Restoring abilities, independence and lives - Allina Health

Education and training enhances patient
independence to ensure positive outcomes
Continuing education and professional development have been hallmarks of the success of Sister
Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (SKRI) over the years. The Sister Kenny Foundation supports this
organizational priority by funding advanced clinical team member training, continuing education and
specialty certification for its team members. Furthermore, investment in patient education and training
that enables patients to achieve greater independence and function is a priority of the Foundation.
Established through funding from the Sister Kenny Foundation, Sister Kenny Grad School
is an education series for people with spinal cord injuries or strokes. Each session involves a program
expert who explores issues related to the survivors’ condition or recovery while teaching lifelong
adjustment skills.
Group discussion incorporated into each session leads to networking opportunities for participants.
“The opportunity to learn from others dealing with similar challenges and opportunities
is unequalled,” noted Cheryl Smith, stroke survivor and current peer visitor. “My educational
experience and volunteer involvement with other stroke survivors has led to meaningful and lasting
relationships that may not have been possible through general social connections,” added Smith.
A continued investment in the knowledge base of clinicians is also important. A high percentage
of Sister Kenny physical therapists hold specialty certifications in one of seven therapeutic areas.
These professionals have demonstrated advanced clinical knowledge
and skills in specialty areas such as geriatrics, orthopedics or neurology.
Brian LeLoup, PT, NCS, manager, Rehabilitation Services,
is one of many physical therapists who has directly benefited from
Foundation funding. “The Foundation’s grant helped me fund the
expenses associated with my neurology specialty certification. The
additional knowledge that I have acquired and reaffirmed, along
with my increased skill level, has improved my effectiveness as
a therapist,” said LeLoup. “The benefits of this certification now
extend to my role as a manager,” he added.
The need for continued professional education is critically
important as demands for specialization increase in the competitive
health care marketplace. In addition, health care protocols and
technology are constantly changing. It is essential that team
members stay current on emerging best practices to make the most efficient and cost-effective
choices to benefit patients and improve their outcomes.
“Continuing education drives better care because clinicians have the most current tools at
their disposal,” LeLoup stated. “It has allowed our clinicians to become better at what they do.
Also, continuing education provides us with an important recruiting tool to attract high-quality
applicants, helps with the retention of current employees, and, most importantly, improves the care
we give to patients.”
Regardless of the audience, the ultimate goal of all Sister Kenny educational programs is to help
each patient restore independence and ability, supporting a successful return to home and community.
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