New Podcast Series Focuses on Managing Patients With a Declining Functional Status
Establishing appropriate and realistic goals and expected
outcomes for patients with a declining functional status can be challenging –
knowing that the ultimate trajectory of function is expected to be downward. A
new APTA podcast series addresses the challenges
of and suggests solutions for managing the care of these patients, who may have
conditions such as Parkinson disease, muscular sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, or
late-stage congestive heart failure.
The first podcast
begins with general functional status and safety examples. In upcoming podcasts
physical therapists will share their experiences in applying these principles
to specific patients with conditions that are characterized by a declining
functional status.