Residency Curriculum Modules: Writing Outpatient Scripts with Aditya Raghunandan, MD-Facilitator's Guide: Residency Curriculum Project

Facilitator's Guide: Residency Curriculum Project – Writing outpatient therapy scripts

Pdf Summary

This residency curriculum project focuses on writing effective outpatient therapy scripts, particularly in musculoskeletal outpatient clinics. The training includes three short videos covering the components of a therapy script, core principles of outpatient rehab programs, and scripting techniques. The accompanying discussion uses a case of a 50-year-old female masters athlete with anterior knee pain due to patellar maltracking (patellofemoral pain syndrome) to illustrate key considerations. <br /><br />When writing a therapy script, essential components include clear details to assist the rehab team: patient diagnosis, specific therapeutic goals (related to sports, hobbies, or work), precautions (such as cardiac or pulmonary disease, seizure disorders, severe osteoporosis, sensory deficits, wounds, weight-bearing or range of motion restrictions, and post-surgical limitations), and detailed intervention plans.<br /><br />For this patient, precautions must be reviewed carefully. Safe and beneficial modalities might include thermotherapy, phototherapy, and electrical stimulation. The script should address impairments like functional or neurological weakness, tight anatomical structures, and balance or coordination deficits to tailor the therapeutic exercise program accordingly. Activities or positions that exacerbate symptoms should be avoided, considering the individual’s restrictions.<br /><br />Specialized treatment options may comprise mobility and activities of daily living (ADL) training, use of assistive devices, and individualized activity modifications. Educational and training resources should be provided to the patient and family through verbal, visual, written, or digital means to support self-management.<br /><br />Finally, the therapy plan’s efficacy must be regularly assessed through follow-ups with the physician, therapists, and athletic trainers. The curriculum references several guides and journal articles emphasizing quality prescription writing to ensure prescriptions optimize patient outcomes and interdisciplinary communication in outpatient rehabilitation settings.

Keywords

outpatient therapy scripts

musculoskeletal outpatient clinics

therapy script components

outpatient rehab programs

patellofemoral pain syndrome

therapeutic goals

precautions in therapy

thermotherapy

mobility training

interdisciplinary communication