Ethics and Laws in Physical Therapy

Study Notes

A common framework for medical ethics is the "four principles" approach, outlined by Beauchamp and Childress.
These principles include respect for autonomy (patient's right to choose), beneficence (acting in the patient's best interest), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), and justice (fair distribution of resources).
Double effect describes consequences that may result from a single action, often combined beneficence and non-maleficence.
Morphine use in dying patients is an example of double effect, offering pain relief but potentially shortening life by affecting respiration.

Physical therapists must understand ethical codes, customs, traditions and responsibilities toward patients and peers.
Essential qualities include good communication, respect for patient values, punctuality, honesty, and knowledge of basic sciences/physical therapy, and community understanding.
Patience and tact are crucial for handling patients and colleagues.
Education includes courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, and data analysis to diagnose and treat effectively.

Rehabilitation aims to restore a disabled person toward normal life through appropriate training.
Rehabilitation team members include occupational therapists, physical therapists, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, clinical psychologists, social workers, registered dietitians, and others.
Ethical responsibilities of rehabilitation teams include those to themselves, clients, their teams, their disciplines, and society.

Management in physical therapy involves efficient use of resources for effective treatment.
Physical therapy is now seen as more than just physical means but also includes evaluating musculoskeletal and neurophysiological problems, and providing interventions to prevent them.
Physical therapists often work with clients not only ill but also those requiring general fitness, ergonomics, and assisting relatives of elderly care. Physical therapy services need not be referred by a doctor in some areas.
Physical therapists should carefully assess patients, set short- and long-term goals, and use expertise effectively.

Patient evaluation in physical therapy often uses classification to group patients for better understanding and treatment approaches.
Classification often groups conditions based on etiology, known outcome of treatment, and conditions for different categories.
Four main groups (I-IV) are often used for evaluation.
- Group I: Soft tissue injuries, frequently self-limiting, with recovery expected
- Group II: Conditions requiring other management like surgery or intensive care where PT is just one aspect of treatment
- Group III: Conditions with irreversible damage/loss of body tissue and disabilities like CVA, head injury
- Group IV: Conditions with progressive deterioration like arthritis, disseminated sclerosis, and muscle diseases
Outcome assessment requires careful consideration, such as symptom relief, range-of-motion improvement.