Target Audience

DMU faculty, staff, students, residents, and the medical community.

Description

Interdisciplinary grand rounds are crucial in healthcare because they bring professionals from various specialties together to discuss complex cases, share insights, and improve patient care. By incorporating diverse perspectives, these rounds support a holistic approach to patient management, considering all aspects of a patient’s condition and treatment options. This collaborative setting promotes effective communication across departments, leading to more coordinated care, fewer errors, and better patient outcomes. The multidisciplinary nature of these rounds supports more informed decision-making, especially for complex cases that require input from multiple specialties. By focusing on patient-centered care, these rounds ensure that the care plan aligns with the patient’s values, preferences, and overall well-being.

Educational Need

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major contributor to long-term disability in the United States. Many clinicians are unfamiliar with the distinct types of stroke, including Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA) strokes, which affect balance, coordination, and vital functions because they involve the cerebellum. A PICA stroke occurs when blood flow through the PICA is interrupted, potentially damaging the cerebellum and surrounding structures.

Healthcare professionals play an important role in recognizing and managing functional impairments associated with stroke recovery, including gait abnormalities, impaired balance, muscle weakness, altered sensation, and increased fall risk. Understanding the neurological effects of PICA strokes can help clinicians identify functional limitations, recognize changes that warrant further evaluation, and collaborate across disciplines to support safe mobility and rehabilitation. This education addresses the need for greater interdisciplinary awareness of stroke-related impairments and their implications for lower-extremity function, mobility, and patient safety.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify what a Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery (PICA) stroke is and describe its common causes.
2. Explain the importance of comprehensive physical and neurological assessments in developing safe and effective rehabilitation plans.
3. Describe rehabilitation techniques physical therapists use to improve balance, strength, gait, and mobility throughout recovery.
4. Discuss the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among physical therapists, physicians, podiatrists, and patients' support systems in optimizing recovery.
5. Recognize the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges associated with stroke recovery and identify strategies to support patient-centered care.
6. Identify lower-extremity impairments, gait abnormalities, and fall risks associated with PICA strokes and discuss the podiatrist's role in assessment, management, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation.

Speakers

Lisa Brekke, PT, DPT
Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy

Patrick Ford, PT,  DPT, OCS
PICA Stroke Survivor and Rock Valley Physical Therapy

Session proposals are now being accepted for the DMU Grand Rounds series! Have you encountered an interesting clinical case, seen a patient with a unique history, condition, and/or treatment protocol, or been involved with interprofessional management that improves patient care and treatment outcomes? If so, you're invited to help build the series by submitting a session proposal! In addition to the rare and unique, cases of more common conditions are also acceptable, and proposals from external members of the broader healthcare community are welcomed and encouraged. Please click the button below to learn more about the series and access the submission form.