Award for a Physical Therapist

The physical therapist will be utilized to perform evidence based care through the specific tasks of annual screening, prevention, and treatment of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary impairments for a clinic with approximately 100 adult patients. The addition of a physical therapist would allow for the following: • A more comprehensive and thorough screening of the musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory system for new patients transitioning from either Lurie Children’s Hospital or from an another CF center to adult CF care at Northwestern University • Annual screening of all adults that will include evaluation of postural deficits, urinary incontinence, vestibular dysfunction, inefficient breathing patterns, and poor aerobic capacity • Development of re-screening guidelines and frequency of interventions • Review and creation of appropriate educational materials on optimal movement and healthy physical activity in order to provide comprehensive education to clinic patients and their families • Referral to hospital-based outpatient physical therapy services at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, if applicable • A formalized list of additional Chicagoland resources for outpatient physical therapist specialized to treat this population • Formalized follow-up with patients and resources to improve follow through • Data collection of screening in a comprehensive manner to include Port CF • Increase role of educator and liaison for physical therapy at the institution and community • Expand research efforts to advance the practice of physical therapy with CF • Participate in the CFF’s PT Mentoring Program and CF 101 for the PT in order to provide training to other physical therapists in the institution and community • Regularly attend NACFC to learn, teach and network with other physical therapists