18) Professionalism and Core Values

accountability

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

• following through on treatment plans

• documenting accurately and timely

• adhering to professional standards and ethics

• owning mistakes and addressing the

• tracking patient outcomes

• being answerable to patients and colleagues

• commitment to ongoing learning

ex of accountability

altruism

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.

• staying late or coming in early

• advocating for the patient’s best interests

• prioritizing patient over personal

• providing care regardless of personal gain

• demonstrating empathy and compassion

• going above and beyond for safety and dignity

ex of altruism

collaboration

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.

• working w other healthcare professionals

• patient-centered goal setting

• interdisciplinary care planning

• respecting expertise of others

• active communication

• community and patient education

ex of collaboration

compassion and caring

• the desire to identify with or sense something of another’s experience, a precursor of caring

• the concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs and values of others

• active listening

• providing emotional support

• respecting dignity

• adapting care to the individual

• celebrating small wins

• showing patience

• being present and attentive

ex of compassion and caring

duty

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

• showing up prepared and professional

• following through on commitments

• adhering to ethical and legal standards

• prioritizing patient safety

• maintaining competence

• serving society and the profession

• being dependable for colleagues

ex of duty

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.

• evidence based practice

• high quality care

• continuous self reflection and improvement

• pursuing advanced knowledge skills

• setting and achieving high standards

• innovative problem solving

• contributing to the profession

ex of excellence

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.

• respecting cultural differences

• using inclusive language

• accessibility in care

• equity in treatment

• listening to diverse perspectives

• supporting diverse colleagues

• community engagement

ex of inclusion

integrity

steadfast adherence to high ethical principles or standards, being truthful, ensuring fairness, following through on commitments, and verbalizing to others the rationale for actions

• honesty w patients

• ethical decision-making

• maintaining professional boundaries

• transparency in care

• admitting mistakes

• consistency btw words and actions

• protecting patient confidentiality

ex of integrity

social responsibility

the promotion of a mutual trust between the profession and the larger public that necessitates responding to societal needs for health and wellness.

• advocacy for patients and the profession

• community health initiatives

• promoting health equity

• volunteering professional expertise

• educating the public

• professional service

• environmental and pubic health responsibility

ex of social responsibility