Program Outcome 9

Integrate components of operational and fiscal practices of physical therapy service in a variety of settings.

For this competency, I have attached my weekly journals from clinicals 1 and 2 and my clinical experiences log. For both first and second rotation, I was at outpatient clinics, Sport and Spine Physical Therapy in Wausau, and Aurora Medical Center in Manitowoc. While at these facilities, I learned how each facility operates, using different documentation/billing systems, and treating different patients. I found that even between outpatient facilities, the patient caseload is different. At Sport and Spine, I saw a wide variety of patients, including back, shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee patients. I treated mostly hip and knee replacements at Aurora and a few shoulder patients. A main reason for this difference was that Aurora specialized in hip and knee surgeries. In addition, Aurora had both PTs and OTs on staff while Sport and Spine had PTs only.

While at these places, I also learned how utilize equipment, space, other staff members, and time at these clinics. Some things I had to think about during treatment sessions included the patient's abilities, where to treat the patients, and what equipment was being used by other patients. I then modified accordingly. I had some difficulty with time and space management during my time at Aurora, but I feel I improved by the end of the rotation. In the weekly journals, I reflected on my experiences, including some patient diagnoses I treated and activities I participated in. I had the opportunity to view two surgeries, which was a neat experience. The clinical experiences log helped me keep track of the interventions I've observed and performed so far.