merge programs split program rename program X modify program Name of Current Program(s) Graduate Certificate in Oncology Rehabilitation (GCOR) (6228)

Transcription

1 OAKLAND UNIVERSITY GRADUATE COUNCIL Graduate Education 520 O Dowd Hall Modify Approved Graduate Academic Program The Graduate Council approves all major curriculum changes, deletions and additions to graduate certificate, graduate degree and doctoral degree programs. Proposals and other actions pertaining to policies and procedures governing graduate education must be approved by the Council and then submitted to the Provost, Senate and Board, as applicable, for approval. Academic units, modifying the curriculum of an existing graduate program or renaming, merging or splitting a program must submit a proposal to Graduate Council for review and approval. Please complete this brief proposal and submit an electronic copy to Claire Rammel at rammel@oakland.edu merge programs split program rename program X modify program Effective Term/Year Winter 2013 Name of Current Program(s) Graduate Certificate in Oncology Rehabilitation (GCOR) (6228) Name of Proposed Program(s) Same as above Department Physical Therapy Program College/School School of Health Science I certify that the above proposal has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate Department and College/School committees: Dept Chair or Director (signature) Date Dept Chair or Director (print) Dean of College/School (signature) Date Dean of College/School (print) Approved by Graduate Council 12/12/2012 Final Version DECISION OF GRADUATE COUNCIL Date

2 1. List proposed changes related to merging, splitting, renaming or modifying a program. 1.1 Current academic program(s) Graduate Certificate in Oncology Rehabilitation (GCOR) 1.2 Proposed academic program(s) to merge, split or rename. OR Proposed modification to current program (brief description) PT Program is seeking approval for proposed revisions to the GCOR. The proposed changes are summarized as follows: Eliminate three didactic courses (PT 665, PT 667, and PT 669) as this information can be streamlined for learning efficiency and incorporated into other courses. The GCOR will be 100% online by eliminating the required on-campus one week intensive laboratory course (PT 668) and incorporating these experiences throughout the program in the new replacement courses. Example of methods to incorporate and evaluate laboratory experiences will include but not be limited to: a. Online videos of instructors performing examples of tasks or case studies b. Students performing problem solving case studies that they film for instructor critical review and evaluations. c. Interactive simulation software currently available through ELIS where students are in a simulated situation to perform laboratory case studies for review and evaluation by instructors. d. Interactive discussion forums and online meetings between students and faculty that will include: i. Advanced problem solving of complex patients that includes psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains of practice and learning. ii. Networking between students to share and appreciate multicultural components of patient management that include physical rehabilitation methods, communication styles, as well as psychosocial, spiritual, socioeconomic, cultural, religious, and political domains. iii. Student and faculty opportunities to share patient management information, critique practices, and problem solve unique administration challenges of students between different sites, YouTube site. This allows for faculty and students to evaluate their performance. As well, techniques performed by faculty can be filmed and uploaded for viewing by students online. This allows for critical analysis and discussion among the students. Replace the above courses with three revised clinical practice courses PT 670, PT 2 P a g e

3 671, PT 672, that are aligned with a national specialist certification examination being developed by the American Physical Therapy Associations (APTA) Oncology Section and international standards currently being developed by the World Congress for Physical Therapy Association (WCPT). Add three elective course opportunities to accommodate the PT professional s individual practice setting needs. This allows for more flexibility to the students practice needs and future developments in this practice area that will eliminate the need to return to Graduate Council for future program modifications Change the name of PT 663 from Introduction to Oncology Rehabilitation to Essentials of Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation and change it from 2 to 3 credits to accommodate topic inclusions from the deleted course PT 669 Team Approach to Oncology Rehabilitation. Allow international students with PT licenses, certifications, registrations or equivalent credentials from countries other than Canada to enroll in the GCOR program. National and international guest speakers with expertise in oncology rehabilitation willpresent topics in the program. These speakers will be present and be recorded through the Elluminate system in the Moodle online format. Students will be able to contact guest lecturers for questions through or by telephone. 2. Describe the reason(s) for the proposed change. There are three primary reasons for the proposed modifications to the GCOR: to enhance enrollment, to update course offerings to support current national and international objectives, and to modify the delivery of an on-campus laboratory session so that the program is 100% online. The GCOR was developed and then approved by Graduate Council in Winter The GCOR at Oakland University currently consists of five online didactic courses and one oncampus intensive laboratory. The original program wasopen to licensed physical therapists from the United States and Canada, but due to numerous (20) requests from individuals in other countries, there is an opportunity to enroll students from other international areas. This will enhance the learning of all students. The GCOR meets the advanced education required for physical therapists managing individuals with cancer and its related conditions. The need for advanced education and training in oncology rehabilitation was stated by national and international physical therapist (PT) professional organizations. APTA s Oncology Section is developing an Oncology Specialist Certification Examination that will begin in approximately Physical Therapists who successfully complete this examination will be APTA Oncology Certified Specialists. The World Congress for Physical Therapy (WCPT) is also currently developing an Oncology and Palliative Care Subgroup to advance education and research initiatives internationally. However, there are currently no existing graduate certificates in oncology rehabilitation available to train physical therapists to work with these complex patients nationally or internationally. Therefore, the GCOR has the potential to become a highly desirable degree for PT professionals involved in managing individuals with oncology related conditions. 3 P a g e

4 Enrollment Enhancements Provide Adequate Lead and Continue Marketing Efforts Although there has been significant interest in the GCOR at Oakland University nationally and internationally, only two students have been admitted.. The first barrier voiced by three potential students was reductions in educational support dollars from health care facilities in southeastern Michigan. Fortunately, this trend appears to be reversing; we were informed that the Beaumont Hospital System plans to begin providing educational support for three PTs to enroll in the GCOR this fall term and we have two other applicants currently going through the admissions process. Additional issues related to lack of enrollment centered on the lead time available to get the program up and running. There was not sufficient time to adequately market the program through the Michigan Physical Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association. Three potential students did not have adequate time to obtain approvals from their Hospital systems for approval for educational support dollars to begin the GCOR program last Fall. Two students who attempted to register had difficulty with the then existing online registration format and decided to delay their admission. Two students, who were currently enrolled in the transitional DPT program, registered for one of the course offerings in Winter 2012, however, the PT faculty GCOR coordinators, together with the PT program chair, decided that enrollment was not adequate at that time to warrant offering the course. There have been many marketing efforts this year and potential students have been identified for the GCOR. There has been national and local advertising, contacts made through physical therapy organizations, announcements of the APTA Oncology Section website and mailings. The marketing efforts will continue and with the revisions it is anticipated that students will be enrolled. Modifying the On-Campus Laboratory Course A second reason for low enrollment is the one week on-campus intensive laboratory course. This course is an obstacle for out-state and out-of-state students in terms of travel costs and time away from work. This laboratory course is an added barrier for international students in terms of meeting government regulations for travel, student visas, and financial statement approvals. Furthermore, there are new pedagogical approaches to online teaching and learning assessments that provide hands-on enhanced learning experiences particularly for individuals who are already practicing clinicians such as laboratory simulated experiences and case study problem solving activities filmed by the student and uploaded to a confidential website for grading. Additional activities include working with oncology health care practitioners that also serve as clinical preceptors and mentors. These activities will be interspersed throughout the curriculum to enhance the learning experience. Admitting International Students A third barrier to enrollment emerged over the past year as we began to receive enrollment requests from international students other than from Canada. (We have also received requests from other universities in other countries to obtain our syllabi to reproduce our courses in their area; however, this request was tactfully turned down.) Therefore, we are 4 P a g e

5 requesting approval to update the GCOR admission policy to include any individual with a PT license or their country s equivalent credentials. New Multiple Opportunities for Modifications to Course Offerings In addition to their clinical expertise and research in oncology rehabilitation, the GCOR program coordinators are actively involved in professional organizations developing practice in this area. Dr. Doherty was elected Secretary of the APTA Oncology Section and serves on its Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for policy statements and developing standards of practice for physical therapists in oncology rehabilitation across the US. Dr. Drouin was invited to coordinate the development of an Oncology and Palliative Care Subgroup within the WCPT and has since become its President. She is also an item writer (question writer) for upcoming APTA Oncology Section Specialist Certification Examination. Based on their experiences and attendance at national and international meetings over the past year, it was clear that emerging national and international guidelines for practice will require additional courses with a greater focus on specific types of cancer conditions. The updated GCOR course offerings will be more desirable and relevant to clinical practice, and information from the courses being eliminated can be incorporated into the new courses in a more efficient manner. These new offerings include courses focused on oncology rehabilitation of the upper quarter (breast, lung and bone cancers), the lower quarter oncology rehabilitation (prostate, colon, and reproductive cancers), the blood, head and neck, and central nervous system. Elective courses will also be added to accommodate the PT professional s individual practice setting. These courses will include but are not limited to courses in pediatric oncology conditions, a research practicum, a residency practicum, or an independent study. Students will also be allowed to choose other elective course offerings with the permission of the GCOR Program Coordinators. 3. Current program(s) requirements. (admission requirements, program requirements, course offerings, delivery method and advising structure). CURRENT/OLD GCOR ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS To be eligible for admission to this program, individuals must hold an entry-level bachelor s, master s or doctoral degree in physical therapy and be licensed in the U.S. or Canada. All other admissions requirements for graduate applications as determined by Graduate Admissions must also be met. Applications are considered by the GCOR Graduate Admissions Committee. In making admission recommendations, the committee assesses the applicants undergraduate records, their GMAT scores, their responses to questions on the supplemental application and their work experience, including their scholarship and their ability to communicate effectively. Applicants must also meet the general admission requirements for graduate study at Oakland University. CURRENT GCOR/OLD APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS The application materials and steps to be completed are: 1. Application for Admission to Graduate Study. 2. Professional vitae or resume and one page narrative goal statement outlining academic and professional goals. 3. Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate level academic work 5 P a g e

6 and proof of degree. 4. Two Recommendation for Graduate Admission forms or two letters of reference. 5. Official scores for Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from applicants who are graduates of programs taught in a language other than English. 6. International students must meet application requirements described by Graduate Admissions. 7. Proof of physical therapy licensure in U.S. or Canada. CURRENT/OLD GCOR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATE: To fulfill the certificate requirements the student must complete 17 credits, with at least a 2.5 grade in each course and an overall GPA of 3.00, a pro-gram consisting of PT 502, PT 663, PT 665, PT 667, PT 668, and PT 669. CURRENT/OLD GCOR COURSE OFFERINGS PT 502 UNDERSTANDING EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (2 credits) An overview of evidence-based practice and its application to examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention in physical therapy. The course will also include a review of frameworks for clinical decision making, qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods of assessing professional literature related to approaches used by health care professionals. (ONLINE FORMAT) PT 663 INTRODUCTION TO ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION (2 credits) An overview of comprehensive oncology rehabilitation terminology, clinical medicine including treatments and side effects, team member roles and professional organizations, administration and program development, evidence based practice and grants/foundations, resources and patient advocacy for survivors and caregivers across the continuum of care in the various practice settings. (ONLINE FORMAT) PT 665 ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION EXAMINATION AND EVALUATION (4 credits) An applied and problem solving approach to evidence-based screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis and prognosis meth-ods based on physical therapy practice patterns in individuals in acute or extended cancer survivorship across the continuum of care. The course will focus on cancers of head and neck, upper trunk, lower trunk, and bone/hematologic/immunologic origin, as well as pediatric and adolescent cancers. (ONLINE FORMAT) PT 667 ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES (4 credits) An applied and problem solving approach to evidence-based interventions and outcomes based on physical therapy practice pat-terns in individuals in acute or extended cancer survivorship across the continuum of care. The course will focus on cancers of head and neck, upper trunk, lower trunk, and bone/hematologic/immunologic origin, as well as pediatric and adolescent cancers. (ONLINE FORMAT) PT 668 ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES LAB (2 credits) A hands-on interactive lab demonstrating the actual techniques for evidence-based interventions and outcomes based on physical therapy practice patterns in individuals in acute or extended cancer survivorship across the continuum of care. The course will focus on cancers of head and neck, upper trunk, lower trunk, and bone/hematologic/immunologic 6 P a g e

7 origin, as well as pediatric and adolescent cancers. (ON CAMPUS LABORATORY EXPERIENCE) PT 669 TEAM APPROACH TO ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION (3 credits) An applied and problem solving approach to development and utilization of the members of the Comprehensive Oncology Re-habilitation Team with evidence based practice for the treatment of individuals in acute or extended cancer survivorship across the continuum of care. The course will focus on integrative medicine, psychosocial issues, stress management, nutrition management, pharmacology, disability counseling, legal/financial counseling, and spiritual counseling. (ONLINE FORMAT) CURRENT/OLD GCOR DELIVERY METHOD AND ADVISING STRUCTURE The current GCOR courses are all delivered in an online format except for the PT 668 which is the on-campus one-week intensive laboratory experience. The online courses are delivered through MOODLE using ELLUMINATE. Courses are taught during Fall, Winter, and Summer I sessions. Each course is organized around weekly or bi-weekly topics, depending on the length of the topic activities and assignments. Learning opportunities include online virtual lectures and discussions, guest lectures and discussions led by experts in oncology rehabilitation, readings and evidence based searches, evaluating and critiquing current practice guidelines and research through discussion forums, student case study presentations and peer critiques through ELLUMINATE, development of portfolios that include protocols for the students practice setting. Online patient case study films for evaluation. Student advising is currently online through , or through telephone conversations with program coordinators. A GCOR Fact Sheet is available through the OU PT Program website. Students can also meet with program faculty on campus, or online through ELLUMINATE. 4. Proposed change to the program. (Admission requirements, program requirements, course offerings, delivery method and advising structure). PROPOSED/NEW GCOR ADMISSION REQUIREMENT CHANGES The new admission criteria will remove the requirement for only being a U.S. or Canadian physical therapist and will now allow qualified applicants from all other countries to apply for admission. The new admission statement is as follows: To be eligible for admission to this program, individuals must hold an entry-level physical therapy degree and be licensed, certified, registered (or the equivalent) in their country of residence. All other admissions requirements for graduate applications as determined by Graduate Admissions must also be met. PROPOSED/NEW GCOR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Basic program requirements are unchanged related to academic standing and required credits. The required courses will be changed to reflect the elimination of PT 665, PT 667, PT 668, and PT 669 and then the addition of PT 670, PT 671, PT 672, and PT 673 and one three credit elective of the student s chosing with permission of GCOR Coordinators. 7 P a g e

8 The new program requirement statement is as follows: To fulfill the certificate requirements the student must complete 17 credits, with a minimum of a 2.5 grade in each course and an overall GPA of 3.00, of a program consisting of PT 502, PT 663, PT 670, PT 671, PT 672, and PT 673 and 3 credit elective course approved by the program coordinator. Course Offerings 5. Provide a list of all new courses and deleted courses. PROPOSED NEW COURSE OFFERINGS The first two courses, PT 502 Understanding Evidence-Based Practice and PT 663 Introduction to Oncology Rehabilitation, are retained from the original GCOR curriculum; however the name of PT 663 will change from Introduction to Oncology Rehabilitation to Essentials of Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation. The remaining four courses are new offerings. Aspects of the courses in the current certificate program, the, on-campus laboratory course (PT 668) and the course on the oncology health care team members (PT 669) will be incorporated into the proposed courses for the revised certificate. PT 502 UNDERSTANDING EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (2 credits) An overview of evidence-based practice and its application to examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention in physical therapy. The course will also include a review of frameworks for clinical decision making, qualitative and quantitative research designs and methods of assessing professional literature related to approaches used by health care professionals. PT 663 ESSENTIALS OF COMPREHENSIVE ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION (3 credits) An overview of comprehensive oncology rehabilitation terminology, clinical medicine including treatments and side effects, team member roles and professional organizations, administration and program development, evidence based practice and grants/foundations, resources and patient advocacy for survivors and caregivers across the continuum of care in the various practice settings. PT 670 PT MANAGEMENT OF UPPER QUARTER ONCOLOGY CONDITIONS (3 credits) Evidence-based, applied and problem solving approach to physical therapy management of individuals with cancers of the upper quarter across the continuum of care. Physical therapist practice patterns will provide a framework for care with a focus on comprehensive oncology rehabilitation that engenders the team based approach for optimal patient outcomes. PT 671 PT MANAGEMENT OF LOWER QUARTER ONCOLOGY CONDITIONS (3 credits) Evidence-based, applied and problem solving approach to physical therapy management of individuals with cancers of the lower quarter across the continuum of care. Physical therapist practice patterns will provide a framework for care with a focus on 8 P a g e

9 comprehensive oncology rehabilitation that engenders the team based approach for optimal patient outcomes. PT 672 PT MANAGEMENT OF BLOOD, HEAD AND NECK, AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM ONCOLOGY CONDITIONS (3 credits) Evidence based, applied and problem solving approach to physical therapy management of individuals with cancers of the blood, head and neck and central nervous system origins across the continuum of care. Physical therapist practice patterns will provide a framework for care with a focus on comprehensive oncology rehabilitation that engenders the team based approach for optimal patient outcomes. NEW ELECTIVE COURSE: PT 673 PT MANAGEMENT OF PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY CONDITIONS (3 credits) Evidence-based, applied and problem solving approach to physical therapy management of children with cancer across the continuum of care. Physical therapist practice patterns will provide a framework for care with a focus on comprehensive oncology rehabilitation that engenders the team based approach for optimal outcomes for children and their families. Other Elective Courses Currently Offered by the PT Program Examples of courses that may be approved by the program coordinator for elective credit include current PT courses offerings: PT 598 Independent Study, PT 615 Directed Research Study, or PT 695 Special Topics. NEW GCOR SEQUENCE Credits Term PT 502 Understanding Evidence Based Practice 2 Fall 2012 PT 663 Essentials of Comprehensive Oncology Rehabilitation PT 671 PT Management of Upper Quarter Oncology Conditions PT 672 PT Management of Lower Quarter Oncology Conditions PT 673 PT Management of Blood, Head and Neck, and Central Nervous System Oncology Conditions Three Credit Elective (Approved by program coordinator; for example PT 673, PT 598, PT 615, PT 695) 3 Winter Summer I Fall Winter Summer I 2014 or Fall 2014 PROPOSED GCOR COURSES TO BE DELETED 9 P a g e

10 PT 665 ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION EXAMINATION AND EVALUATION (4 credits) An applied and problem solving approach to evidence-based screening, examination, evaluation, diagnosis and prognosis methods based on physical therapy practice patterns in individuals in acute or extended cancer survivorship across the continuum of care. The course will focus on cancers of head and neck, upper trunk, lower trunk, and bone/hematologic/immunologic origin, as well as pediatric and adolescent cancers. (ONLINE FORMAT) PT 667 ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES (4 credits) An applied and problem solving approach to evidence-based interventions and outcomes based on physical therapy practice pat-terns in individuals in acute or extended cancer survivorship across the continuum of care. The course will focus on cancers of head and neck, upper trunk, lower trunk, and bone/hematologic/immunologic origin, as well as pediatric and adolescent cancers. (ONLINE FORMAT) PT 668 ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES LAB (2 credits) A hands-on interactive lab demonstrating the actual techniques for evidence-based interventions and outcomes based on physical therapy practice patterns in individuals in acute or extended cancer survivorship across the continuum of care. The course will focus on cancers of head and neck, upper trunk, lower trunk, and bone/hematologic/immunologic origin, as well as pediatric and adolescent cancers. (ON CAMPUS LABORATORY EXPERIENCE) PT 669 TEAM APPROACH TO ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION (3 credits) An applied and problem solving approach to development and utilization of the members of the Comprehensive Oncology Re-habilitation Team with evidence based practice for the treatment of individuals in acute or extended cancer survivorship across the continuum of care. The course will focus on integrative medicine, psychosocial issues, stress management, nutrition management, pharmacology, disability counseling, legal/financial counseling, and spiritual counseling. (ONLINE FORMAT) 6. If any resources needed (personnel, FTE academic, facilities or equipment) please provide budget. If no resources required, please provide a statement in the proposal. The budget for the program and program resources will not change from the original GCOR program proposal. 7. Funding sources: state sources, federal funds, and other funds as specified. The costs of the program are completely covered by tuition charged for the program. 10 P a g e

11 8. If the program is professionally accredited, identify the accrediting body and discuss how the proposed change may affect accreditation. The proposed change will not affect accreditation as post-professional physical therapy programs are not accredited. 9. Impact on current students, enrollment, time-to-degree, target audience, faculty workload, etc. There are currently no students enrolled in the GCOR program. The program modifications will have no impact on students currently applying to the program. They have all been informed of the proposed changes, and in fact some have decided to enroll based on these changes. The time to complete the degree will continue to be two years to three years or six terms as courses are offered Fall, Winter, and Summer I. Modifying the program should increase graduate GCOR enrollments overall. By opening admissions to applicants from other countries and eliminating the on-campus laboratory component the pool of potential students will increase significantly. In addition, streamlining information from the original courses and developing new focused topics will be in alignment with national and international clinical practice competencies. This improved alignment will make the GCOR more desirable as well as more effective in training advanced practitioners in oncology rehabilitation. Students from the U.S. have already asked about the potential for the GCOR to enable them to pass national Oncology Rehabilitation Certification Specialist Examinations (ORCSE). While participation in this program does not guarantee success on national examinations, the GCOR is currently the only certificate program in the U.S. addressing the educational objectives and competencies of the national certification specialist examination. In addition, one of the program coordinators will be assisting in developing the ORCSE. Furthermore, it is the intention of the coordinators to bring in other physical therapists preparing the ORCSE to provide guest lectures in their areas of expertise so students will be able to have a better focus on potential areas of questioning. There is no change on faculty workload. 10. Provide explanation for how students enrolled in the program prior to effective date of any curriculum change may complete their program under old requirements if so desired. The courses required must remain available, or suitable substitutions specifically designated. Students currently applying to the program for admission have been advised that there are modifications proposed. These modifications will not affect their time to graduation or the number of credits they will be required to complete. All students are very supportive and enthusiastic about the upcoming modifications. 11 P a g e