Physical Agents 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.

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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

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Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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Course

PTHA-1431-001 Physical Agents

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: PTHA 1229, PTHA 1413 and BIOL 2402

Course Description

Biophysical principles, physiological effects, efficacy and application of physical agents.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

REQUIRED TEXTS: Physical Agents in Rehabilitation: From Research to Practice

by Michelle H. Cameron, 3^rd. ed.

Manual for Physical Agents by Karen W. Hayes, 6^th ed.

Therapeutic Exercise  by Carolyn Kisner and Lynn Allen Colby, 6^th ed.

Supplies

\ Lab supplies: electrodes for use with e-stim units, procedural towels.

Student Performance

\ 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 a commitment to meeting societal expectations for healthcare providers.
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   3. \ Demonstrate understanding of the plan of care established by the physical therapist.
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   4. \ Demonstrate competence with components of selected treatment interventions.
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   5. \ Perform selected data collection skills.
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   6. \ Within the plan of care, discuss alternatives to treatment interventions.
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   7. \ Identify changes in patient status that prohibit intervention.
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   8. \ Discuss appropriate ways to report changes in patient status to the supervising physical therapist.
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   9. \ Demonstrate effective documentation skills.
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   10. \ 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. \ a. 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 physical agents that is 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 techniques to ensure patient, personal, staff, and environmental safety.
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         6. \ Demonstrate an understanding of HIPAA guidelines.
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         7. \ Use of proper draping techniques to enhance patient privacy.
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      3. \ Goal #3\
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         8. \ Explain the rationale and effectiveness of delegated interventions.
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      4. \ Goal #4\
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         10. \ Define thermotherapy, cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, phototherapy, and electrotherapy
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         11. \ Define therapeutic massage
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         12. \ Describe the physiological effects for therapeutic massage.
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         13. \ Demonstrate an understanding of indications and contraindications for therapeutic massage
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         14. \ Demonstrate the various therapeutic massage techniques.
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         15. \ Describe the physioloigcal effects for pulsed and continuous ultrasound.
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         16. \ Outline applied physical principles of ultrasound.
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         17. \ Describe the equipment used with ultrasound.
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         18. \ Demonstrate the techniques used for application of the sound head.
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         19. \ Explain the safety factors used with ultrasound.
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         20. \ Demonstrate understanding of the indications and contraindications of pulsed and continuous ultrasound.
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         21. \ Demonstrate understanding of the application of pulsed and continuous ultrasound.
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         22. \ Describe the physiological effects of sequential and intermittent compression.
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         23. \ Demonstrate understanding of the indications and contraindications of sequential and intermittent compression
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         24. \ Demonstrate the  application of sequential and intermittent compression pumps.
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         25. \ Describe the physiological effects of cold.
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         26. \ Outline the applied physical principles of cold.
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         27. \ Demonstrate understanding of the indications and contraindications of cryotherapy including cold pack, ice massage cryocuff and vapocoolant spray. 
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         28. \ Demonstrate the application of cryotherapy including cold packs, ice massage, cryocuff, and vapocoolant spray.
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         29. \ Describe the effects of electrotherapy.
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         30. \ Outline the applied physical principles of high frequency currents and low frequency currents and functional electrical stimulation.
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         31. \ Describe the physiological effects of electrical currents.
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         32. \ Outline the indications and contraindications for electrical currents.
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         33. \ Demonstrate the techniques used for alternating current, direct current, pulsed current, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation,functional electrical stimulation, interferrential current, and Russian stimulation.
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         34. \ Describe the physiological effects of Iontophoresis.
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         35. \ Demonstrate an understanding of  the indications and contraindications for Iontophoresis
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         36. \ Demonstrate the  techniques used for Iontophoresis.
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         37. \ Demonstrate an understading of the indications and contraindications for ultrasound combined with electrical currents.
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         38. \ Demonstrate techniques used for combination of ultrasound/electrical currents.
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         39. \ Describe physiological effects of high voltage pulsed current.
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         40. \ Demonstrate an understanding of  the indications and contraindications for high voltage pulsed current.
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         41. \ Demonstrate the techniques used for high voltage pulsed current.
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         42. \ Briefly describe the various electrodiagnostic tests.
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         43. \ Outline the applied physical principles of water.
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         44. \ Describe the physiological effects of externally applied water.
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         45. \ Demonstrate an understanding of the indications and contraindications of whirlpools and tanks.
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         46. \ Describe the types of equipment used with whirlpools, tanks and aquatic pools
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         47. \ Explain safety factors used around water.
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         48. \ Demonstrate techniques used to prevent cross contamination.
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         49. \ Describe the care of whirlpools and tanks.
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         50. \ Demonstrate techniques used with whirlpools, tanks, and aquatic pools.
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         51. \ Outline the indications and contraindications and types of equipment used with Pulsavac.
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         52. \ Demonstrate techniques used with Pulsavac.
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         53. \ Demonstrate an understanding of  the indications and contraindications of contrast baths.
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         54. \ Describe the physiological effects of contrast baths.
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         55. \ Demonstrate techniques of contrast bath application.
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         56. \ Outline applied physical principles of heat.
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         57. \ Describe the physiological effects of superficial heat.
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         58. \ Demonstrate an understanding of the indications and contraindications to the use of hot packs.
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         59. \ Demonstrate the various techniques used with hot packs.
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         60. \ Describe the equipment used with hot packs.
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         61. \ Demonstrate an understanding of the indications and contraindications for the use of paraffin.
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         62. \ Demonstrate the various techniques used with paraffin.
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         63. \ Outline the applied physical principles of radiant energy.
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         64. \ Describe the physiological effects of infrared and outline the indications/contraindications for infrared.
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         65. \ Demonstrate the technique of infrared application.
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         66. \ Describe the physiological effects of ultraviolet and outline the indications/contraindications for ultraviolet.
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         67. \ Describe the technique used to determine patient sensitivity to ultraviolet.
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         68. \ Demonstrate technique used for application of ultraviolet.
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         69. \ Describe the physiological effects of short wave diathermy, pulsed non-thermal short wave diathermy, and microwave diathermy.
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         70. \ Outline indications/contraindications for short wave diathermy, pulsed non-thermal short wave diathermy, and microwave diathermy.
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         71. \ Demonstrate the various techniques for short wave diathermy, pulsed non-thermal short wave diathermy, and microwave diathermy.
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         72. \ Described the physiological effects and outline the indications and contraindications for fluidotherapy.
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         73. \ Describe the types of traction used and the effects of traction.
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         74. \ Outline the indications/contraindications for traction.
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         75. \ Demonstrate the techniques used for application of cervical and lumbar traction.
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         76. \ Describe the physiological effects, indications, and contraindications for postural drainage.
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         77. \ Demonstrate the various techniques used in postural drainage.
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         78. \ Demonstrate an understanding of how pain is transmitted.
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         79. \ Explain the different types of pain and how various physical agents may  modify pain.
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         80. \ Demonstrate an understanding of motion restrictions.
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         81. \ Explain how various physical agents may modify motion restrictions.
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      5. \ Goal #5\
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         82. \ Measure height, weight, length, and girth.
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         83. \ Recognize activities, positioning, and postures that aggravate or relieve pain or altered sensations, or that can produce associated skin trauma.
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         84. \ Identify presence or absence of muscle mass.
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         85. \ Recognize activities, positioning, and postures that aggravate or relieve pain or alter sensations.
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         86. \ Recognize alignment of trunk and extremities at rest and during activities.
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         87. \ Recognize activities that aggravate or relieve edema, pain, dyspnea, or other symptoms.
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      6. \ Goal #6\
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         88. \ Outline alterations to treatment interventions within the plan of care established by the PT.
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      7. \ Goal #7\
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         89. \ Identify when treatment interventions should not be provided due to patient status.
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      8. \ Goal #8\
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         90. \ 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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      9. \ Goal #9\
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         91. \ Document physical agents appropriately.
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      10. \ Goal #10\
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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

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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

\ 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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\ STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: A student who has a problem with the course or course instructor should make every attempt to resolve the problem with the course instructor.  If that is not successful, the student may appeal the decision of the instructor to the program director, divison chairman of Health Sciences, dean of instruction, and the president – IN THAT ORDER.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria
Homework /Professionalism	2.5%
Quizzes*	7.5%
Fact Sheets*	10%
Exams(3)/Application Exams(1)*	25%
**Skill Application/Quick Checks*	25%
Final*	30%

*Students must have a minimum of 74.5% when all  fact sheets, quizzes, exams/application exams, as well as skills application/skills 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 fact sheets, quizzes, exams/application exams, and skills application/skills 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 1)detailed study schedule,2)should identify any areas of weakness in understanding course content, and 3)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 THIS REMEDIATION PROCESS. THE INSTRUCTOR WILL TREAT STUDENTS AS ADULTS AND WILL THEREFORE EXPECT THE STUDENT TO APPROACH THE INSTRUCTOR TO DISCUSS ANY CLARIFICATION OF THESE GUIDELINES.

Exams/application exams will be available for review for one week following the return of the graded exam/application. The exam/application will be kept in the instructors office; each student will need to set up an individual time to review the materials.

Students are responsible for correctly completing their scantron forms. Once the scantron is turned into the instructor, no changes will be allowed on the scantron. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to carefully imprint your responses.

** Students who do not meet minimum proficiencies during the skills application/skills quick checks 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.

MAKE UP POLICY: There will be NO make-ups on quizzes or skills quick checks. Absence of a exam/application exam/skills application reulsts in a five-point deduction from the earned grade. All absences will be treated equally, regardless of the reason. The make-up exam or make-up application exam will vary in format from the original examination/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.

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 non-droppable grade. Students may view a listing of professionalism criteria in the lab. Example of point deduction: not bringing proper lab attire so that area can be properly exposed, first time 10 point deduction, 2nd time 20 point deduction, 3rd time 30 points etc.

Grading Scale
100-92.5	A
92.4-83.5	B
83.4-74.5	C
74.4-0	F

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

 

 

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.

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\ While in attendance of each lecture class and lab, cell phones are to be turned off (during lab cell phones are to placed in the locker area), unless otherwise permitted by the instructor.

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.

ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments are due AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS TIME on the assigned due date.  NO LATE HOMEWORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.

REQUIRED READING: The student is expected to complete all reading assignments. All assigned material is considered testable information, however 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.

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 1431 the following is required by each student: passing minimum average of all fact sheets, quizzes, exams, application exams, skills application exam/skills quick check; submitting all homework assignments; passing professionalism grade.

LAST DATE TO DROP/WITHDRAW: November 20, 2013

Instructional aids: use of equipment, handouts, electonic media, DVD

Instructional methods: lecture and lab, demonstration and return demonstration

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.  .

If you have:

Cardiac problems, high blood pressure– do not have cryotherapy performed on you

Cardiac pacemaker – do not have any diathermy or e-stim performed on you

Metal implants– do not have diathermy performed on you

Pregnancy– do not have any modalities performed over the trunk area.  If you have maternal heart disease, hypertension, or uncontrolled diabetes, you are not to have modalities performed on you.

Thermoregulatory problems– clothing may need to be adjusted to accommodate the temperature of the environment.  Do not have cryotherapy or diathermy performed on you.

Peripheral Vascular Disease– do not have any heating modalities performed on you

Diabetes/hypoglycemia– bring medication and snacks as needed

Decreased sensation– do not have any modalities performed over the area of sensory loss

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.