge planning at initial treatment.
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   15. \ Review current physical therapy literature.
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\ The student will know that these goals have been successfully completed if he or she earns a final grade of “C” or higher as evaluated by the faculty of the department.

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2. \ Objectives:\
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   1. \ Given the course textbook, personal notes, handouts, and other material, the student should be able to do each of the following on a written and/or practical examination with an accuracy of 74.5%or higher as evaluated by faculty of the department:\
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      1. \ Goal #1\
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         1. \ Demonstrate understanding of language and terminology regarding transfers, bed mobility, gait training with assistive devices, and wound care appropriate to physical therapy.
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         2. \ Demonstrate appropriate nonverbal communication skills (i.e. touch and facial expressions) with simulated patient/therapist interactions.
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         3. \ Demonstrate appropriate verbal communication skills with simulated patient/therapist interactions.
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         4. \ Present oral presentation(s) to classmates.
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      2. \ Goal #2\
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         5. \ Identify when cultural or individual differences may affect the physical therapy treatment.
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      3. \ Goal #3\
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         7. \ Recognize that human beings deserve and respond to actions that demonstrate respect and courtesy.
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         8. \ Identify techniques to ensure patient, personal, staff, and environmental safety including application of personal protective equipment, isolation precautions, procedures for sharps disposal, and disposal of contaminated/hazardous materials.
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         9. \ Outline strategies for problem solving in the classroom, laboratory, and clinic situation.
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      4. \ Goal #4\
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         10. \ Participate in peer evaluations and self-evaluation.
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         11. \ Demonstrate an understanding of HIPAA guidelines.
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         12. \ Use of proper draping techniques to enhnace patient privacy.
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      5. \ Goal #5\
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         1. \ Describe purpose and contents of long and short-term goals.
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      6. \ Goal #6\
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         12. \ Observe and report patient’s basic performance level with transfers.
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         13. \ Explain principles of bowel and bladder care.
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         14. \ Describe safe techniques when working with patients with catheters, suprapubic catheters, IV’s, chest tubes, gastrostomy tubes, casts, telemetry, or traction.
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         15. \ Describe types of patient standers including tilt table, supine stander, and mobile prone stander.
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         16. \ Identify basic components of ambulation assistive devices as well as the various types of walkers, canes, and crutches.
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         17. \ Explain principles used in the measurement of walkers, canes, and crutches.
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         18. \ Know the mechanical function of assistive devices.
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         19. \ Instruct the patient in use of an assistive device.
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         20. \ Determine if ambulatory assistive devices are in proper alignment.
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         21. \ Describe types of slings and state rationale for use and non-use of slings.
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         22. \ Describe types of splints and state rationale for use and non-use of splints as well as demonstrate application of splints.
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         23. \ Demonstrate proper body mechanics with patient treatments including lifting, transfers (pivot, two-person, three-person, sheet, sliding, wheelchair to commode, and mechanical lift), positioning, and bed mobility.
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         24. \ Explain the principles of proper body mechanics.
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         25. \ Outline steps necessary to prepare patients for ambulation.
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         26. \ Demonstrate correct techniques used when preparing a patient to come from sitting to standing.
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         27. \ Observe patient’s gait, locomotion, and balance on various terrains.
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         28. \ Demonstrate techniques used when guarding patients.
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         29. \ Demonstrate types of gait to be used with walkers, crutches, and canes.
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         30. \ Demonstrate correct technique used for ascending and descending stairs and curbs with ambulatory aids.
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         31. \ Inspect skin for pressure areas and recognize changes in skin condition after use of an orthotic device.
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         32. \ Explain purpose of proper wheelchair fit.
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         33. \ Identify components and features of wheelchairs.
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         34. \ Describe basic instruction for wheelchair propulsion.
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         35. \ Demonstrate wheelchair management and mobility techniques.
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         36. \ Demonstrate ability to don/doff personal protective equipment.
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         37. \ Explain the differences between types of gloves and masks used for personal protective equipment.
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         38. \ Define and list indications for transmission-based precuations as well as understand the pathogens transmitted for airborne, droplet and contact precuations.
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         39. \ Demonstrate correct procedure used for application of sterile clothing and gloves.
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         40. \ Demonstrate the correct procedure used in preparing and maintaining a sterile field, handling sterile objects, opening sterile containers, and changing dressings.
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         41. \ Explain principles applicable to clean and aseptic technique.
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         42. \ Explain when clean versus sterile technique is used.
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         43. \ Demonstrate basic passive range of motion to all extremities.
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         44. \ Identify biofeedback techniques.
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         45. \ Describe rationale for venous pressure gradient supports (i.e. Jobst compression garments) as well as demonstrate measurement techniques used for these garments.
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         46. \ Demonstrate application of Ace wrap or roll bandages to various joints using specific techniques.
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         47. \ Understand precautions/indications/contraindications for use of Ace wrap to apply compression.
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         48. \ Demonstrate understanding of techniques to apply wound care dressings or agents.
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         49. \ Demonstrate understanding of purpose of wound care dressings.
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         50. \ Explain types of wounds and wound care treatments used in physical therapy.
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         51. \ Describe indications/contraindications for various types of dressings available for wound care.
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         52. \ Define the phases of wound healing.
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         53. \ Explain causes for decubitus ulcers and burns.
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         54. \ Identify precautions for dressing removal.
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         55. \ Describe the techniuqes used for protective taping.
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      7. \ Goal #7\
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         56. \ Measure standard vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
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         57. \ Explain the indications for taking vital signs.
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         58. \ Recognize and monitor patient response to changes in position or activity level.
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         59. \ Measure height, weight, and length.
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         60. \ Demonstrate awareness of changes in patient’s state of arousal.
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         61. \ Recognize conditions, which might alter the patient or caregiver’s ability to care for an assistive device.
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         62. \ Observe changes in skin condition associated with use of assistive or adaptive devices.
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         63. \ Identify potential safety risk factors that may exist while using an assistive device.
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         64. \ Observe patient safety with gait and with wheelchair management and mobility.
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         65. \ Define terminology associated with basic sensory status.
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         66. \ Differentiate between normal and abnormal integumentary changes.
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         67. \ Demonstrate proper positioning techniques to decrease or minimize pain or prevent skin breakdown.
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         68. \ Differentiate between characteristics of viable and nonviable tissue.
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         69. \ Observe differences in normal and abnormal joint movement.
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         70. \ Observe presence or absence of muscle mass.
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         71. \ Identify activities, positions, or postures that increase or decrease pain.
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         72. \ Describe basic resting posture in supine, sitting, and standing.
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         73. \ Observe whether the trunk and extremities demonstrate proper alignment at rest and with activity.
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         74. \ Demonstrate techniques used for positioning in supine, prone, side-lying, and in sitting as well as describe and utilize various positioning aids.
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         75. \ Describe proper positioning technique used with standing frames, tilt tables, sidelyers, and corner chairs.
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         76. \ Define and identify cyanosis.
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         77. \ Identify positions that may aggravate or relieve edema, pain, dyspnea, or other symptoms.
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         78. \ Identify cough and sputum characteristics.
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      8. \ Goal #8\
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         79. \ List alternatives to treatment interventions.
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      9. \ Goal #9\
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         80. \ Demonstrate awareness of patient symptoms that prohibit treatment.
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      10. \ Goal #10\
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          81. \ Demonstrate awareness of what changes need to be reported to the supervising physical therapist as well as techniques to report those changes.
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      11. \ Goal #11\
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          82. \ Describe basic instruction skills required for patient and staff education.
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      12. \ Goal #12\
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          83. \ Demonstrate techniques used to educate patient/family in transfers, bed mobility, and gait training.
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      13. \ Goal #13\
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          84. \ Discuss symptoms as well as appropriate first aid techniques to be used in the treatment of fractures, severe bleeding, closed injuries, dislocations, sprains, strains, shock, frostbite, cold exposure, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps.
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          85. \ Describe the first aid procedure to be followed with burns.
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      14. \ Goal #14\
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          86. \ Explain purpose of documentation.
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          87. \ Identify appropriate use of abbreviations with documentation.
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          88. \ Describe contents of SOAP notes.
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          89. \ Give examples of correct protocol documenting functional outcomes.
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          90. \ Describe typical contents of and how to locate information in the typical medical chart.
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      15. \ Goal #15\
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          91. \ Discuss importance of planning for discharge.
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      16. \ Goal #16\
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          92. \ Complete the review of professional literature as assigned.
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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

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Grading Criteria

GRADING CRITERIA:

Quizzes*	10%
Homework/Professionalism	5%
Exams (3)/Application Exam (1)	25%
Skills application/quick checks	25%
Final*	35%

*Students must have a minimum of 74.5% when all quizzes, exams/application exam, and skills application/quick checks are averaged together. The homework and the professionalism grades are not included in the course average until the 74.5% requirement is met. A student who does not achieve at least a 74.5% average on all quizzes, exams/appliction exams, and skills application/quick checks with the final exam will receive an F in this course.

If the midterm grade is failing as indicated by the grade report, the student must contact the course instructor to schedule a planning meeting. At this meeting, the student will be expected to develop an action plan for successful completion of the course. This action plan should include a detailed study schedule, should identify any areas of weakness in understanding course content, and must include methods/strategies that will be used to correct the learning deficit. Failure to meet with the instructor or to complete the action plan will result in a 10 point deduction from the final grade.

The instructor will not be responsible for reminding students of their responsibility to complete the planning meeting. The instructor will treat all students as adults and will therefore expect the student to approach the instructor to discuss any clarification of these guidelines.

Exam/application exams will be available for review for one week following the return of the graded exam/application exam. An appointment will need to be set up in order to review exam materials.

** Students who do not meet minimum proficiencies during the skills testing/application will be required to re-test until proficiencies are met before the course is completed. The first test grade the student attains is the recorded grade.

Professionalism grade: All students will receive a professionalism grade for the course. The grade will be determined by instructor, peer, and/or guest evaluations. This will be considered a non-droppable grade. Students may view a listing of professionalism criteria in the lab.The student will have points deducted from his/her professionalism grade if supplies are not available during the lab time or the proper lab attire is not worn. Being prepared with supplies and proper attire will enhance the learning opportunity for the student and will promote professional development. Example of point deduction: not bringing proper lab attire or not having proper supplies available, first time 5 point deduction, 2nd time 10 point deduction, 3rd time 15 point deduction, etc.

GRADING SCALE:
A =	100-92.5
B =	92.4-83.5
C =	83.4-74.5
F =	74.4-0

Note: A grade of C or better is required to complete the PTA major.

 

MAKE-UP POLICY: There will be NO make-ups on quizzes, skills quick checks, homework or final exams. Absence of a test or application or skills exam results in a five-point deduction from the earned grade. All absences will be treated equally, regardless of the reason.The make-up exam or application exam will vary in format from the original exam/application.
The student should expect to take the make-up exam/application on the day the student returns to class, unless otherwise notified by the instructor.

Attendance

\ ATTENDANCE: “Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.” Therefore, students enrolled in the PTA program are expected to attend all lectures, labs, and clinical experiences, and will be held accountable for obtaining all information presented during these times. Attendance is required for successful completion of all lectures and labs in the Physical Therapist Assistant program. At the beginning of each lecture and lab, students will be expected to sign the roster provided by the course instructor. Even if a student is present in class and seen by the instructor, failure to sign in will result in the student being marked absent for attendance purposes. If a student signs in another student, both students will be counted absent. Each student will be allowed two absences per lecture/lab course in the PTA Program. After the second absence a penalty of five points will be deducted from the student’s final course grade for each subsequent absence. A student will be considered “tardy” if he/she arrives to class 1-10 minutes late or leaves before the instructor dismisses the class. Two “tardies” will be considered one absence. Students arriving to class after 10 minutes will not be permitted to enter the lecture or lab until the next course begins. Exceptions to this policy will only be made under extenuating circumstances and only if the course instructor receives the appropriate written documentation to support the event within 5 days of the absence.

Calendar

Additional Information

USE OF CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES (I-PODS, MP 3 PLAYERS, ETC.): The use of a cell phone/electronic device(s) will not be permitted during lecture/lab or testing/application exams. This includes the ability to send and receive text messages. Cell phones/electronic device(s) should be turned off and put away during these times. If it is necessary to receive a call during lecture/lab times, prior arrangements with the instructor are required. At no time will the cell phone/electronic device(s) be permitted during testing/application exams. While in attendance of each lecture class and lab, cell phones are to be turned off (during lab cell phones are to be placed in the locker area), unless otherwise permitted by the instructor.

ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments are due AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS TIME on the assigned due date.  NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. If assignment is completed unsatisfactorily the student may be required to re-submit assignment. The first grade the student earns is the recorded grade.

REQUIRED READING: The student is expected to complete all reading assignments. All information is considered testable material, and may not be covered during lecture, therefore it is the student’s responsibility to discuss (at an appropriate time) with course instructor clarification of material as needed.  The student will be required to submit via flash-drive each objective question(s) for the assigned chapters. If an assignment is not submitted when it is due, the student will receive a “0” for each missed assignment from the chapter objective grade. On the file please indicate  name of text book, chapter and objective question number (it is easier to search for document if the file is easily identified). Please type the question and then provide your answer. The document must be submitted using Microsoft Word or Rich Text Format. Please make sure flash drive is identified with your name as well as including your name on document.

LAB DRESS CODE: Appropriate dress is required during scheduled lab times.

Females: shorts, halter or swimsuit top (fasteners need to be in the back), lab coats or sweat suits for a cover-up

 Males: shorts, tee shirts, lab coats or sweat suits for a cover-up

For successful completion of PTHA 1405 the following is required by each student: passing minimum average of all quizzes, exams, application exams, skills application/skills quick checks; submitting all homework/documentation workbook assignments; and to participate in 1-2 body mechanics training session for other disciplines (outside of class time). The body mechanics training opportunities will be announced in advanced so each student has the opportunity to participate. During the body mechanics training opportunities the student will be required to wear the PTA student shirt, dress/nice pants, supportive shoes, as well as interact professionally with the other disciplines, classmates, and instructors.

LAST DATE TO DROP/WITHDRAW: November 20, 2013.

SAFETY PROCEDURES: In case of an emergency, the student needs to call the Safety and Security department at 9-371-5163.  In an emergency situation, use the nearest phone that is available.  The student should also know in case of a medical emergency, the following procedure should be performed and in the order written:

1. call 9-911 for an ambulance
2. call safety and security

Amarillo College Resources link:http://www.actx.edu/resources/

PHYSICAL RESTRICTIONS: The activities presented in this course may have physical restrictions.  It is the responsibility of the student to let the instructor know if any of these restrictions apply to you.  All students are to avoid doing the VALSALVA maneuver during lifting activities.

If you have:

Asthma, cardiac problems, high blood pressure– avoid doing the Valsalva maneuver during lifting activities

Pregnancy– do not do any lifting that exceeds what your doctor has recommended.  Precaution needs to be taken when stretching due to ligament laxity.  All lifting is contraindicated if you have incompetent cervix, vaginal bleeding, placenta previa, rupture of the membrane, premature labor, maternal heart disease, hypertension, intrauterine growth retardation, and uncontrolled diabetes

Rheumatoid Arthritis– when in the inflammatory state, lifting is contraindicated.  It is recommended to rest and use splints to protect your joints during the appropriate activities as prescribed by your doctor

Thermoregulatory problems– clothing may need to be adjusted to accommodate the temperature of the environment.  If necessary, a misting bottle may be brought to lab

Diabetes/hypoglycemia– bring medication and snacks as needed

Latex sensitivity– latex gloves during sterile techniques are to be avoided.  Notify the instructor by the 3^rd day of classes so that alternative gloves can be provided.

THE LEAD INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY THE SYLLABUS AS NEEDED DURING THE SEMESTER.  ANY MODIFICATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN CLASS.