Patient Encounter

Catalog description

This course provides DPT students with an overview of critical concepts needed for examination and intervention in patient management. Learners gain knowledge and skills in taking a patient history, conducting a systems review, assessing mental function, and performing vital sign assessments. Students learn the clinical rationale and psychomotor skills needed to perform basic examination of all body systems, including specific tests and measures assessing posture, range of motion and flexibility, strength, pain, joint integrity, sensation, balance, coordination, and locomotion (gait and wheelchair navigation). Learners also develop novice knowledge and skills in physical therapy interventions, including exercise prescription, joint mobility, flexibility, balance, coordination, and wheelchair prescription. Students begin to incorporate accurate documentation of the initial examination, plan of care, goals, and interventions.