PRE-REQUISITES: Current PT, PTA, OT, OTA, SLP, MD, DO, DPM, PA, NP, RN license.

This intermediate level course will explore the importance of incorporating objective and an evidence-based
approach to treating the complex patient. Multisystemic disorders especially in cardiovascular,
pulmonary, lymphatic and transplant population will be discussed. Pathophysiological
mechanisms and differential diagnosis will be explained to assist clinicians to explore all aspects of International

Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. This course will also utilize best functional testing,

assessment, and outcome measures of medically complex patient management. Various case study analyses

throughout this course will assist the clinician in rehabilitation clinical decision-making in an interdisciplinary team environment.

Duration / CE Time:
6.5 hours

1. Clinical implications of medically complex patients
(1.5 hours)

- Physical assessment in a screening examination
- Differential diagnosis of confusion, edema, and leg ulcers
- Pathophysiology and rehabilitation interventions of heart and lung disorders.
- Case study analysis- Cardiopulmonary disorders
- Management of complex patients including those awaiting organ transplants
- Heart transplant, lung transplant and VAD populations.
- Case study analysis: Transplant population.

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2. Challenges in mobilizing medically complex patient
(2 hours)
- Complexity of mobilizing high acuity patients
- Indications/contraindications of mobilizing patients in high acuity patients
- Medical-surgical equipment in high-acuity settings
- Mobilizing the patient on the different oxygen systems.
- Overcoming challenges faced in a high acuity setting to promote mobilization activities
- Case-study analysis: mobilizing high acuity patients

*

3. The cardiovascular lymphatic system

(1 hour)
- Lymphatic vessels and their role in treating various medically complex patient
- Recent advances in lymphedema management - applications to rehabilitation
- Research update: linking the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems

*
4. Outcome measures
(1 hour)
- Why are outcome measures important for PT and OT rehabilitation management?
- Review of common outcome tests used for complex patients
- Choosing the appropriate outcome measures
- Exploring available resources

*

5. Case study application of the complex patient

(1 hour)