MS STEP UP Program at University of South Florida

Background: The University of South Florida (USF) School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (SPTRS) in 2013 began an MS Standardized Training and Education Program with University Partners (MS STEP UP) with the assistance of the National MS Society Mid Florida Chapter and the UNC Chapel Hill MS STEP UP program. The MS STEP UP program was initiated at USF to train physical therapy students in the specialized care of individuals with MS. The MS STEP UP Track Competencies Rating Scale consists of twelve leadership domains in which students evaluate their perceived level of competency as compared to other students at the same level. The twelve domains include: knowledge of MS, advanced knowledge in MS, knowledge of public policy and service systems, interdisciplinary teams and interagency planning, assessment and outcomes, implementation of treatment plans and services, involvement with individuals with MS, caregivers, and communities of care, program and project evaluation, legal, ethical, and moral issues, program/project management, health care delivery systems and MS, and research.

Objectives: To bring awareness of the MS STEP UP program at USF to the MS community and to discuss what the program offers the Tampa Bay area. The MS STEP UP program will begin to track changes in competency ratings of USF DPT students. 

Methods: This 2-year track consists of additional course work geared towards Multiple Sclerosis, faculty mentoring, community service with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), observation in MS clinics, and physical therapy clinical experiences with persons with MS. Clinical experiences give students the opportunity to work with physical therapists, neurologists, and researchers who specialize in MS. This year, the collection of competency data was completed by the two incoming MS STEP UP scholars.

Results: Four students are currently enrolled and two DPT students have completed the MS Education Track at USF. Initial competency data has been completed by two of the four scholars. The initial competency data forms reveal that incoming scholars feel that their knowledge is below average when it comes to treating persons with Multiple Sclerosis.

Conclusions: The MS STEP UP program will educate USF Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students in the best evidence-based practice for persons with MS while simultaneously helping the greater Tampa Bay area MS community.