1. STUDENT PRO BONO CLINIC AS A 6 WEEK LAB PRACTICAL
Sharon Fleming Walsh, PT, DSC, MA, PCS, Joyce A Lammers, PT, MHS, PCS  
Physical Therapy Department
The University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio
INTRODUCTION
LOGISTICS
PARTICIPANT COMMENTS
OUTCOMES
Many of our students have limited experience with people that have neuromuscular disorders.
Students report a fear of how to apply neuromuscular theory and a reluctance to work where this is the primary patient load.
The purpose of the pro bono clinic is for the DPT students to get hands on experience applying theory to patients with a neuro dx throughout the lifespan concurrent with academic preparation.
An additional purpose is to fill a community need for pro bono services.
36 students are divided into 2 separate lab groups Group A and Group B with 18 students in each group.
Students are divided into groups of 2 or 3 for individual patient treatment, depending on clientele impairments in body function and structure.
The student groups receive patient information including age, diagnosis and contact information early in the semester.
Each group is responsible for contacting the patient, treatment planning, and preparation of treatment location with equipment..
Documentation expectations:
Merging SOAP format /Guide to Physical Therapist Practice
Home program for the patient
At least 1 standardized assessment tool
Written weekly , including examination, progress and discharge notes
Follow up with patient’s primary care provider
Weekly self reflection including
Strengths , weaknesses and action plan for improvement
Weekly grading rubric:
Body mechanics, safety, communication, critical thinking, documentation and self-assessment
Students also observe their peers treating patients at another point in the lifespan, documenting their movement analysis, problem solving possible causes of the movement disorder, and providing alternative suggestions for treatment.
At treatment conclusion student groups lead a class debate regarding the application of evidence based practice to their patient.
“I did not have high expectations for myself because I was diagnosed 10 years ago but the whole experience was uplifting and a great benefit to me and the community!”
“I wanted to personally let you know how beneficial this has been so the University of Findlay continues this practice.”
“ It is important for patients to benefit from the therapy but also to have such caring individuals to work with!”
“ I thought I was doing this to help the students learn about my disease, but wow was I wrong!”
“To have not only two students concentrate on my child’s difficulties but also a therapist with such experience was a blessing that I’ve not received in all our years of PT.”
TIMING IN CURRICULUM
10-11am
11-12 pm
12-1pm
Group A/ Instructor A
Patient intervention
Group A /Instructor A
Critical thinking
Facilitation of treatment planning
Group A not in class
Group B not in class,
Group B/Instructor B
3nd year of DPT program during Neuro II course
After Motor Control and Neuro I
Concurrently with Orthotics and Prosthetics
Prior to Rehabilitation Technology
IMPACT
PATIENTS
In place for over 8 years
Initially began with cohort size of 14
Rated highly by all student evaluations
Student fear of moving to their neuro clinical greatly reduced
CI’s report that our students are very well prepared in this area and easily make the leap to clinical practice.
Assists students with self reflection of clinical skills
Practical application of therapeutic techniques without productivity requirements or payer constraints
Hands on application of evidenced based practice and critical thinking
Implementation of family centered care
Meets needs for those in community with lifetime participation restrictions
Recruited through area PTs
Range in age from 6 mos-86 yrs
Diagnoses such as SCI, TBI, CP, CVA, MS, Down Syndrome and Parkinson's Disease
INTERVENTIONS
STUDENT COMMENTS
Examine and treat for 6 weeks
Direct supervision by a licensed PT
Prior to treatment; they plan their intervention.
PT maintains patient safety, and facilitates student application of therapeutic techniques specific to each patient.
“This experience greatly increased my experience and knowledge and comfort level when working with patients.”
“ I am thankful to have had this opportunity!”
“ I loved the patient treatment as it gave me more confidence to treat patients going into our neuro clinical!”
“I cannot say enough about the probono clinic.”
“I know it takes a lot of time to put that together and I just want to say Thanks!”
“The pro bono clinic was fantastic and helped me to cement my knowledge base and my willingness to learn!”
Many students are apprehensive about treating neuro patients, so the treatment groups are so helpful to us. LOVED IT!!!
REFERENCES: Upon request
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