This webinar is free and open to the general public.

In an evolving healthcare landscape, the impact of physical therapy extends far beyond individual rehabilitation. This webinar will lay the groundwork for understanding how physical therapists are integral in addressing population health challenges. We will begin by defining population health and its core principles, emphasizing the shift towards proactive and preventative care. From there, we will explore the unique skills and perspectives that physical therapists bring to this arena. Their expertise in biomechanics, exercise prescription, pain management, and functional movement assessment positions them as key players in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing chronic diseases within communities.

We will examine specific examples of how physical therapists are currently involved in population health initiatives. This includes their contributions to falls prevention programs for older adults, the management of musculoskeletal conditions in the workplace, the promotion of physical activity in schools and communities, and the development of strategies to address health disparities. The webinar will also discuss the importance of interprofessional collaboration, highlighting how physical therapists can effectively work alongside physicians, nurses, public health officials, and community organizations to achieve shared population health goals. Furthermore, we will touch upon the role of advocacy, research, and policy in expanding the influence of physical therapy on population health outcomes. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of physical therapy within a population health framework, inspiring them to explore further opportunities for engagement and impact in their own practice.

Learning Objectives

• Define population health and articulate the relevance of physical therapy within this framework.
• Identify at least three specific ways physical therapists can contribute to improving population health outcomes across different settings.
• Describe the importance of interprofessional collaboration and advocacy in advancing the role of physical therapy in population health.

Who Should Attend?

• Students, Early Career Professionals, Practicing Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants - Individuals interested in learning more about population-based approaches to care
• Educators and Academic Faculty - Faculty who are teaching (or wishing to teach) population health concepts 
• Clinical Educators, Site Coordinators, and Directors of Clinical Education - Folks who may be looking for ways to integrate population health concepts into student learning opportunities. 
• Health System Leaders and Administrators - Individuals involved in population health management, quality improvement, and value-based care 

Meet the Presenters

Patrick Berner

Dawn Magnusson, PT, PhD

Todd Davenport, PT, DPT, PhD, MPH, OCS

CEUs:

As a specialty section of APTA, the Academy of Leadership and Innovation courses are preapproved in most states. If APTA is not automatically preapproved in your state and you would like to receive credit for this course, please use the course information that will be provided in the post-webinar email to apply for continuing education credit. 

You will receive a PDF with links to the webinar recording and the CEU Assessment.