Announcing NEW Professional Partnership for NICU Education

NANT logo high qualityThe National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT) located in Cincinnati, Ohio and Education Resources, Inc. (ERI) headquartered in Medfield, Massachusetts announce a partnership to strengthen the quality and accessibility of continuing education for neonatal therapists.

Neonatal occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech language pathologists have struggled for decades to find relevant and specialized education to meet their needs in serving infants and families in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Neonatal therapists address developmental challenges and milestones encountered by infants and their families in the NICU and in transition home.

Education Resources NICU coursesThe evident lack of specialized resources, and the inconsistent neonatal care that followed, led occupational therapist, Sue Ludwig, to found NANT in 2009. She explains, “Neonatal therapists were largely self-educated in the past and had no way of connecting with each other. That led to inconsistent practice and isolation. Therapists deserved access to age appropriate education and resources so that infants and families received the best possible care. We needed a trusted space, a home, so we could connect and grow.”

NANT provides multiple ways for neonatal therapists to connect, learn, mentor and inspire while advancing this focused field of therapy on a global level. NANT provides a significant percentage of its education online with one major exception, its annual conference.

Carol Loria and Barbara Goldfarb, both pediatric physical therapists, founded Education Resources over 25 years ago with a vision of providing valuable education for therapists that can truly make a difference in their patient’s lives. Providing over 350 live courses per year, with an ever-growing number focused on neonatal-specific content, Education Resources, Inc. has a reputation for providing quality, evidence-based continuing education (CEUs) presented by some of the best speakers in the neonatal space.

According to Carol Loria,   “We are very excited about this partnership as it will enable any neonatal therapist regardless of their years of experience, to access resources to enhance their professional development in terms of skills and critical thinking.”   This formal collaboration allows both organizations to maintain their individual identity and structure while extending their reach, and deepening, broadening and streamlining their educational offerings.

Education Resources, Inc. will expand its live workshops and in-house trainings for NICU and developmental therapists while NANT will continue to master online education for its members and global learners. The collaboration does not influence NANT’s annual conference.

It is a partnership that truly serves the founders’ visions for better education resulting in improved patient outcomes.

To learn more about NANT visit www.neonataltherapists.com and for live courses for neonatal therapists from ERI visit www.educationresourcesinc.com/nicu-ceu-courses

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Cancer Treatment Giving Patients Hope, Not Only a Cure, Increasing Survivorship

A great article from the New York Times:

When Cancer Treatment Offers Hope More Than Cure

By MIKKAEL A. SEKERES, M.D.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/18/when-cancer-treatment-offers-hope-more-than-cure/?emc=edit_tnt_20160218&nlid=54406110&tntemail0=y&_r=1
“For my patient, I came to see, treatment was inextricably linked to hope, and I suspected that it was her hope, much more than the chemotherapy, that had kept her going years beyond what I would have predicted”.

Please share your experiences and challenges with our community of therapists.

Education Resources Education Resources is offering:

Evidence Based Cancer Rehabilitation Resources and Its Role in Cancer Survivorship

Lisa VanHoose
April 1-2, 2016 Burlington, WI
August 26-27, 2016 – Laguna Hills, CA
September 23-24, 2016 – White Plains, NY
October 28-29, 2016 – Framingham, MA
November 18-19, 2016 – Hollywood, FL

“Lisa is an amazing, dynamic, engaging therapist/educator that dispenses valuable and pertinent information in an easy to understand manner with humor to keep her audience engaged.” – Lisa Mclutcheon, OTR

“I have been a therapist for 24 years and have attended several continuing education courses.  Lisa is exceptionally good at teaching, keeping your interest and is very informative about the subject.  She is very thorough and passionate.  Highly recommend her.” – Sargeeta Michoche, PT

“Lisa presents pertinent, evidence-based information in an informal comfortable environment that is conducive to learning and sharing. Her wealth of knowledge and experience is vast.” -Mary Ryan, PTA

 
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GAS (Goal Attainment Scaling) to Measure and Document Progress

Education Resources, Inc. faculty Suzanne Davis Bombria, PT, C/NDT and Kate Bain OT, C/NDT have conducted the first half of an exciting research project entitled “Moving and Doing-Functional Outcomes of Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)- A Multi-Modal, Goal Focused Intervention to Promote the Performance of Daily Living Tasks by Children with Cerebral Palsy and other neuromotor disorders-A Randomized controlled Trial.”

Fifteen families and children between the ages of 12 months and 18 years participated in this pilot study. Advanced level NDTA therapists treated the children individually in an ‘intensive treatment’ period twice a day for 6 days. Within a child friendly, clinic based protocol focused on the child achieving their personal goals; they utilized “Goal Attainment Scaling”. The children were filmed to allow for blind ratings from randomized filmed data from pre, post and follow up time periods. The focus was on goal based posture & movement changes (as described in their GAS scales) from pre to post testing. Families were also interviewed. Goal attainment Scaling (GAS) is a methodology that shows promise for application to measuring and documenting progress, intervention effectiveness, research and program evaluation.

This initial research attempts to operationalize a definition of NDT treatment in order to establish treatment fidelity. It is hoped to serve as a model for analyzing NDT treatment’s efficacy in the future.

Part 2 of this research is scheduled for early in 2017.

Davis and Bain are presenting on the Goal Attainment Scale in Houston, TX and Mountainside, NJ in March. 

For full details, venues, to download a brochure or to register:

http://www.educationresourcesinc.com/course-details/neuro-pediatric-update-using-gas-to-focus-treatment-and-document-measurable-change

 

 

 

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Acute Care Continuing Education Courses for PTs, OTs and SLPs

 

Acute Care CEU Course

Education Resources offers many evidence-based, clinically relevant continuing education unit (CEU) courses for occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs) and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in the Acute Care setting, Critical Care setting and beyond. Distinguished, internationally renowned faculty who are leaders in their field teach our courses for an engaging and high-quality experience. 

Our courses allow you to rediscover your passion for the profession while providing valuable knowledge to improve your patient care. Our respected faculty and flexible course options give you a valuable education while suiting your busy care schedule for acute or critical care patients. 

Acute Care Continuing Education

Continuing education courses help occupational therapistsphysical therapists and speech-language pathologists enhance their knowledge while maintaining their necessary credentials and licenses. Some benefits of ERI’s acute care physical therapy courses include:

  • Receiving specialty certifications: Our courses allow students to specialize in specific areas of acute care by pursuing additional certifications.
  • Maintaining American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and state license: Many states and ASHA require therapists and pathologists to complete CEUs to maintain their licenses.
  • Accessing accurate and updated information: Stay updated on the latest research and practices for your field to continue providing excellent care.
  • Reinvigorating passion for care: Hearing from distinguished experts on fascinating care specialties can remind you why you became a PT, OT or SLP. 

Experience Exceptional Value With Acute Care CEU Courses

At ERI, we understand that every CEU course for acute care therapy you take is an investment in yourself and your patients. Our online and webinar course offerings will remind you why you love helping patients and encourage you to continue improving your practices to meet their needs. 

Save Through Group Learning

Groups of three or more people get a discounted rate when registering! Discover other opportunities to save through group rates and loyalty rewards

NEW! BUNDLE and SAVE!

10% discount off 2 courses
15% discount off 3 or more courses
Discount is automatically taken off of each course.

Acute Care Continuing Education Online

Our acute care continuing education physical therapy courses will inform and inspire you to continue providing the highest quality of care for your patients. We design our offerings — such as our post-concussion syndrome continuing education course — to incorporate evidence-based practices to help you provide optimal care.

To best fit your needs and schedule, we offer two convenient virtual class options besides traditional lessons.

On-Demand Online Classes

Attend our acute care PT CEU courses online on your schedule with our on-demand courses. All courses include a presentation from an industry expert and a handout you can use to follow along. The courses even include Q&A from participants during the live courses to give you additional insights during the learning process. Throughout the course, you can pause the video to take a break or rewind to review specific information. Participants also have a year to finish the course and pass the post-test. 

Live Webinars

Experience engaging, live learning in a convenient virtual format with our live acute care webinars. Join the class from any location as long as you have a steady internet connection. Before the meeting, you will receive an email with a Zoom meeting link for easy class access. During the webinar, follow along with a downloadable handout to enhance the learning experience. This continuing education opportunity doesn’t have a post-test.  

Participants receive a CEU certificate after completing the webinar. The certificate appears in your ERI dashboard with options to print or download. 

In-Person Courses

If you are looking for a hands-on learning experience, we also offer in-person courses. Our in-person courses use labs, lectures and videos to allow you to practice your technique and enhance your skills and knowledge. Throughout the acute care physical therapy CEU course, you will receive real-time guidance from field specialists and the chance to work with participants who share your passion. 

Acute Care Courses for PTs, OTs and SLPs

At ERI, we offer acute care courses to provide continuing education for physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. Here’s an overview of the course types. 

Acute Care Courses for Physical Therapists

Our acute care courses for physical therapists allow you to integrate your rehabilitation skills into the acute care hospital environment. We address situations like limb loss, balance disorders and neonatal care. These courses provide detailed knowledge to address various physical functional impairments through restorative and preventive measures.

Acute Care Courses for Occupational Therapists

At Education Resources, we provide specialized courses to address the particular situations acute care occupational therapists face in their profession. These courses allow you to expand your knowledge of topics like medically stabilizing, offering mobilization and creating patient discharge plans. Our courses cover limb loss, pediatric care and other scenarios often faced in acute care settings. 

Acute Care Courses for Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathologists working in acute care often deal with strokes, head injuries and respiratory issues among a range of patient populations. Our continuing education courses provide instruction on how to evaluate and treat these conditions. We cover topics of value in acute care, like facial retraining, breathing and swallowing.

Why Choose ERI?

Whether you are assisting patients in the intensive care units or emergency room, our courses will provide the knowledge and skills you need to provide the best possible care. Since the creation of ERI over 30 years ago, we have set the standard of continuing education courses.

As a therapist-founded organization for therapists, we know how important it is to provide various learning opportunities. Regardless of whether you choose our virtual or in-person acute care occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech-language pathology continuing education course options, you will experience videos, labs and opportunities for hands-on learning. We will also provide numerous resources you can continually reference in your Acute Care practice. 

We take care of every detail, crafting courses with passion. Training focuses on the latest research, giving you applicable knowledge that brings immediate benefits to your work. We’re responsive to your thoughts, questions or suggestions, giving you a say in your continuing education experience. 

Our Critical Care CEU Course Offerings

Browse our list of Acute Care Courses, Critical Care Courses and other relevant courses across the continuum of care. As always, if you do not see a topic you have an interest in, or if you have topic/speaker suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Please visit the speaker faculty pages below for full details, dates and venues, to download a brochure and for registration details.

Collaborative Dementia Care: Integrating Person-Centered Strategies for Positive Outcomes
Robyn Ligotti, PT, DPT

Limb Loss and Amputee Rehabilitation: Evidence-Based Strategies Across the Continuum of Care 
and
Rehabilitation for Limb Loss and Limb Difference with a Pediatric Emphasis

Inger Brueckner, PT, MS

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Evaluation and Management of Individuals with Dizziness and Balance Disorders
and
Vestibular Rehabilitation: Advanced
Richard Clendaniel, PT, PhD, FAPTA

Neuromuscular Facial Retraining: Successful Strategies for Challenging Cases
Gaye Cronin, OTD, OTR/L

Post-Concussion Syndrome: Testing & Rehab for Vestibular, Balance and Related Symptoms
Kim Fox, PT, DPT

Effective Physical Therapist Management of Patients in the Emergency Setting: Differential Diagnosis, Intervention, and Inter-Professional Collaboration – Application and Case Studies 
Michael Lebec PT, PhD

Mary Massery’s LINKED: Breathing and Posture Control
Mary Massery, PT, DPT, DSc

or
Nechama Karman, PT, MSPT

Acutely Adorable: Pediatric Therapeutic Interventions in Acute Care and Beyond
Siobhan O’Donnell PT, DPT, PCS 

Management of Complex Cardiac and Pulmonary Disorders
Archana Vatwani, PT, DPT, EdD, MBA

ICU and Acute Care Update
Chris Wells PT, Ph.D., CCS, ATC 

Neonatal Acute Care courses

Challenges and Solutions for Infants and Children with Complex Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
Joan Arvedson PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Honors & Fellow

Treating Infants and Families In the NICU and Beyond
And
Intervention in the NICU: A Neurodevelopmental Approach

Roberta Gatlin, PT, DSc, PCS 

Premature and Medically Complex Neonates: Applying Critical Thinking to Support Long-term Outcomes
Kati Knudsen, PT, MPT, CNT, PCS, DCS, CLE

Advanced Practice for the Complex Neonate: Strategies for Success in the NICU, PICU and SICU
Anjanette Lee, MS, CCC/SLP, CNT, NTMTC

Baby Beats and Breaths: Therapeutic Interventions for the Premature Infant with Cardiopulmonary Compromise
and
Babies’ Bodies and Brains: Multi-System Assessment and Treatment of the Premature/Medically Complex Infant for the Rehabilitation Professional
Holly Schifsky, OTR/L, CNT, NTMTC, CBIS

NEW Research Article: Management of Individuals with Venous Thromboembolism – The Role of the PT

 

We wanted to share this article from the latest Physical Therapy Journal. Education Resources faculty member Dr Hillegass, leads the research team providing project management, fund procurement, and consultation (including review of manuscript before submission) and was involved with concept/idea/research design, writing and data collection and analysis.

Role of Physical Therapists in the Management of Individuals at Risk for or Diagnosed With Venous Thromboembolism: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline

Ellen Hillegass, Michael Puthoff, Ethel M. Frese, Mary Thigpen, Dennis C. Sobush, Beth Auten
Physical Therapy: Journal of the American Physical Therpay Association DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20150264 Published January 2016

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), in conjunction with the Cardiovascular & Pulmonary and Acute Care sections of APTA, have developed this clinical practice guideline to assist physical therapists in their decision-making process when treating patients at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) or diagnosed with a lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LE DVT). No matter the practice setting, physical therapists work with patients who are at risk for or have a history of VTE. This document will guide physical therapist practice in the prevention of, screening for, and treatment of patients at risk for or diagnosed with LE DVT. Through a systematic review of published studies and a structured appraisal process, key action statements were written to guide the physical therapist. The evidence supporting each action was rated, and the strength of statement was determined. Clinical practice algorithms, based on the key action statements, were developed that can assist with clinical decision making. Physical therapists, along with other members of the health care team, should work to implement these key action statements to decrease the incidence of VTE, improve the diagnosis and acute management of LE DVT, and reduce the long-term complications of LE DVT.

Read the Full article here

Ellen Hillegass

Ellen Hillegass, EdD, PT, CCS, FAACVPR, FAPTA, is an experienced educator and clinician, and a dynamic teacher. She is an adjunct associate professor in the DPT program at Mercer University, Western Carolina University, and Touro University. Dr. Hillegass serves as president of  Cardiopulmonary Specialists, and is an instructor of continuing education programs across the country. She draws upon her expertise as a board certified cardiovascular and pulmonary clinical specialist to create a clinically relevant classroom experience for her students. Dr. Hillegass is a Fellow of the APTA and has been active in the Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section for many years as VP and Payment and Policy Chair. She has also been active and is a Fellow of the American Association of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR). She is editor of Essentials in Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy, an entry-level text with the third edition published in 2010, and working on the fourth edition for 2014.  She is the author of a clinical notes book titled “PT Clinical NOTes.” Ellen holds a Masters of medical science in cardiopulmonary physiology from Emory University and a doctorate in exercise physiology from the University of Georgia. She received entry level training in physical therapy from the University of Pennsylvania. 

We are excited to announce that our distinguished Faculty member, Ellen Hillegass PT, Ph.D., EdD, CCS, FAACVPR, FAPTA  has been awarded APTA’s highest honor: The Catherine Worthingham APTA Fellow Award.  Please click here to visit APTA and read about Ellen’s achievements (you will need to be logged in to APTA) Ellen’s Courses:
Mobilizing the Medically Complex ICU and Acute Care Patient (An Evidence-Based Model)
March 19-20, 2016 – Dallas, TX
April 30-May 1, 2016 – Mission Hills, CA

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