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D iv is ion o f Research,T ra i n i ng and Educat i on M a t e r n a l a n d C h i ld H e al t h B u r e a u

H ealth Resou rces and Serv i ces A dm in i st r a t i on U . S . D e p a r t m e n t o f H e a l t h a n d H u m a n S e r v i c e s

PED IATRIC PHYSICAL TH ERAPY

PROGRAM H ISTORY AN D STRATEGY

Advances in m edical technology, increased sur-

vival rates for low-birthweight infants, enhan ced

understanding of developmental risk factors, and

improved identification methods have resulted in

increased nu mb ers of children with disabilities and

special health care needs. Limited fiscal and hu man

resources, geographic characteristics, and changing

demographics present challenges in addressing the

needs of mothers and children in todays rapidly

changing health care environment. These factors

have heightened the need for a greater number of

pediatric physical therapists to assume leadership

roles in improving the fun ctioning, level of indepen-

dence, and quality of life for children who have, or

are at risk for developing, disabilities. The Maternal

and C hild Health Bureau (MCH B) pediatric physical

therapy training program was designed to prepare

pediatric physical therapists to assume leadership

positions in developing and improving culturally

competent, family-centered systems of care for chil-

dren and families.

PROGRAM CHARACTERISTICS

The purpose of the training program in pediatric

physical therapy is to facilitate a national focus on

leadership in the field through the following activi-

ties: (1) postprofessional graduate training of physi-

cal therapists for leadership roles in edu cation, ser-

vice, research, administration, and advocacy in pro-

grams providing services for the maternal and child

health (MCH ) population; (2) the collaboration of

the projects and other M CH, Title V, and comm uni-

ty agencies; (3) the developm ent and dissemination

of cur ricu la, t each ing m odels, and educa t iona l

resources to enhance the MCH content of physical

therapy training programs; and (4) the provision of

continuing education, consultation, and technical

assistance in pediatric physical therapy that address-

es the needs of the MCH comm unity. The pediatric

physical therapy training projects serve as regional

and national resources for h ealth

professionals, families, commu-

nity-based agencies, and institu-

tions of higher learning.

H IGHLIGHTS

Trainees. Postprofessional pro-

gram curricula at both the mas-

ters and doctoral levels emphasize public health and

MCH issues such as family-centered care; incorpo-

rate clinical, teaching, and research experiences;

include focused m entoring in pediatric physical ther-

apy; and provide interdisciplinary training oppor tu-

nities. Trainees develop leadership skills in pro fes-

sional, academic, adm inistrative, policy, and research

capacities in their po sitions of respon sibility within

professional organizations, institutions of higher

learning, or comm un ity agencies. Additionally, skills

in advocacy, policy development, mentoring, pro-

gram development, and outcome evaluation are

developed.

Faculty. The faculty train pediatric physical thera-

pists for leadership roles, advocate for the M CH pop-

ulation, provide regional continu ing education for a

variety of health care professionals, integrate pedi-

atric physical therapy into local and state health care

systems, provide service to th eir profession al associa-

tions, and conduct and disseminate research to

improve the practice of pediatric physical therapy.

M C H Tr a in i ng Pr o g r a m

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( 3 0 1 ) 4 4 3 - 2 1 9 0 ( 3 0 1 ) 4 4 3 - 4 8 4 2 F A X h t t p : / / w w w . m c h b . h r s a . g o v / h t m l / d r t e . h t m l

Faculty collabor ate with state Title V agencies, pu blic

health and commun ity agencies, and oth er institu-

tions of higher learning to develop curricula centered

on the needs of the MCH population.

PROGRAM PROFILE

In FY 1999, the M CHB pediatric physical therapy

program fund ed three projects, with annual grant

awards tot aling $398,000.

The grant awards range from $123,000 to

$149,000 per year, with a mean award amo un t of

$133,000.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

U.S. Department of Health and Hum an Services,

Health Resources and Services Administration,

Maternal and Child Health Bureau. 1997. M atern al

and Child Health Center for Leadership in Pediatric

Physical Therapy Education: Application Guidance.

Rockville , MD: U.S. Depar tm en t o f Hea lth and

Hum an Services, Health Resources and Services

Adm inistration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

STAT E GRANTEE

OK University of Oklahom a

PA M CP H ahnem an n Un iversity

WA Un iver sit y of Wash in gton

Pr e sen t G r a n t Re c ip i e n t s

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