A Unique Pro Bono Model for the Medically Complex Geriatric Cohort
Purpose:
The APTA’s Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist describes an ethical obligation to provide pro bono services to those in need to enhance the well-being of society. While there are a variety of documented pro bono models, the DeSales University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DSUDPT) includes 4 mandated pro bono courses. The 4thpro bono serves the medically-complex geriatric population through group exercise, fall-risk screens, standard physical therapy (PT), and research opportunities. The purpose of this report is to outline and elucidate a unique mandated pro bono experience in the DSUDPT program.
Description:
The 4thpro bono is offered in the 6thsemester of the 9-semester curriculum. The experience occurs at two sites where students work under the direction of clinical faculty. First, at an independent living facility for retired priests and brothers, DPT students perform initial evaluations, fall-risk screens, “home visits”, and therapeutic interventions. Second, at a large local outpatient senior activities center, DPT students perform fall-risk screenings and provide education to reduce fall risk. At both sites, in addition to the above, students are responsible for consenting clients, developing and implementing group exercise programs, administering and collecting fall-risk outcome measure data, performing clinical documentation, and writing weekly reflections. Twice during the semester, the students are required to complete two critically-appraised topics related to an identified critical concern associated with the medically complex patient and present a case summation of one of their clients.
Summary of Use:
Students gain clinical, scholarly, and service experience. From a clinical perspective, students implemented evidence-based interventions as shown through their critically appraised topic reports, and initial evaluations and weekly progress note evaluations. From a research perspective, students were required to write an institutional research board application and collected data related to fall-risk outcome measures. Lastly, in regards to service, the students gained a strong appreciation of the need for service as noted through the comments on their weekly reflections. Client feedback surveys were used to assess client satisfaction and student course evaluations were used to determine student satisfaction and the meeting of course and curricular objectives.
Importance to Members:
A unique mandatory pro bono course serving the physical therapy needs of the medically-complex geriatric cohort provided a wide-range of learning experiences for 2ndyear DPT students while meeting the ethical obligations stated in the Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist. This experience provided students the opportunity to improve critical thinking and clinical decision making through the performance of screening activities, initial evaluations, clinical interventions, and research; improve research knowledge and skills; and enhance knowledge of servant leadership while fulfilling the profession’s ethical obligation.