2024 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE & PT EXPO

Participants will learn about the resources of the National Council on Aging and other evidence based community organizations, to specifically understand how these resources can improve aging adults health outcomes in positive ways. The session will begin broadly discussing the evidence from a recent publication reporting on the minimal use of such community resources followed by a description of each program’s intent. Next, a local description of available community organizations will assist physical therapists (PTs) in making this important step of awareness within their geographical community. The session continues by sharing an algorithm and visual timeline for PTs to help differentiate and consolidate the information. This information will then be applied to two uniquely different case studies to highlight the practical application of a community based focus and the individual. The session concludes with a question and answer to elevate the spirit of practicing at the highest scope for the profession.

The purpose of this session is to teach physical therapists strategies to prevent falls in their patients' lives through collaboration with occupational therapy professionals. Taking a multi discipline, team-oriented approach, it allows for more robust interventions and improved clinical outcomes. Examples of successful cooperative efforts in multiple settings will be shared including skilled nursing, home health and mobile outpatient. PTs will hopefully walk away from this session feeling empowered with ideas of how they can interface with OT to maximize results for patients.

This presentation offers a comprehensive look at innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to rehabilitation for individuals with various neurological injuries. The session focuses on evidence-based methods for assessing fall risk from a cognitive perspective and implementing dual-tasking techniques that engage both cognitive and motor functions simultaneously. Drawing from over two decades of clinical experience, the presenters will also share their expertise in developing and implementing a JCAHO-certified brain injury program.

Attendees will gain insights into:
1. The neuroscience of cognitive processing (attention, types of memory, executive functioning: self-awareness/monitoring,
emotional/ behavioral/cognitive self-control) and the impact of medications
2. Effective cognitive and motor dual-tasking methods for rehabilitation with specific guidelines on their implementation
3.Strategies and procedures for developing a JCAHO-certified brain injury program
4.Techniques for preventing harm to patients, families, and staff
5.Best practices for patient management from admission to discharge

The presentation will combine lecture format with interactive role-playing activities, promoting audience engagement and practical application of concepts. Multiple case studies/examples will be presented and discussed for deeper insights and understanding.

This session is intended to increase the acute care therapist's confidence in differential diagnosis of acute vestibular disorders most commonly seen within the Emergency Department, promote understanding of the indications and contraindications for acute vestibular intervention within this setting, and to provide guidance for acute and post-acute specialist referrals and discharge recommendations. The presentation will be delivered in a lecture-only format, with emphasis placed on review of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.