A 60-minute webinar streamed on-demand and available through Aquatic Therapy University (ATU) offers participants insight into the difference between patient satisfaction and functional improvement and how to harness the power of aquatic therapy to increase both.

According to the ATU website, the “8 Ways to Explode Patient Satisfaction with Aquatic Therapy” course is appropriate for rehab professionals with a baseline knowledge about the properties of water (at least 500 hours working in an aquatic setting). These professionals may include rehab departments, rehab managers, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, exercise physiologists, therapeutic recreation specialists, and post-rehab professionals.

Learning objectives for the webinar include listing three differences between patient satisfaction (a subjective experience) and functional improvement (an objective measure); describing eight methods described during the webinar which evidence has shown will improve “patient satisfaction” with treatment; list three methods to increase the skilled nature of aquatic intervention (as described by payors); and finally, citing two studies which support the benefits of hands-on intervention versus verbal exercise instruction.

The site notes that Andrea Salzman, MS, PT, will serve as instructor for the webinar. Salzman graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Masters degree in physical therapy. Salzman is also the founder and owner of the Aquatic Resources Network, a multidisciplinary clearinghouse of information on aquatic therapy. She is vice president of 10K Health LLC, a temporary staffing agency. She currently serves as director of programming for Aquatic Therapy University and has assisted hundreds of facilities during the start-up and training phases of their aquatic practice. In 2010, Salzman received the highest honor given to an aquatic physical therapist from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Judy Cirullo Leadership Award.

For more information about the webinar, visit www.aquatic-therapy-university.com

[Source: ATU]