Community Needs Assessment and Program Planning

Catalog description

This course prepares DPT students to assess and address community health needs through targeted program planning. Learners explore the roles of public and population health in physical therapy, investigate national health initiatives, and apply a nine-step needs assessment process. Emphasis is placed on collaborating with community members and varied populations in the design, implementation, and evaluation of community-based programs, including workplace wellness. The course covers funding strategies, formative and summative assessments, and collaborative planning with stakeholders, equipping students with skills to support community health and wellness initiatives. Pain management in musculoskeletal conditions, and lifespan-specific considerations pediatric and geriatric populations with lower quarter dysfunction.