Transverse Myelitis

Week 1 Journals

Professional Journal

May 15th-19th 

Lyndsy Wittebort, SPTA

        Each facility maintains their own operational system to keep not only the patients safe and satisfied, but the medical staff as well. I visited the facility Tuesday 5/9/17 to calm my nerves and familiarize myself with the surroundings that I would be working at for the next 5 weeks. On the first day, we reviewed where to find modalities and equipment. I observed how the facility functions and the patient contact that my CI had. We also did an orientation with the computerized documentation system called Epic. This system makes it easier for the PT, PTA’s, and Physician’s within the facility to communicate about the patient’s POC being that most the patients receive care from the physicians that are located within the building.

        Within the Physical Therapy Department at UPMC Sports Medicine Complex they facilitate with the staff working two different shifts, one is an early AM shift (7 am-3:30 pm) and a mid-day shift (10:30 am – 7 pm). On Monday and Wednesday, I am a part of the mid-day shift then Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday I’m a part of the early AM shift. The facility is divided into Gym A, Gym B and Pool to increase patient care and create available space for more activities. When it comes to staffing there are 6 PTA’s and approximately 12 PT’s and 10 PT technicians. The PTA’s are typically assigned to 2 PT’s throughout the work day, but they also have their own workload when the PT does not need to evaluate or retest the patient. The policy that the PT’s abide by is 1 patient per 15 minutes, unless it is an evaluation.