FUNFITNESS SCREENING—A COLLABORATIVE, INTERUNIVERSITY INTEGRATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (ICE) AND SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD PROFESSIONALISM AND CLINICAL SKILLS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS BETWEEN UNIVERSITIES
Abstract
Unique and Innovative. PT faculty and students from 3 universities participated in Special Olympics (SO) Funfitness Healthy Athletes Screening Program during Tennis competition in Miami. This was a unique Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE), an opportunity for service learning and opportunity for physical therapy programs to interact and collaborate. Purpose. To provide fitness screening to SO athletes in order to identify musculoskeletal challenges, instruct in basic exercise, and determine the need for referral as appropriate through interuniversity collaboration. Foundation. Providing service helps students develop a sense of commitment to the community. While it is expected that graduates work together in the clinic, little experience exists for students to work together during their education. Description. Faculty and 39 students from three PT programs participated in a structured program for screening fitness in individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Athletes rotated through 10 stations serviced by interuniversity teams. Observations. The SO population is unique, presenting 74 wide variations of disabilities. Students progressed from reserved interaction to energetic participation, becoming increasingly efficient and effective. By day’s end, students had made plans as a group to meet socially. Students completed a survey after the event. Sample responses included “…great working with other programs” and “I learned so much.” Conclusions. Participation in community screenings provides opportunities for students to be involved in integrated clinical experiences, community service and demonstration of professional cooperation and socialization. This activity reinforced development of core PT values while facilitating communication and professional skills that can be applied in the workplace. Funding Source. None.
FUNFITNESS SCREENING—A COLLABORATIVE, INTERUNIVERSITY INTEGRATED CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (ICE) AND SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD PROFESSIONALISM AND CLINICAL SKILLS IN PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS BETWEEN UNIVERSITIES
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Unique and Innovative. PT faculty and students from 3 universities participated in Special Olympics (SO) Funfitness Healthy Athletes Screening Program during Tennis competition in Miami. This was a unique Integrated Clinical Experience (ICE), an opportunity for service learning and opportunity for physical therapy programs to interact and collaborate. Purpose. To provide fitness screening to SO athletes in order to identify musculoskeletal challenges, instruct in basic exercise, and determine the need for referral as appropriate through interuniversity collaboration. Foundation. Providing service helps students develop a sense of commitment to the community. While it is expected that graduates work together in the clinic, little experience exists for students to work together during their education. Description. Faculty and 39 students from three PT programs participated in a structured program for screening fitness in individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Athletes rotated through 10 stations serviced by interuniversity teams. Observations. The SO population is unique, presenting 74 wide variations of disabilities. Students progressed from reserved interaction to energetic participation, becoming increasingly efficient and effective. By day’s end, students had made plans as a group to meet socially. Students completed a survey after the event. Sample responses included “…great working with other programs” and “I learned so much.” Conclusions. Participation in community screenings provides opportunities for students to be involved in integrated clinical experiences, community service and demonstration of professional cooperation and socialization. This activity reinforced development of core PT values while facilitating communication and professional skills that can be applied in the workplace. Funding Source. None.