Physical Therapy Ethics and Communication Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which term refers to the responsibility of Physical Therapists to practice within legal and ethical boundaries?

Accountability (correct)

Malpractice

Accreditation

Prohibited practice

What does the 'A' in 'SOAP' documentation format primarily refer to?

Admission

Action Plan

Assessment (correct)

Analysis

Which communication type primarily involves facial expressions and body language?

Verbal communication

Technical communication

Non-verbal communication (correct)

Written communication

What is a key responsibility of the State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners?

Licensing and regulating practitioners Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a role of the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)?

Assisting with interventions and documentation Signup and view all the answers

What must all comments in documentation be supported by?

Evidence from Subjective or Objective documentation Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of patient treatment cannot be discussed by a PTA?

Prognosis or potential Signup and view all the answers

What is an inappropriate statement to include in a treatment plan according to third party payers?

Continue POT Signup and view all the answers

How should corrections be made in paper files?

Drawing a single line through inaccuracies and dating the correction Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR)?

Patient background, ongoing progress notes, evaluations and treatment plans Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for determining a patient's discharge status?

The physical therapist (PT) Signup and view all the answers

In a SOAP note, what does the 'A' stand for?

Assessment Signup and view all the answers

What type of note can PTAs write regarding discharge status?

D/C progress note Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes the need to protect the public from unethical actions?

Principle 9 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Standard 1 for physical therapist assistants?

Respecting the dignity and rights of individuals Signup and view all the answers

What should physical therapist assistants do when faced with non-definitive ethical guidance?

Seek additional advice or consultation Signup and view all the answers

Which principle highlights the importance of maintaining professional competence?

Principle 5 Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental obligation of physical therapist assistants as per the Standards of Ethical Conduct?

To enable patients to achieve greater independence and wellness Signup and view all the answers

Which principle reflects the need for earning deserved and reasonable remuneration?

Principle 7 Signup and view all the answers

Standard 3 requires physical therapist assistants to make decisions within what confines?

Collaboration with the physical therapist and laws Signup and view all the answers

What do physical therapists strive to maintain as per Principle 6?

High standards for practice, education, and research Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum educational requirement for a Physical Therapist?

Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which responsibility is NOT assigned to a Physical Therapist?

Treatment implementation Signup and view all the answers

What level of education is required for a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Associates degree Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks can a Physical Therapist Assistant NOT perform?

Perform initial patient evaluations Signup and view all the answers

What is required for Physical Therapy Aides while performing their duties?

On-site supervision by a licensed PT or PTA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Federation of State Board of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)?

To promote safe and competent physical therapy practice Signup and view all the answers

In which situation can a Physical Therapist Assistant modify a patient's treatment?

As part of the approved plan of care Signup and view all the answers

In which component of physical therapy practice does a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) have limitations?

Examination Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Physical Therapist licensing requirement is true?

All states require Physical Therapists to be licensed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the medical team in a patient's care?

May change based on the patient’s needs and care setting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a responsibility of a Physical Therapist Assistant?

Participating in discharge planning Signup and view all the answers

What does the prognosis component in physical therapy practice involve?

Determining the potential and timeline for function recovery Signup and view all the answers

How is the provision of physical therapy services accomplished?

Through a mix of evaluation, treatment, consultation, and documentation Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of an Acute Care Inpatient hospital setting in physical therapy?

Emphasis on patient medical care needs with short lengths of stay Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the evaluation component in physical therapy practice?

To assess the patient's medical history and system function Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of patient care is primarily addressed in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs)?

Intensive therapy services over several weeks Signup and view all the answers

What should a PTA do if faced with a question outside their knowledge?

Refer the question to a qualified professional. Signup and view all the answers

How can a PTA effectively build a therapeutic relationship with a patient?

By displaying interest in the patient’s outcomes and establishing trust. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the relationship between a PT and PTA essential?

It ensures optimal patient care through teamwork. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding the roles of PTs and PTAs?

PTs and PTAs have identical responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What should a PTA be aware of regarding state laws?

Scope of practice can vary from state to state. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT recommended for a PTA when a patient requests something outside the typical duties?

Perform the request without consulting anyone. Signup and view all the answers

How can communication improve the PT/PTA partnership?

It helps clarify expectations and roles. Signup and view all the answers

What should a PTA do upon encountering a potential violation of state laws?

Report it to the appropriate authorities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unit 1 Objectives: Intro to the PT Profession and Communication

Students will be able to define and describe the profession of Physical Therapy (PT), including its mission, services, specialties, and practice settings.
Students will be able to identify key historical contributions to the growth of Physical Therapy.
Students will be able to describe the benefits and general responsibilities of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Students will be able to describe responsibilities of State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
Students will be able to identify and define terms associated with the PT profession, including accountability, malpractice, prohibited practice, supervision, accreditation, licensure, professional ethics, patient's rights, and roles of medical teams.
Students will be able to discuss the roles of PT professionals and support staff (Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Physical Therapy Aide), including evaluations, data collection, interventions, documentation, communications, and discharge planning.
Students will be able to identify and explain the role of documentation for PT services and the SOAP documentation format.
Students will be able to identify information that would be classified as subjective, objective, assessment, or planning in documentation.
Students will be able to compare and contrast types of communication (verbal, non-verbal, and written) and how each contributes to effective service delivery.
Students will be able to perform sample SOAP documentation exercises.
Students will be able to perform active listening and effective communication (verbal, written, non-verbal) during simulated clinical experiences.
Students will be able to demonstrate adherence to professional ethical and legal standards throughout the program.

Unit 1: Intro to the Physical Therapy Profession

Physical Therapy is an art and science that promotes health, prevents disease through understanding movements, and corrects/alleviates the effects of diseases/injuries.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defines Physical Therapy (1986) as a treatment using physical means for promoting health, preventing disabilities, and rehabilitating people affected by disease or injury. The APTA is involved in patient evaluation, treatment with physical measures avoiding medicines, surgery, or radiation.
The history of Physical Therapy was significantly impacted by infantile paralysis (poliomyelitis) in the early 1900s and WWI in 1916, where it was recognized as a medical specialty for the reconstruction of injured military personnel.
The 1920s saw the formation of the American Women's Physical Therapeutic Association (AWPTA), which later became the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Early PTs were trained in muscle strengthening, massage, corrective exercises, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, mechanotherapy, active exercise, indoor/outdoor games, and massage.

Mastery, Adaptation and Vision Years (1980-2000)

There was a substantial increase in the number of physical therapy educational institutions in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Commission on Accreditation of PT Education (CAPTE) was established in 1977 to set uniform educational standards.
The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 aimed to reduce Medicare deficits, but unexpectedly led to a reduction of services initially delivered by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

APTA Vision 2020 (2000–2020)

This described objectives for future physical therapy practice.
It included goals for qualifications involved in PT practice.
All PTs graduating from doctor of Physical Therapy Education programs.
Emphasized autonomous practice and direct access for patients.

Clinical Settings

Acute Care Inpatient hospital: focuses on mobility, delivers treatments daily/2x daily for 5–7 days a week.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) focuses on rehabilitation (OT, ST, PT) and improving function, 5–7 days/week, 3 hr, therapy 5 out of 7 days
Out-patient Rehabilitation (OP): is performed in a hospital or a separate clinic setting, treat patients only, patients visit clinic only for treatment
Home Health for "homebound" patients: treatments given in the home or assisted living facilities (ALF)
School System/Early Intervention (pediatrics): therapists travel to schools, 2-3 times/week
Extended Care Facility (ECF) includes Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), long-term or short-term care, and Subacute medical and therapy services, frequency is 3–5 times/week
Day Treatment Programs: focused on reintegration to the community, therapy services (OT, ST, PT) for neurological disorders with multiple treatment services, Frequency is 5 times/week

Components of PT Practice

Examination: patient history, systems assessment (ROM, strength, balance, coordination, sensation, posture, skin integrity)
Evaluation: clinical judgments based on examination data
Diagnosis: identifying patient problem areas and syndromes, impairments
Prognosis: predicting ability to attain a desired level of function
Intervention: therapy techniques, procedures, and protocols.
Assessment: explaining treatment decisions and the rationale for decisions made.

Provision of PT Services

Evaluation and treatment (direct patient interaction)
Administration and supervision of PT personnel and interventions
Consultation with other healthcare disciplines
Preparation of records and reports
Community awareness/projects with companies, organizations
Clinical, academic, and accreditation education

Summary of PTA Scope of Practice

PTAs cannot evaluate patients, but CAN observe and measure them.
PTAs CAN treat within their scope and the patient’s plan of care (POC).
PTAs can amend/modify interventions in the POC.

Data Collection (Subjective & Objective)

Subjective Data: information the patient, family, or other sources describe related to PT, chief complaint, patient history (interview what is the problem, where, when, how long, prior level of function, etc.)
Objective Data: directly observable data recorded by the therapist, including assessment of mental status, appearance, ROM, strength, sensation, balance, DTRs, cranial nerves, vital signs, and mobility.

Documentation

Quality/Continuity of Care
Legal record
Reimbursement
Accurate, timely documentation of identification.

Entry Corrections (Standard Procedure)

EMR, paper files, date, initial, and correct (in chronological sequence)
All corrections must be legible and clear.

Confidentiality

Private information: everything about the patient is confidential
Don't read a patient chart that you are not treating.
Don't discuss a patient with anyone other than medical staff without a valid reason.
Don't provide patient information over the phone unless for care-related discussions.
Don't copy patient information without consent.
Maintain confidentiality with patient paperwork and when working in shared spaces

Communication: Patient/Client Rapport

Punctuality: attending patients in a timely manner.
Friendliness: introducing yourself, smiling, introducing yourself by name and title
Culturally sensitive: awareness and respect of different communication styles
Communicative: clear and appropriate explanation, laymen terms if needed.
Cognitive factors (age, cognitive function, sensory impairment).
Patient-focused communication (focus on the patient.)
Knowledgeable communication (familiarity, professional respect.)

Vulnerable Populations

A patient vulnerable to harm or exploitation, lack of capacity to care for oneself
Possible environments (Pediatrics, disabled, geriatrics, child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse)

Inform supervisor of suspected abuse
Consult with other healthcare providers
Maintain accurate documentation
Dial 911 in emergencies.

Ethical Conduct (and Standards)

Physical Therapists: maintain and promote ethical practice, respect rights and dignity, act honestly and respectfully with patients, comply with laws and regulations, practice effectively, and exercise sound judgment.
Physical Therapist Assistants: fulfill the legal and ethical obligations, integrity with patients/clients, families, colleagues, demonstrate competence through continuous learning, and support patient-centered care.

Evidence-Based Practice

The process of integrating the best available research, clinical expertise, and patient values.
Used to improve the quality of patient care and to provide the highest possible quality of care.
Critical appraisal of the evidence and then use the research to make decisions
Clinical Expertise/Experience: personal knowledge and experience.
Patient Values and Circumstances: understanding the patient's preferences, needs, and beliefs into physical therapy care.

Code of Ethics for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants (APTA)

Set forth principles for the ethical practice of physical therapy.
All physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are responsible for maintaining ethical practice.
The therapist/assistant should act in the best interests of the patient.
Encourages ethical behavior in all aspects of care

Confidentiality Laws

HIPAA: federal law designed to protect patients' medical records. Regulations must be followed by all personnel involved in patient care.
Patient confidentiality is non-negotiable.

Common Barriers to Communication

Noisy environment, language barriers, tone/volume, time constraints, bias, medical conditions.
Active listening helps.
Avoid miscommunication by checking for understanding.

Professional Relationships and Supervision

PTs/PTAs should establish clear roles, understand their respective ethical responsibilities and scope practices.
PTs should adhere to state laws and regulatory guidelines to provide the highest standards of patient care.
Supervision is crucial for safe and ethical operations that comply with state laws and regulations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the ethical responsibilities of physical therapists and key communication types used in therapy. This quiz covers essential concepts such as SOAP documentation and the role of state boards in physical therapy. Perfect for students and professionals looking to refresh their understanding.