Title: The Screening and Healing Processes
Course: PHT 2301 Pathological Condition in PT > Section: Module 2

Introduction

This week we will discuss the screening process that the physical therapist follows as they evaluate patients, determine diagnoses, develop a plan of care, and determine appropriateness of interventions. We will review the elements of the Disablement Process and the Patient/Client Model and the role that these play in the physical therapy management of the different conditions that our patients may present with. From these readings, you should begin to understand the role that the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant play in managing the various pathological conditions that patients present with and how these role will differ between the two practitioners. This awareness will enhance your understanding and ability to practice ethically and legally as a physical therapist assistant.

We will also be talking about the normal phases of healing related to any injury or disease. All injuries or illnesses will generally follow an expected course of healing, regardless of what tissue, organ, or system is affected. However, the length of time it takes to heal and the obstacles that can appear will be very patient specific. We will also discuss some debatable issues related to the scope of practice for the physical therapist assistant as it relates to managing patients with wounds.

Objectives

- list the normal phases of healing
- compare acute and chronic inflammation in terms of cause, histologic appearance, and manifestations
- describe the role of chemical mediators in the inflammatory response
- distinguish healing by primary union from secondary union
- distinguish between the 3 different phases of healing
- recognize the elements of the disablement process
- differentiate between the elements of the patient/client model
- recognize the different roles of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant in the management of patients

Readings and Resources

Readings include the chapters from the book.

Read Chapter 4 Injury, Inflammation, and Repair

Chapter 4 in the textbook provides an overview of the healing process and the steps that occur following any type of injury. It is very important to understand how different tissues within the body heal in order to make the appropriate decisions about the interventions that we select when treating patients in any setting. Doing the wrong this at the wrong time during the healing process can do more harm than good, while at other times making the right selections can enhance the healing process and the rehab outcomes.

Students may also view the online supplemental resources available on http://go.jblearning.com/humandiseaseHP

View the online supplemental activities which include crossword pussles, flash cards, matching exercises and chapter quizzes to help you learn and review the material. The online source also provides web links to other learning content on the web. The American Physical Therapy Association is always a great place to start looking when you want to learn more about the practice of physical therapy.

Visit http://www.apta.org/SupervisionTeamwork/Models/ to view information on the PT/PTA team as a model of patient care delivery.

Module 2_Tissue_Healing(1).pdf

It is important to understand the components of the screening process that physical therapists use in examining and evaluating patients. The handout will review the components of the Nagi Disablement Model as well as the elements of the Patient Client Model. You should familiarize yourself with both of these as you will hear them over and over again as you begin to learn about the interventions choices you have when managing your patients. Both provide you with some insight to the decision making process that is used in assessing and treating patients. You can also visit the American Physical Therapy Association to learn more about the roles of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant and the model for effective teams in patient care delivery.

Assignments

- Complete Readings and Resources
- Post and Reply to Discussion 2: Roles of the PA and PTA
- Complete Quiz 2: Screening and Healing Process