Health Care

applicants

Physical Therapy Assistant

1. This task order is for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) initiative under the Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (PHTBI) program. The program seeks to address gaps in the care available for the prevalent injuries among combatants from the global war on terrorism. Through adoption of risk based staffing models and a uniform, best practice standard of care across DOD, the program seeks to ensure easy, rapid access to PH and TBI care for all beneficiaries and to ensure that transition across networks of care recognizes the unique care coordination and case management requirements for PH and TBI patients.
The HCW shall perform a full range of physical therapy services in support Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (PHTBI) program and related concomitant comorbidities/disabilities.

2. Site of Service. The contractor shall provide personnel for service at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC), Bethesda, MD or at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in support of Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (PHTBI) program. Physical Therapy is fully integrated between NNMC and WRAMC services under the Department of Orthopedic and Rehabilitation, and as a direct result services and/or training may be provided at NNMC and/or WRAMC. The Contractor will be notified of location of HCWs’ 2-week schedule one month in advance.

3. Labor category. The contractor shall provide personnel from the following labor category:

Physical Therapy Assistant (two individuals)

4. Qualifications. The health care workers shall adhere to the applicable qualification requirements given in Section C.8.77 of the basic contract plus the following:

a. Graduation from a physical therapy assistant program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

- OR -

Graduation from the U.S. Army Physical Therapy Specialty Course, Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam Houston, TX.

b. Possess a minimum of 1 year current experience within the last 5 years. A minimum of 50% of the experience will be in an acute care setting preferably with both inpatient and outpatient populations. Emphasis is on traumatic brain injury/neurological physical therapy, but must also be able to treat patients with neuromusculokeletal/orthopedic conditions. The HCW shall be skilled in the treatment of a variety of patients with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders.

c. Provide two letters of recommendation written within the last two years attesting to the HCW’s clinical skills. A minimum of one letter must be from a supervisor. Reference letters must include name, title, phone number, date of reference, address and signature of the individual providing the reference.

4. Staffing and scheduling

a. The contractor shall provide two full-time Physical Therapy Assistants. In order to maintain continuity of services, the health care workers MUST BE FULL-TIME INDIVIDUALS. The Commanding Officer will not privilege more than one individual for each of the required positions.

b. The Chief, Physical Therapy Services will supervise the HCWs.

c. Services will normally be required Monday through Friday between the hours of 0700 and 1630 for a period of 9 hours which includes an uncompensated 1-hour meal break. The contract health care worker shall be on duty for approximately 40 hours each week, except during periods of approved leave and holidays. On occasion, the HCWs will work 4 hours on a Saturday and Sunday, 0800 to 1200, to treat inpatients, but in no instance will the HCWs be required to provide services (on-site service plus approved leave and holidays) in excess of 80 hours per 2-week period. The supervisor will schedule the specific schedule for the HCW for each 2-week period one month in advance. Any changes in the schedule shall be coordinated between the health care worker and the Government.

d. Services will not normally be required on the day of observance of Federal holidays. The HCW will be compensated for the holidays in accordance with Section C of the basic contract.

e. The HCW will accrue 8 hours of personal leave for each 80 hours worked and shall be subject to leave approval in accordance with the basic contract. This leave may also be used for unplanned absences resulting from sickness or emergency situations. The HCW shall be compensated by the contractor for these periods of authorized planned absence.

f. The contractor need not provide back-up coverage for contractor personnel during periods of approved leave and holidays.

5. Duties. As assigned, the health care worker shall perform the applicable duties given in Section C.10.77 of the basic contract plus the following additional duties:

a. Provide direct therapeutic care to a diverse patient population with a variety of patient diagnosis, especially those with polytrauma. These may include, but are not limited to, severely involved patients of all ages with neurologic conditions such as traumatic brain injury or stroke, orthopaedic conditions, amputations, systemic conditions, cardiovascular and surgical conditions, wounds, pain, sensory deficits balance conditions, conversion disorder, gun shot wounds and blast injury. Treatment of these types of patients is complex due to physical and psychological trauma, requiring adoption of individual treatment procedures and rate of progression for each patient. Examples of specific skills required include but not limited to: provide baseline measurements such as goniometry, balance assessment, manual muscle testing, girth measurement, and other functional assessments; follow surgical and non surgical treatment protocols; implement prescribed treatment plans and progression of treatment plans to include range of motion, functional training, gait training, wound care, strengthening, conditioning, desensitization, scar and edema mobilization, physical therapy modalities; and apply proper judgment and observation.

b. Implement progressive treatment plans for patients utilizing the full range of Physical Therapy modalities and therapeutic treatment techniques for inpatient and outpatient populations. Extensive use of problem solving, professional judgment, patient/family education, professional interactions, careful observation, and advanced neuromusculoskeletal treatment skills are required. Effective time and patient management skills are required to efficiently supervise the physical therapy of several individuals simultaneously. Primary diagnosis treated includes a wide variety of inpatient and outpatient neuromusculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including pre and post-surgical cases. Ensure treatment plan is designed to maximize results in promotion of healing, pain relief, ultimately improving the patient's functional independence.

c. Assist with the evaluation of patient's functional status and response to treatment and progression on a recurring basis using accepted subjective and objective measurement techniques to appropriately implement and progress the treatment plan. Document this information per clinic standard operating procedure in progress notes, and relay pertinent data to the evaluating Physical Therapist and other health care providers. Report changes in patient status, unexpected responses to treatment, and lack of functional progression to the evaluating Physical Therapist.

d. Make recommendations and utilize a broad spectrum of physical therapy modalities to include but no limited to heat, cold, aqua therapy, ultrasound, iontophoresis, traction, and electrotherapy. Additionally, the HCWs shall provide gait and balance training, vestibular therapy basic and advanced therapeutic exercise techniques, transfer procedures and patient education, designed to restore of maintain range of motion, strength training, Lumbo¬-Pelvic Stabilization program, endurance training, coordination and neuromuscular control training, and treatments to reduce inflammation, pain and muscle spasm to promote healing and maximize functional outcomes and patient independence. Evaluate and recommend equipment changes in bracing, use of crutches, canes and wheelchair accessories. Instruct patients and family members on usage and application of TENS for home usage. Review precautions and contraindications with the patient and family.

e. Under supervision, assist in the clinical instruction to affiliating military and civilian Physical Therapy Assistant/Technician students. Specific responsibilities may include: provide clinical education/instruction such as documentation skills, rehabilitative techniques, and modality applications for affiliating students; providing input to the supervisor for performance counseling, student mentoring and professional development; and documenting the University's skills development tool.

fe. Provide professional role modeling, teaching and mentoring for Red Cross Volunteers, high school students and Physical Therapy school applicants per clinic Standard Operating Procedures. Teach patients; family members and others: in an individual or group format on a broad spectrum of physical therapy related topics to include but not limited to therapeutic exercises, techniques to reduce joint and soft tissue stresses (joint sparring), appropriate body mechanics, lumbar stabilization, fitness and exercise recommendations, ¬injury prevention, healthy living and promotion of wellness.

gf. Consult with numerous members of the interdisciplinary health care team on issues of patient function and response to physical therapy treatments. Interact with clinic and hospital staffing a timely, articulate and professional manner that facilitates communications between professional staff, patients and referring departments and clinics, Team members may include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, nursing staff, discharge planners, case managers and other allied health professionals.

h. Participate in staff meetings and in-services and assist in conducting in-service education programs for peers, subordinates and other healthcare provider by presenting sound, evidence-based method of physical therapy treatment programs.

i. Assist supervisor in making decisions relative to patient care, patient education, safety, infection control, supply and equipment, and other administrative issues.

j. Participate in instructional programs as directed to include orientation of new staff and students..

k.Assist and participate in the research, development, staffing, implementation and administration of at least two significant clinical programs such as aquatics; back class, ergonomics, transitional gym program, functional spinal stabilization, infection control, safety, and clinical equipment and modality standard operating procedures.

l. Maintain proper medical records IAW facilities standard documentation procedures and AR 40-66. Documentation will be performed in a timely, accurate and legible manner.

m. Perform meticulous Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA) and Composite Health Care System (CHCS) documentation for all patients assessed and/or treated; prepares clinical, patient management, administrative and performance improvement reports as required, Participate in departmental peer reviews (quality assurance) every month. Assist in maintenance of supply levels and determination of supply needs.

n. Demonstrate Substantiated ability to utilize computers to document patient care, complete billing/coding requirements, assist with patient scheduling and correspond via electronic mail. Demonstrate substantiated attendance of at least 8 hours~ of continuing education in physical therapy specialties during the performance of this twelve months task order. Eight hours of physical therapy continuing education are required to enhance competencies and augment professional skills.

o. May be required/invited to attend professional conferences to obtain continuing education or provide presentations at local, state, and/or national levels, at the discretion of the Supervisor and/or Department Chief.