Core Values for Physical Therapists and Assistants PDF

Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant HOD P09-21-21-09 [Amended: HOD P06-19-48-55; HOD P06-18-25-33; Initial HOD P05- 07-19-19] [Previously Titled: Core Values: for the Physical Therapist] [Position] The core values guide the behaviors of physical therapists and ph...

Core Values for the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant HOD P09-21-21-09 [Amended: HOD P06-19-48-55; HOD P06-18-25-33; Initial HOD P05- 07-19-19] [Previously Titled: Core Values: for the Physical Therapist] [Position] The core values guide the behaviors of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to provide the highest quality of physical therapist services. These values imbue the scope of physical therapist and physical therapist assistant activities. The core values retain the physical therapist as the person ultimately responsible for providing safe, accessible, cost‐effective, and evidence‐based services; and the physical therapist assistant as the only individual who assists the physical therapist in practice, working under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. The core values are defined as follows: Accountability Accountability is active acceptance of the responsibility for the diverse roles, obligations, and actions of the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant including self‐regulation and other behaviors that positively influence patient and client outcomes, the profession, and the health needs of society. Altruism Altruism is the primary regard for or devotion to the interest of patients and clients, thus assuming the responsibility of placing the needs of patients and clients ahead of the physical therapist’s or physical therapist assistant’s self‐interest. Collaboration Collaboration is working together with patients and clients, families, communities, and professionals in health and other fields to achieve shared goals. Collaboration within the physical therapist‐physical therapist assistant team is working together, within each partner’s respective role, to achieve optimal physical therapist services and outcomes for patients and clients. Compassion and Caring Compassion is the desire to identify with or sense something of another’s experience, a precursor of caring. Caring is the concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs and values of others. Duty Duty is the commitment to meeting one’s obligations to provide effective physical therapist services to patients and clients, to serve the profession, and to positively influence the health of society. Excellence Excellence in the provision of physical therapist services occurs when the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant consistently use current knowledge and skills while understanding personal limits, integrate the patient or client perspective, embrace advancement, and challenge mediocrity. Inclusion Inclusion occurs when the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant create a welcoming and equitable environment for all. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are inclusive when they commit to providing a safe space, elevating diverse and minority voices, acknowledging personal biases that may impact patient care, and taking a position of anti-discrimination. Integrity Integrity is steadfast adherence to high ethical principles or standards, being truthful, ensuring fairness, following through on commitments, and verbalizing to others the rationale for actions. ©2021 American Physical Therapy Association. All rights reserved.  Social Responsibility Social responsibility is the promotion of a mutual trust between the profession and the larger public that necessitates responding to societal needs for health and wellness. Explanation of Reference Numbers: HOD P00‐00‐00‐00 stands for House of Delegates/month/year/page/vote in the House of Delegates minutes; the "P" indicates that it is a position (see below). For example, HOD P06‐17‐05‐04 means that this position can be found in the June 2017 House of Delegates minutes on Page 5 and that it was Vote 4. P: Position | S: Standard | G: Guideline | Y: Policy | R: Procedure Last Updated: 12/14/2021 Contact: [email protected] American Physical Therapy Association / 2