Principal Investigators: Dr. Keith G. Avin, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health & Human Sciences, IUPUI.
Dr. Elizabeth Staats, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health & Human Sciences, IUPUI.
Project Title: Aging in Physical Therapy- Integrating and Applying Complexities in the Older Adult
Funding Level: $5000
Abstract: Geriatric physical therapy is the most common area of practice due to our aging population. Moreover, it is one of the most complex areas of practice due to the biological aging process across multiple body systems. We aim to optimize student learning to foster success in the clinic. Currently, Doctor of Physical Therapy students take the course titled Aging in Physical Therapy I (Geriatrics) during the fall semester of year 2 of 3. This timeline limits our students understanding of how aging affects multiple body systems due to the lack of clinical knowledge. Content is currently being presented at lower levels of learning due to the lack of clinical coursework exposure. We propose moving this course year 3 of 3 to maximize student outcomes and understanding. Additionally, we will completely redesign the course content to be compatible with the lock step program and higher levels of knowledge such as creation, evaluation and analyzing. We will achieve these goals by focusing on the 5Ms of geriatric medicine, the six domains of geriatric competencies paired with social determinants of health and inclusivity throughout the newly created content. We believe that this course rearranging and redesign will optimize student success, proficiency, confidence and ultimately patient care.