Online Educational Modules on MS for PTs

Online Educational Modules

to Increase Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge

for Physical Therapists

Overview

As a participant in the MS Standardized Training and Education Program with University Partners (MS Step Up), I have benefited from unique learning experiences to understand effective physical therapy interventions for people with MS. As a result of my interest in MS and experiences working with this patient population, Liz Waddell and I chose to create online modules to educate other physical therapists about working with people with multiple sclerosis. Our project consisted of six main phases:

Phase I: Needs Assessment Survey

To begin the project, we needed to determine if physical therapists were going to be interested in watching the online modules we wanted to create. We developed a PT needs assessment survey and distributed it to the NCPTA and the NeuroPT Yahoo group. We had 70 PTs respond to the survey, and 71% of them stated that they were interested in receiving the modules. The survey also helped us determine how we should focus the content of our online modules, and the respondents stated that they would be willing to spend an average of 60 minutes on the educational modules. You can view the survey here.

Phase II: Abstract Submission for CMSC Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL

Because of the overwhelmingly positive results from the needs assessment survey, Liz and I wanted to submit an abstract to present our data at the 2013 CMSC conference. We analyzed the data from the needs assessment survey and drafted an abstract for a poster presentation. Our abstract was accepted at the annual meeting in May/June 2013.

Background: There is consensus in the medical community that physical therapy (PT) is beneficial for managing symptoms and maintaining function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS.) Research efforts aim to identify best practices for patients with MS (PwMS). However, it is difficult for physical therapists to keep current on evidence-based practice (EBP) for PwMS, and there are limited continuing education programs specifically related to PT for MS. The lack of resources is particularly problematic when compounded with other barriers including high travel costs, limited access to research databases, time constraints, and low EBP self-efficacy.  Online educational resources offer a flexible, inexpensive, and convenient opportunity for physical therapists to access continuing education.

Phase III: Module Development and EBP II

In order to cater to the needs of physical therapists with different levels of knowledge, we chose to create separate modules so people could pick and choose what they wanted to view based on their interests, time, and/or educational needs.

Evidence tables were completed to help us develop the content for the modules and are provided as additional reference materials on the website. For our EBPII class, I chose to look at how resistance training affects gait speed and/or gait endurance compared to other forms of exercise in people with MS. You can view my evidence table by clicking: TooherJ- Module 4 Evidence Table and read my evidence paper by clicking: TOOHER, J + Module 5.

The modules include:

• Introduction to MS
• PT Examination for MS
• Interventions for Weakness in MS
• Interventions for Spasticity in MS
• Interventions for Balance Deficits in MS
• Interventions for Gait Dysfunction in MS

A screen shot of the title slide from the introduction module can be seen below:

 

Phase IV: Website Creation

In order to keep all of the online modules in one place, we also developed a website for the modules. The website also provided us with the opportunity to provide additional resources and references. Each module is approximately 6-12 minutes long, adding up to just under 60 minutes to view all six. You can visit the website by clicking here or going to: https://sites.google.com/site/msmodules/home.

View the video below for an example of the individual modules.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxNbCqxjhro&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Other information that can be accessed on the website includes:

• Handouts corresponding to each video
• Compiled References
• Summary of Outcome Measures recommended by the MS EDGE-Task Force

Phase V: Evaluation

To evaluate the effectiveness of our modules, we created a pre- and post-test on the module website. Click here to view the pretest. I also created a YouTube account to upload and manage the module videos, and I can use the Data Analytics feature to gather additional data regarding usage and viewership.

Phase VI: Distribution of Resources- Poster Presentation and Continuing Education 

We plan to educate physical therapists and other health care professionals about our online modules and the potential value of online educational modules for MS at our poster presentation on May 30, 2013 in Orlando, FL.

 

Also, we are in the process of working with AHEConnect to get our modules approved for continuing education credit through their website. The cost of the course will be $10, and PTs will be able to earn 1.0 CEU for passing the course.

Acknowledgements:

This project would not have been possible without my amazing co-collaborator, Liz Waddell. Also, a special thanks to my advisor, Angela Rosenberg, and committee members Diane Meyer, Erica Gaskins, and Melissa Mahon. Your feedback and expertise along the way was invaluable!