Restoring abilities, independence and lives - Allina Health

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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. 2
The Foundation supports professional development The Foundation supports professional development with funding for clinical team member training, with funding for clinical staff training, continuing continuing education and certification, as well education as and certification, as well as support for support for patient education and training programs patient education and training programs that helps that helps patients successfully return to home patients and successfully return to and live in their homes community. and communities. 3
Page 1 and 2: A Sister Kenny Foundation 2010 Annu
Page 3: Dear Friend of the Foundation I kno
Page 7 and 8: The Foundation continues to be a si
Page 9 and 10: 7 Through the support of the Founda
Page 11 and 12: Trusts & Estates $4,293 Events $78,
Page 13 and 14: Mr. and Mrs. Ken Waschke Penny A. W
Page 15 and 16: Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Gaertner Drs
Page 17 and 18: Richard T. Chisholm Stine Company M
Page 19 and 20: 2010 Board of Directors Edward J. P

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