Toni Talks about PT Today : Patient Care

Quit Complaining

Toni Patt — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:44:00 GMT

Over the last few weeks my department has been undergoing some changes. After reviewing our numbers over the last few months, our manager realized we haven't been complaint with the three-hour rule. For those who don't work in a rehab setting, the three-hour...(read more)

My NDT Course Wasn’t What I Expected

Toni Patt — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:02:00 GMT

Last weekend I finally got the chance to attend an NDT course. Even though some of the material was basic, it pulled things together for me. For the first time I feel like I might have a chance at passing the NCS exam in a year or two. Listening to the...(read more)

The Pretty, Young Therapist

Toni Patt — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:10:00 GMT

Last week something was said during rounds that I'm still angry about. We were discussing a new admission. Since my case load was low, I asked if I needed to see the patient. In response, I was told the patient had been given to the young, pretty therapist...(read more)

Preferred Patient Types

Toni Patt — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:19:00 GMT

This morning while doing the schedule board, we started talking about what type of patients each of us prefers to treat. It started when one of the PTAs asked to change one of her patients. She explained the patient in question was a back patient and...(read more)

I Don’t Do Enough Exercise With My Patients

Toni Patt — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:21:00 GMT

While was doing research for a recent assignment I came across a statement that made me stop and think. In essence it said you can't get functional improvement without strengthening. My first reaction was "Doh! Everyone knows that." That's one of the...(read more)

My Patient Doesn’t Want to Work With Me

Toni Patt — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:32:00 GMT

Last week I inherited an interesting patient from a therapist who went on vacation. The patient is an 87-year-old Chinese female admitted with a diagnosis of right MCA infarct. She has a history of undiagnosed dementia. She lives with her husband and...(read more)

Therapists Can Have Input Into the Technology We Use

Toni Patt — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:34:00 GMT

Last week I wrote about Dr. Craik's comments that many PTs aren't ready for Vision 2020. Those comments were only one portion of a longer talk on physical therapy. She also spoke about the future of physical therapy and her vision of what is possible...(read more)

Physical Impairment Doesn’t Equal Impaired Cognition

Toni Patt — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Last Saturday, one of my patients complained to me about the nurses. He was frustrated that he was being spoken to like a child. His words to me were "I'm not stupid." The man isn't stupid, but on initial presentation he could give that appearance. He...(read more)

Knowing Drug Side Effects is Important

Toni Patt — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:36:00 GMT

My pharmacology class has barely started and I've already realized something. PTs don't pay enough attention to the medications our patients are taking. Because I practice in a hospital, I've always had the luxury of having physicians, nurses and pharmacists...(read more)

A Matter of Perspective

Toni Patt — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:31:00 GMT

I went to a CEU course last week about motor control. One of the key points of the presentation was the influence of perception on movement. For example, a patient will move in response to the perceived environment. Therefore, if the patient perceives...(read more)

How to Handle Incorrect Information

Toni Patt — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:23:00 GMT

I found myself in an awkward situation a few days ago. I had just finished an evaluation in the stroke unit. The OT was preparing to work with the patient, so I gave her a summary of what I had already done so she could be more efficient. I mentioned...(read more)

Physical Therapy and Obesity

Toni Patt — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:45:00 GMT

This month I was actually able to stay current when I read my PT Journal . I found an interesting article. The researchers looked at the approaches and attitudes of PTs toward the obese. They questioned a random sample of currently practicing therapists...(read more)

PROM Is Not a Skilled Service

Toni Patt — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:03:00 GMT

Rehab services and the Neurology physicians are having a disagreement. The Neuro docs are upset because they don't think PT responds quickly enough to their orders. They claim it can take a day or more before an ICU patient is seen. That's probably true...(read more)

My Experience as a Family Member

Toni Patt — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:16:00 GMT

My show horse has been at the vet's for the last two weeks. He has been very sick. At one point the vet and I talked about putting him down and waiting until I could be present if something happened. Today I'm happy to report that he is doing well and...(read more)

Where Does Our Responsibility to Our Patients End?

Toni Patt — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:34:00 GMT

I've been asking myself that question a lot lately. I've had a run of patients who seem to be reluctant to take responsibility for both themselves and their care. I'm not talking about patients who are emotionally needy or concerned about the future and...(read more)