International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

The Johns Hopkins Hospital acute care physical therapy residency program: Rising to the challenge of the triple aim

2^nd International Conference and Exhibition on Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

July 14-16, 2014 DoubleTree by Hilton Baltimore-BWI Airport, USA

Gabrielle Shumrak, Eric Stewart and Ellen Wruble Hakim

Posters: Int J Phys Med Rehabil

Abstract :

T here is an essential need to elevate physical therapy practice in the hospital setting to meet the Institute for Healthcare Improvement?s Triple Aim. Per this initiative, programs should be implemented that improve patient satisfaction with care delivery, focus on health promotion, and decrease overall health-related expenses. A means by which to accomplish these aims is through enriched clinical training. A novel residency program focusing on the advanced clinic skills required to manage medically complex patient populations in the acute care setting was therefore created. The Johns Hopkins Hospital Acute Care Physical Therapy Residency is a 12-month training opportunity for licensed physical therapists desiring specialization in the treatment of medically complex patients. Establishment of an optimal care plan and post-acute intervention strategy requires physical therapists to possess advanced understanding of pathophysiology/differential diagnosis, pharmacology, imaging, physiologic monitoring technologies, inter-professional team dynamics, and the impact of multifarious socio-economic/ cultural influences. The ultimate program objective is to graduate a resident proficient in the delivery of advanced, innovative, and evidence-based practice that will drive recovery, reduce risk for hospital-acquired complications, and direct post-acute plans that maximize functional outcomes while decreasing readmission rates for this population. The carefully designed curriculum, including mentored clinical care, research assignments and graduate teaching assignments, will develop the highly specialized skills required to meet the Triple Aim. This residency will serve as a framework upon which future residencies can be developed to advance hospital-based physical therapy practice.

Biography :

Gabrielle Shumrak, is Director of the Johns Hopkins Acute Care Residency and is the Center Coordinator for PT Clinical Education. She practices in the area of acute care neurologic physical therapy.