Im currently on a community physiotherapy placement in which i travel around to many different community centres to take exercise classes for the elderly population. The classes range from Abilities for patients post stroke, mobilities for patients with multiple conditions and an increased falls risk as well as aqua/hydrotherapy classes. One particular abilities class i attneded last weeek consisted of 27 participants of different fitness levels, mobility, ROM and strength. In the first week i participated in this class and observed details such as how the classes were run, what activities were used, the aims and objectives of the class and how the instructor catered to everyones needs.
As it is now coming into the second week, i am now expected to take component of the class appropriate to the group. I am struggling to determine how i will take a class without knowing which individual patients have what pathology, limitations and safety requirements. Having 27 people in a class as a student is quite intimidating when i haven't had a chance to meet everyone or do even a mini asesment to determine what their problems are and how their balance is. I understand that i am to base my classs from what the physiotherapist has done as she obviously understands the group dynamics but it is hard for me to do so at this stage.
In considering this thought, i have decided to arrive early to the class to thoroughly read through that available notes to give me a better understanding of all the patients as well as notifying any that may present as a higher falls risk and need more supervision when possible. I plan to discuss these patients with my supervisor to see if she aggrees or if i need to change any of my patient lists accordingly. I would also like to show her my lesson plan so as to ensure i have interpretted her first class correctly and that the exercises i have chosen are appropriate. If possible, i would like to speak to some of these patients so i can determine what they percieve their problems to be. I hope that this will provide me with more insite into the level of the class and the requirements of me as the group leader.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
It seems that you solved the problem yourself, I cant think of any solution better than yours. Good work!
The biggest thing I've learnt from working within a class environment is having control. Take the time at the start of the class to remind everyone who you are, and explain that if something is too difficult for them, then they should let you or your supervisor know and a different/easier exercise can be given to them. This way you can experiment with different exercises but cover for the patients who aren't as strong/mobile/balanced.
I think talking to your supervisor before the class and in adddition asking them "is there anything in particular that I need to know about any of the clients from a safety point of view"
Having a class plan (especially when you are first taking a class) is fantastic. You've done all the hard work before hand and now you should be able to concentrate just on supervising/assisting with the exercises and not having to worry about things like "what should I do next". Accept that it will take time to "get it all together" i.e. good flow to the class (structure), everyone doing what you actually want them to do, and monitoring safety.
Sounds like you're going well.
Post a Comment