Developing an Acute Care Toolbox (Carter)

Course overview

Therapy intensity, frequency, and variety in acute care significantly impacts patient outcomes, yet standardized treatment protocols remain limited. This gap highlights the need for consistent, evidence-informed approaches that improve clinical decision-making and resource utilization. Designed to meet this need, this course empowers physical therapists, occupational therapists, and assistants to deliver high-quality, impactful interventions in the acute care setting. Clinicians will gain immediately applicable tools to enhance mobility, safety, and functional outcomes while boosting interdisciplinary collaboration and reducing variability in care. Whether you're new to acute care or looking to elevate your current practice, this course will equip you to lead with confidence and precision in complex clinical scenarios. This course bridges the gap between theory and practice through lab-based training and demos, real-world case discussions, and collaborative problem-solving. Participants will build critical skills in safe patient handling, manual therapy techniques, functional mobility strategies, pelvic floor screening and education, and the application and removal of lumbosacral orthoses (LSOs) and thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSOs). The emphasis on interactive, scenario-based learning ensures clinicians develop both competence and confidence in managing medically complex patients. Upon completion, attendees will return to their clinical environments prepared to apply techniques that reduce complications, standardize care delivery, and advocate for evidence-based therapy. This course offers a valuable opportunity to enhance clinical impact and promote best practices across the acute care continuum.