DPT Advanced Acute Care Simulation-Based Elective ÐDesign, Implementation, and Assessment
Rehabilitation of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is known to improve patient centered outcomes, including physical function. This has led to increasing demands for physical therapists to practice in ICU. While ICU practice is considered beyond entry level,preparation of physical therapist students for work in the ICU during their pre-licensure education has the potential to fast-track their competence to manage critically ill patients.Many DPT programs are including electives aimed at providing student physical therapists with advanced specialized knowledge prior to licensure. Simulation is an ideal instructional design strategy for developing physical therapist ICU competence. Simulation provides realistic, hands-on experience in safe, low risk environments to master high risk interventions. During debriefing, opportunities for reflection and discussion facilitate development of clinical decision-making skills. During this session, participants will be led through the development of an Advanced Acute Care Elective Course from the beginning ideas through to the final practical evaluation. Participants will gain experience in the design and implementation of simulation scenarios,become familiar with simulation debriefing techniques, and discuss outcome measures to evaluate learner knowledge