Concept of differential diagnosis is not foreign to physical therapy practice. Yet, despite modern
curricular advances, the true realization of the importance of differential diagnosis in primary care approach of an
acute care PT is rarely the focus of teaching and research. And not quite unlike the medical model, there are
numerous case scenarios in contemporary acute care PT that never receive a critical assessment of the differential to
pinpoint the source of the signs & symptom.
Consequent errors in differential diagnosis in acute care PT practice, where patients present with seemingly multisystem
symptomatology, is rampant. And often, many patients in the acute setting receive PT treatment that are
generic. The fabled Bed Mobility, Transfers, & Gait goals in PT practice is legend. Yet, in many, these are neither
individualized, nor indicated, nor evidence-based. This leads to patient dissatisfaction, physician apathy,
overutilization of finite resources, and a general undervaluation of a doctorally-trained PT.
Using lecture, case-series, and small group discussions, the speaker will demonstrate the art of inquiry into the puzzle
of symptoms and signs in some patients admitted to general medical and some specialty wards of a busy hospital,
where physicians work closely with highly-trained PT colleagues for rapid triage and assistance with case-solutions.
Some strategies to teach differential diagnosis, & approach to intuitive, and analytical reasoning will be presented.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES (maximum 4, refer to Bloom’s Taxonomy link above).
Upon completion of this educational session, the learner will be able to:
〉Discuss potential errors in identifying the source of symptoms and signs in patients referred to acute care PT in noncritically-
ill setting.
〉Analyze a set of given clinical data to develop a hypothesis of causation & systems involved, using evidence-based
constructs.
〉Apply concepts of intuitive and analytic differential diagnosis to case vignettes presented during small group
discussions.
〉Successfully incorporate strategies of differential diagnosis to some common problems encountered in acute care
PT practice.
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