Didactic Learning SAMPLE OF DIDACTIC PROJECTS Clinical Experience FULL TIME CLINICAL ROATION 2009 UNC HOSPTIALS, CHAPEL HILL, NC Community Outreach & Service WORLD MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS DAY 2009 GREENVILLE, NC Advocacy & Fund Raising WALK FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS 2009 RALEIGH, NC L. Johnston PT, MS, DPT; A. Rosenberg PT, PhD; M. Mahon SPT; E. Byrne SPT, D. Meyer PT Division of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill A curriculum model to prepare physical therapy students to meet the unique needs of patients with Multiple Sclerosis The program is designed to increase in breadth and depth of experiences throughout the students’ progression in the 3 year Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Throughout the process, students are encouraged to develop individualized goals and seek learning opportunities related to the issues that affect patients with MS. Classroom and clinical learning experiences are combined with community service and outreach advocacy/fund raising to provide students with the skills needed to become experts in the management of this patient population. Learning Objectives: 1) Demonstrate a broad understanding of the multifactorial issues that impact the patient population of interest. 2) For specific patients within the target population, design comprehensive intervention plans which will maximize patient independence and decrease disability, and integrate consultation from an interdisciplinary team. 3) Through a broad range of experiences and exposures, demonstrate an understanding of the roles of the physical therapist in care and management of the issues of the target population. The purpose of the specialty track program is to offer students an opportunity to develop in depth knowledge and skills in an area of special interest which exceeds that which is typically provided in the entry-level physical therapy program. Students who complete this program will be well prepared to provide high level clinical examination, intervention and community based services for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Purpose Description Summary of Use Collaboration This curriculum represents a unique collaboration between an academic institution and a non-profit disease focused organization. Current funding and support for students scholarships is provided by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Eastern North Carolina Chapter. Faculty time for curriculum oversight and mentorship is provided by UNC-Chapel Hill Division of Physical Therapy. The Physical Therapy Initiative Committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Eastern North Carolina Chapter is currently engaged in fund raising efforts. Plans are underway to establish an endowment that will provide a permanent funding source for this program. This unique program is geared to address the challenges of people living with MS and to allow for specialized training for DPT students at UNC-Chapel Hill. It is our goal that this curriculum will serve as a collaborative educational model for other universities and organizations to meet the needs of students interested in a particular patient population, as well as increase access for populations in need of specialized physical therapy care. Importance to Members A structured specialty interest curriculum that is integrated within a generalist professional preparation program provides academic programs the ability to meet community needs as well as student interest preferences. Curriculum Design and Goals YEAR 1 Students develop sensitivity to the multifactorial issues affecting patients with MS and the roles of the therapist in working with this population. Students independently seek observational clinical experiences and service opportunities. Students may apply for funding at the end of this year. YEAR 2 Students gain knowledge and skills in the management of the issues that affect the patients with MS. Students complete didactic work, a focused clinical rotation and lead a service or fund raising activity. Funding is provided to a select group of students. YEAR 3 Students gain advanced knowledge and skills in the management of patients with MS. Students complete an in depth capstone project and present work to peers and other professionals. Funding is provided to a select group of students. Samples of Completed Student Work Acknowledgements Thank you to the MS Society of Eastern North Carolina for their support of the program. K. GOREK. THOMAS E. BYRNE M. MAHON Byrne, E. Exploring Evidence Based Interventions in Multiple Sclerosis; Functional Electrical Stimulation for Foot Drop, Fall 2009 Byrne, E. Physical Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding Medications and Treatment Options, June Byrne, E. An Outcome Measure Review; Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Index, Fall 2008 Gore, K. An Outcome Measure Review; Fatigue Severity Scale, Fall 2009 Gore, K. "Multiple Sclerosis and Aquatic Therapy”, A special topics wiki page, Fall 2009 Mahon, M. Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis: You CAN do it! Presentation for MS Society Education Conference, Feb Mahon, M. Land versus Aquatic Therapy, Effect on Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Fall 2009 Mahon, M. A Review of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS- 29). Fall 2008 Established the UNC Chapel Hill MS Journal Club; A Monthly Professional Forum. Oct Self Study Course, “Introduction to MS Nursing Care”, Univ. of NM & National MS Society Completed Nov. 2009