PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
1
Student Name:
Cryotherapy - Cold Packs
S U NA Skill Component
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of cryotherapy
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Student washes hands with an approved cleanser prior to treating patient
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
Student chooses cold pack(s) of appropriate shape and size to match the patient’s body part
Student ensures that cold pack(s) is/are at an appropriate temperature
*Student inspects the patient’s skin prior to application of cold pack(s), and ensures that the area is free of clothing and jewelry
*Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
Implementation
Student positions patient in an appropriate and comfortable position for application of cold pack(s)
Student drapes patient, as necessary
Student takes appropriate girth or volume measurements
Student wraps cold pack(s) in wet or dry interface, as established in the plan of care
Student securely applies cold pack(s) for an appropriate duration, based on the established plan of care
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student takes appropriate girth or volume measurements
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications for the use of cryotherapy
Student explains the rationale for using cold packs for a given patient
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
2
Cryotherapy - Ice Bath
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of cold bath
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Student washes hands with an approved cleanser prior to treating patient
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
Student ensures that ice bath is at an appropriate temperature
*Student inspects the patient’s skin prior to application of an ice bath, and ensures that the area is free of clothing and jewelry
Student takes appropriate girth or volume measurements
*Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
Implementation
Student instructs patient to submerge body part in ice bath for an appropriate duration, based upon the established plan of care
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student takes appropriate girth or volume measurements
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications for the use of cryotherapy
Student explains the rationale for using an ice bath for a given patient
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
3
Cryotherapy- Ice Massage
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of ice massage
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Student washes hands with an approved cleanser prior to treating patient
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
Student ensures that ice cup is at an appropriate temperature
*Student inspects the patient’s skin prior to application of ice massage, and ensures that the area is free of clothing and jewelry
*Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
Implementation
Student administers ice massage over an appropriate surface area and for an appropriate duration, based on the established plan of care
Student uses a towel to wipe up water as ice massage is performed
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications for the use of cryotherapy
Student explains the rationale for using ice massage for a given patient
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
4
Superficial Heat - Hydrocollator Packs
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of superficial heat
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
*Student inspects the patient’s skin prior to application of superficial heat, and ensures that the area is clear of clothing and jewelry
*Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
Implementation
Student positions patient in an appropriate and comfortable position for application of superficial heat
Student drapes patient, as necessary
Student chooses hydrocollator pack(s) of appropriate size and shape to match the patient’s body part
*Student ensures that hydrocollator pack(s) is/are at an appropriate temperature
*Student insulates the hydrocollator pack(s) with six to eight layers of towel or three to four layers of commercial terrycloth covering
Student securely applies superficial heat for an appropriate duration, based upon the established plan of care
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications and rationale for the use of superficial heat
Student describes how changes in treatment parameters may affect the patient’s experience with and response to superficial heat
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
5
Superficial Heat - Paraffin
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of paraffin
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
*Student ensures that paraffin bath is at an appropriate temperature
*Student inspects the patient’s skin prior to application of paraffin, and ensures that the area is free of clothing and jewelry
*Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
Implementation
Student instructs patient to immerse hand in paraffin bath for 8 – 10 repetitions, being sure not to touch the surface of the bath
Student wraps patient’s hand in plastic wrap/bag and towel
Student position’s patient’s hand in an elevated position to minimize edema formation
Student applies paraffin to the patient for an appropriate duration based upon the established plan of care
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications and rationale for the use of praraffin
Student describes how changes in treatment parameters may affect the patient’s experience with and response to paraffin
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
6
Therapeutic Ultrasound
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of therapeutic ultrasound
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
*Student inspects ultrasound equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order prior to application of therapeutic ultrasound
Student prepares ultrasound equipment prior to application of therapeutic ultrasound
*Student inspects and cleans the patient’s skin prior to application of ultrasound, and ensures that the area is free of clothing and jewelry
*Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
Implementation
Student positions patient in an appropriate and comfortable position for application of therapeutic ultrasound (Body part should be placed underwater if underwater ultrasound is to be administered)
Student drapes patient, as necessary
Student applies a sufficient amount of coupling agent to the patient’s skin (Student may use a medical couplant is phonophoresis is being administered)
Student sets therapeutic ultrasound treatment parameters based upon the established plan of care
Student correctly applies sound head to patient’s skin and moves sound head at an appropriate rate and over an appropriate surface area
Student provides appropriate patient instructions during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
7
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications and rationale for the use of therapeutic ultrasound
Student describes how different treatment parameters may affect the patient experience and outcomes
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
8
Electrical Stimulation
S U NA Skill Component
Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of electrical stimulation
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Student washes hands with an approved cleanser prior to treating patient
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
*Student inspects and cleans the patient’s skin prior to application of electrodes, and ensures that the area is free of clothing and jewelry
*Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
*Student inspects electrical stimulation equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order prior to application of electrical stimulation
Student prepares electrical stimulation equipment prior to application of electrical stimulation
Implementation
Student positions patient in an appropriate and comfortable position for application of electrical stimulation
Student drapes patient, as necessary
Student performs electrical stimulation for: NMES; IFC; TENS using the following procedures
Student chooses an appropriate number and size of electrodes based upon the goals of the intervention
Student applies electrodes to patient’s skin in an appropriate location, based upon the established plan of care
Student sets electrical stimulation treatment parameters based upon the established plan of care
Student increases electrical stimulation amplitude to an appropriate level based upon patient safety, comfort, and the goals of the intervention
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
9
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications and rationale for the use of electrotherapy
Student describes how changes in treatment parameters may affect the patient’s experience with and response to electrotherapy
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
10
Hydrotherapy - Aquatic Therapy
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for aquatic therapy
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Student explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to implement intervention
Student ensures that water and ambient air temperatures are appropriate for aquatic therapy
Implementation
Student implements shallow, mid-level, and deep water exercises for purposes of patient conditioning, based upon the established plan of care
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student identifies any barriers to learning and adjusts instructional techniques to meet the patients learning style, as needed
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including: required level of patient assistance and modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications for aquatic therapy
Student explains the rationale for performing aquatic therapy for a given patient
Student explains how aquatic therapy exercises could be progressed for a given patient
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
11
Traction - Home Cervical
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for implementation of home cervical traction
Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
*Student inspects traction equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order prior to application of cervical traction
Student prepares traction equipment prior to application of cervical traction
Implementation
Student instructs patient how to check that traction equipment is in proper working order prior to implementation of cervical traction
Student instructs patient in correct patient positioning for cervical traction
Student instructs patient how to correctly apply cervical traction unit to head and neck
Student instructs patient in correct selection and application of cervical traction treatment parameters, based upon the established plan of care
Student ensures that patient can monitor self for safety during intervention
Student ensures that patient can safely remove cervical traction unit from head and neck
Student ensures that patient is able to properly care for cervical traction unit
Student identifies any barriers to learning and adjusts instructional techniques to meet the patients learning style, as needed
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
12
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications and rationale for the use of home cervical traction
Student describes how changes in treatment parameters may affect the patient’s experience with and response to cervical traction
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
13
Traction - Mechanical Cervical
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for implementation of mechanical cervical traction
Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
*Student inspects traction equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order prior to application of cervical traction
Student prepares traction equipment prior to application of cervical traction
Implementation
Student positions patient in an appropriate and comfortable position
Student ensures that traction apparatus is securely applied to patient’s head and neck
Student adjusts traction apparatus to the appropriate angle of pull based upon the established plan of care
Student selects appropriate treatment parameters, including duration, static/intermittent, and poundage, based upon the established plan of care
Student provides patient with emergency shut off button prior to implementation of cervical traction
Student identifies any barriers to learning and adjusts instructional techniques to meet the patients learning style, as needed
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications and rationale for the use of cervical traction
Student describes how changes in treatment parameters may affect the patient’s experience with and response to cervical traction
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
14
Traction - Mechanical Lumbar
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for implementation of mechanical lumbar traction
Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
*Student inspects traction equipment to ensure that it is in proper working order prior to application of cervical traction
Student prepares traction equipment prior to application of lumbar traction
Student weighs patient and verifies weight of patient.
Implementation
Student positions patient in an appropriate and comfortable position
Student ensures that traction apparatus is securely applied to patient’s torso and pelvis at the correct spinal level
Student adjusts traction apparatus to the appropriate angle of pull based upon the established plan of care
Student selects appropriate treatment parameters, including duration, static/intermittent, and poundage, based upon the established plan of care
Student provides patient with emergency shut off button prior to implementation of lumbar traction
Student identifies any barriers to learning and adjusts instructional techniques to meet the patients learning style, as needed
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications and rationale for the use of lumbar traction
Student describes how changes in treatment parameters may affect the patient’s experience with and response to lumbar traction
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
15
Compression Therapy - Compression Bandages
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of compression bandages
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Student washes hands with an approved cleanser prior to treating patient
Implementation
Student positions patient in an appropriate and comfortable position for application of compression therapy
Student drapes patient, as necessary
Student takes appropriate girth or volume measurements
Student ensures that the area is free of clothing and jewelry
Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
Student selects appropriate type and size of compression bandages based upon the established plan of care
Student correctly wraps patient’s limb with compression bandages
Student checks patient’s sensation and pulse while limb is wrapped
Student instructs patient to wear bandaging for an appropriate duration, based upon the established plan of care
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student identifies any barriers to learning and adjusts instructional techniques to meet the patients learning style, as needed
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student takes appropriate girth or volume measurements
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications for the use of compression
Student explains the rationale for using compression bandages for a given patient
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
16
Compression Therapy - Compression Garments
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of compression garments
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Student washes hands with an approved cleanser prior to treating patient
Implementation
Student positions patient in an appropriate and comfortable position for application of compression therapy
Student drapes patient, as necessary
Student ensures that the area is free of clothing and jewelry
Student takes appropriate girth or volume measurements
Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
Student selects appropriate type and size of compression garment based upon the established plan of care
Student correctly applies compression garment to patient’s limb
Student checks patient’s sensation and pulse while garment is applied
Student instructs patient to wear garment for an appropriate duration based upon the established plan of care
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student identifies any barriers to learning and adjusts instructional techniques to meet the patients learning style, as needed
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student takes appropriate girth or volume measurements
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications for the use of compression
Student explains the rationale for using compression garments for a given patient
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
17
Compression Therapy - Pneumatic Pump
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of a pneumatic pump
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Student washes hands with an approved cleanser prior to treating patient
Student inspects pneumatic pump to ensure that it is in proper working order prior to application of compression therapy
Implementation
Student positions patient in an appropriate and comfortable position for application of compression therapy
Student drapes patient, as necessary
Student ensures that the area is free of clothing and jewelry
Student takes appropriate girth or volume measurements
Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
Student instructs patient in expectations during application of compression therapy
Student prepares pneumatic pump prior to application of compression therapy
Student inflates pump to an appropriate pressure based upon the established plan of care
Student elevates patient’s limb during compression therapy to minimized edema
Student administers compression therapy for an appropriate duration based upon the established plan of care
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student identifies any barriers to learning and adjusts instructional techniques to meet the patients learning style, as needed
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student takes appropriate girth or volume measurements
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
18
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications for the use of compression
Student explains the rationale for using a pneumatic pump for a given patient
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
19
Therapeutic Massage
S U NA Equipment & Patient Preparation
*Student reviews plan of care and ensures patient readiness for application of therapeutic massage
*Student applies knowledge of contraindications and precautions for the selected intervention
*Student introduces self to patient, stating name and title, and confirming patient’s identity
*Students explains intervention to patient, confirms that patient understands intervention and expectations, and obtains consent to perform intervention
Student ensures that the body area is free of clothing and jewelry
*Student assesses patient’s ability to report sensory changes
Implementation
Student positions patient in an appropriate and comfortable position for application of therapeutic massage
Student drapes patient, as necessary
Student applies appropriate type of massage stroke based upon the established plan of care. Students will be asked to perform:
Effleurage
Petrissage
Tapotement
Retrograde massage
Cross fiber massage
Student applies appropriate pressure to achieve established goals of therapeutic massage
Student provides appropriate verbal and tactile cues during intervention
Student performs all components of intervention in a timely fashion
*Student visually and verbally monitors the patient for safety and comfort throughout the intervention, and makes any necessary modifications
*Student protects self and patient via use of appropriate body mechanics, guarding and assistance, and adherence to standards of safety
Follow Up
Student performs any necessary follow up measurements and asks patient follow up questions
Student determines patient’s response to intervention, and recommends any needed modifications to the plan of care to the supervising physical therapist
Student accurately and thoroughly documents intervention, including modifications to intervention
Demonstration of Fundamental Knowledge
Student describes clinical indications and rationale for the use of therapeutic massage
Student describes how different massage methods may affect the patient experience and outcomes
Student explains what evidence would indicate that the PTA could recommend a change in the plan of care
Key: S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory NA = Not Applicable *Critical Elements
PTA 153: Physical Agents & Massage Skills Competencies
20
Skills Competencies
At the conclusion of this course, students will successfully complete these skill competencies. 100% of the skill components and critical elements must be satisfied in order to have the competency ‘checked off.’ Failure to complete all skills competencies for this course will result in no grade being issued for the course. Students may not participate in clinical education courses until all clinical competencies scheduled prior to clinical education have been successfully completed.
STUDENT COMPETENCY DATE SIGNATURE OF INSTRUCTOR
Cryotherapy – Cold Packs
Cryotherapy – Ice Bath
Cryotherapy – Ice Massage
Superficial Heat – Hydrocollator Pack
Superficial Heat – Paraffin
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Electrical Stimulation
Hydrotherapy – Aquatic Therapy
Traction – Home Cervical
Traction – Mechanical Cervical
Traction – Mechanical Lumbar
Compression Therapy – Compression Bandages
Compression Therapy – Compression Garments