PHTY1110 T1: Communication and Professionalism in Physiotherapy

What defines a physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist is defined by evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, high ethical standards, special knowledge and skills, high-level training, interest in others, and prioritizing the welfare, health, and safety of the community.

What is the role of the Physiotherapy Board of Australia?

The Physiotherapy Board of Australia sets policy and professional standards, registers physiotherapists and students, handles notifications and complaints, assesses overseas trained practitioners, and approves accreditation standards and accredited courses.

What are the key functions of the Physiotherapy Board of Australia?

Key functions include registering physiotherapists and students, developing standards and guidelines, handling complaints and investigations, assessing overseas practitioners, and approving accredited courses.

What are the registration standards set by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia?

Registration standards include criminal history, English language skills, professional indemnity insurance, continuing professional development, and recency of practice.

What is the role of the Australian Physiotherapy Council?

The Australian Physiotherapy Council approves qualifications from accredited programs.

List the roles of a physiotherapy practitioner.

Roles include: 1. Physiotherapy practitioner, 2. Professional and ethical practitioner, 3. Communicator, 4. Reflective practitioner and self-directed learner, 5. Collaborative practitioner, 6. Educator, 7. Manager/leader.

What is the primary concern for health professionals in clinical practice?

The primary concern is the care of the patient or client.

How should relationships with patients and clients be established?

Relationships should be based on openness, trust, and good communication to enable effective partnerships.

What is the importance of relationships with colleagues in healthcare?

Good relationships with colleagues strengthen the practitioner-patient relationship and enhance patient care.

What responsibility do practitioners have within the healthcare system?

Practitioners are responsible for contributing to the effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare system.

What is a key component of practice regarding risk?

Minimizing risk to patients or clients is a crucial component of practice.

What does good practice involve in terms of risk management?

Good practice involves understanding and applying key principles of risk minimization and management.

What are core aspects of maintaining professional performance?

Core aspects include maintaining and developing knowledge, skills, and professional behavior.

What standard of behavior must practitioners display?

Practitioners must display a standard of behavior that warrants the trust and respect of the community.

Why is maintaining health and wellbeing important for practitioners?

Maintaining health and wellbeing is important for practitioners to ensure they can provide effective care and achieve a work-life balance.

Why is maintaining teaching, supervising, and mentoring important in physiotherapy?

It is important for the development of practitioners and students and for the care of patients or clients.

What is the role of research in healthcare?

Research involving humans, their tissue samples, or health information is vital for improving healthcare quality and reducing uncertainty for patients.

What is the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)?

The peak body representing Australian physiotherapists and patients, consisting of state and territory branches and specialty subgroups.

What are the main regulatory bodies for physiotherapy in Australia?

Physiotherapy Board of Australia (AHPRA), Australian Physiotherapy Association, and Australian Physiotherapy Council.

What are the key components of successful healthcare teams?

Open communication, collaborative goal setting and decision making, respect for roles, recognition of each member's value, and awareness of professional roles.

Who are common members of a healthcare team?

General Practitioner, Specialist Doctor, Nursing staff, Physiotherapist, Dietician, Social worker, Speech language pathologist, Occupational therapist, Psychologist, Pharmacist, Exercise physiologists.

What characterizes a multidisciplinary team model?

A group of healthcare workers from different disciplines providing individual services to the patient, each with their own therapeutic goals.

What are the benefits of a multidisciplinary team model?

Holistic care and specific knowledge and expertise of each profession.

What are the disadvantages of a multidisciplinary team model?

Cost, time for individual appointments, availability, and potential confusion from competing demands.

What defines an interdisciplinary team model?

Team members from different disciplines work collaboratively with common goals, shared decision making, and continuous collaboration.

What are the benefits of an interdisciplinary team model?

Holistic care, specific knowledge from each professional, avoidance of duplication, cost-effectiveness, and combined appointments.

What are the disadvantages of an interdisciplinary team model?

Cost and reliance on good team dynamics for success.

What is the transdisciplinary team model?

Integration and coordination of professionals' expertise, where one professional delivers the management plan with extensive collaboration.

What are the benefits of a transdisciplinary team model?

Holistic care, specific knowledge from each professional, reduced duplication of services, prevention of service delivery gaps, and reduced waiting periods.

What are the disadvantages of a transdisciplinary team model?

Blurring of scope of practice and potential loss of discipline-specific skills.

What is the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health?

It provides a standard language and framework for describing health and health-related states.

What does the International Classification of Functioning classify?

Health and health-related domains.

What is the importance of teamwork in physiotherapy?

Teamwork combines the expertise of various professionals to maximize patient outcomes.

What is a key aspect of the interdisciplinary team model regarding patient assessment?

Assessment findings from each professional are discussed and interpreted collaboratively with the patient.

How does the transdisciplinary model approach service delivery?

It reduces waiting periods and prevents gaps in service delivery by having one professional manage the plan.

What is a potential risk of the transdisciplinary model?

The scope of practice may become blurred, leading to the loss of specific skills.

What is the significance of the APA's membership in the World Confederation for Physical Therapy?

It connects Australian physiotherapy to an international body, promoting global standards and practices.

How does research contribute to the health of the population?

By improving the quality of healthcare and reducing uncertainty for patients and clients.

What does the ICF describe regarding body function and structure?

Changes in body function and structure, including what a person with a health condition can do in a standard environment (capacity) and what they actually do in their usual environment (performance).

What are the aims of the ICF?

To provide a scientific basis for understanding health, establish a common language for describing health, permit comparison of data across various contexts, and provide a systematic coding scheme for health information systems.

What does the ICF treat disability as?

A continuum, rather than categorizing individuals.

What are the components of the ICF model?

Health Condition (disorder or disease) leads to Body Functions & Structures Impairments, Activity limitations, and Participation Restrictions, influenced by contextual factors.

What are examples of Health Conditions in the ICF?

Disease, disorder, trauma, injury, pregnancy, stress, and aging.

What do Body Structures refer to in the ICF?

Anatomical parts of the body such as organs, limbs, and their components.

What are Body Functions in the context of the ICF?

Physiological functions of body systems, including psychological functions.

List some Body Structures identified in the ICF.

Nervous System, Eye, ear and related structures, voice and speech, cardiovascular, immunological and respiratory systems, digestive, metabolic, and endocrine systems, genitourinary and reproductive systems, movement-related structures, skin and related structures.

List some Body Functions identified in the ICF.

Mental Functions, Sensory functions and pain, Voice and speech functions, cardiovascular, haematological, immunological & respiratory functions, digestive, metabolic and endocrine functions, genitourinary and reproductive functions, neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions, skin and related functions.

What is the difference between Activity and Participation in the ICF?

Activity refers to the execution of a task or action by an individual, while Participation refers to involvement in a life situation.

What are Activity limitations?

Difficulties an individual may have in executing activities.

What are Participation restrictions?

Problems an individual may experience in involvement in life situations.

Provide examples of Activities according to the ICF.

Walking, running, sitting, reading, eating.

Provide examples of Participation according to the ICF.

Mobility, work/employment, interpersonal relationships, education, community and social life.

What does the Environment refer to in the ICF?

The physical, social, and attitudinal environment in which people live and conduct their lives, acting as barriers or facilitators of functioning.

What are the categories of Environmental factors in the ICF?

Products and technology, natural environment and human-made changes, support and relationships, attitudes, services, systems, and policies.

What Personal factors are considered in the ICF?

Factors that relate specifically to the individual, such as age, gender, and marital status.

Where can the ICF be applied?

Clinical practice, support services, population statistics, education, policy and programs, advocacy, and empowerment.

How is the ICF used in clinical practice?

It is regularly referenced and used heavily in assessment, management, and goal planning.

What is the significance of the ICIDH in relation to the ICF?

Studies showed that diagnosis alone does not predict service needs, length of hospitalizations, level of care, or functional outcomes, leading to the development of the ICF.

What is the Right to Informed Consent in physiotherapy?

Patients must receive clear, comprehensive, and understandable information about the nature, purpose, expected benefits, potential risks, alternative options, and the opportunity to ask questions before consenting to treatment.

What does the Right to Withdraw Consent entail for patients?

Patients can refuse or withdraw consent at any time, even if they previously agreed to treatment.

How must patients be treated according to their Right to Dignity and Respect?

Patients must be treated with dignity and respect, ensuring privacy during assessment and treatment, especially in manual therapy.

What is the Right to Confidentiality in physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists must keep patient information private and confidential, sharing it only with consent or when legally required.

What does the Right to a Chaperone or Support Person allow patients to do?

Patients can request a chaperone or support person during treatment, particularly for sensitive procedures involving physical contact.

What is included in the Right to Competent and Ethical Care?

Patients have the right to receive evidence-based, professional, and ethical treatment in accordance with Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and AHPRA guidelines.

What can patients do under the Right to Report Concerns or Complaints?

Patients can raise concerns about their treatment with the physiotherapist, the clinic, or external regulatory bodies like AHPRA or the Health Complaints Commissioner.

What is a common way a physiotherapist might infringe a patient's right?

Failure to obtain proper informed consent by not clearly explaining risks, benefits, or alternatives.

How might inadequate communication infringe a patient's rights?

Using complex medical jargon that the patient does not understand or not verifying genuine agreement to a technique.

What constitutes a breach of privacy and confidentiality in physiotherapy?

Discussing a patient's case without permission or failing to securely store medical records.

How can excessive or inappropriate physical contact infringe on patient rights?

Performing manual therapy techniques without proper explanation or consent, or touching a patient in a way that makes them uncomfortable.

What happens if a patient requests a chaperone and it is ignored?

This can infringe on the patient's rights, particularly during intimate or sensitive treatments.

What is a potential outcome of negligence in treatment?

Providing incorrect treatment that results in harm or failing to recognize patient discomfort.

What are possible outcomes of infringing a patient's rights?

Loss of trust, formal complaints, legal consequences, professional disciplinary action, and reputational damage.

What is informed consent?

Informed consent is the process of providing patients with clear information about a treatment so they can make an educated decision.

What elements are included in informed consent?

The nature and purpose of treatment, expected benefits, potential risks or side effects, alternative options, and the opportunity to ask questions.

What might happen if a physiotherapist proceeds with treatment after a patient withdraws consent?

This constitutes an infringement of the patient's rights and can lead to legal consequences.

How can a physiotherapist ensure they are obtaining proper informed consent?

By clearly explaining the treatment details, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and confirming the patient's understanding and agreement.

What should a physiotherapist do if a patient expresses discomfort during treatment?

The physiotherapist should recognize the discomfort and address it immediately to ensure the patient's comfort and safety.

What is the role of AHPRA in relation to patient rights?

AHPRA oversees the regulation of health practitioners and can investigate complaints against physiotherapists.

What could be a consequence of a formal complaint against a physiotherapist?

The physiotherapist may face an investigation by AHPRA or the Health Complaints Commissioner, leading to potential penalties.

What impact can reputational damage have on a physiotherapist?

It can lead to loss of clients and professional credibility.

What is the significance of ensuring privacy during treatment?

It is essential for maintaining the dignity and respect of patients, as well as complying with confidentiality laws.

What is informed consent in healthcare?

Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement where a patient voluntarily agrees to a proposed treatment after being provided with all necessary information.

What are the key elements of informed consent?

1. Disclosure of Information 2. Patient's Understanding 3. Voluntary Decision-Making 4. Capacity to Consent 5. Documentation

What must be included in the disclosure of information for informed consent?

The nature and purpose of the treatment, potential benefits, possible risks and side effects, and alternative treatments.

How should a physiotherapist ensure a patient's understanding of the treatment?

By encouraging questions and using simple language to confirm comprehension.

What does voluntary decision-making entail in the context of informed consent?

The patient must give consent freely, without pressure, coercion, or undue influence.

What is required for a patient to have the capacity to consent?

The patient must have the legal and mental capacity to make an informed decision.

What should be done if a patient is a minor or lacks decision-making capacity?

Consent may need to be obtained from a parent, guardian, or legally authorized representative.

What forms can consent take in physiotherapy?

Consent can be verbal, written, or implied through actions.

When is written consent recommended in physiotherapy?

For high-risk procedures.

What do individuals need to know before providing informed consent for physiotherapy treatment?

1. Nature and Purpose of the Treatment 2. Potential Benefits 3. Possible Risks and Side Effects 4. Alternative Treatment Options 5. Right to Refuse or Withdraw Consent 6. Who Will Be Performing the Treatment 7. Privacy and Confidentiality 8. Opportunity to Ask Questions.

What is the nature and purpose of treatment in informed consent?

It refers to what the physiotherapist intends to do, such as manual therapy or exercise prescription, and the goals of the treatment.

What potential benefits should be explained to patients before treatment?

Expected improvements like pain relief, increased mobility, or faster recovery.

What possible risks and side effects should patients be informed about?

Discomfort, pain, soreness, potential adverse reactions, and the risk of worsening symptoms.

What alternative treatment options should be discussed with patients?

Other physiotherapy techniques, treatments from other healthcare professionals, and the option to decline treatment.

What rights do patients have regarding consent?

Patients can refuse or stop treatment at any time and should not feel pressured to undergo treatment.

Who should perform the treatment according to informed consent?

The treatment should be conducted by a registered physiotherapist, an assistant, or a student under supervision.

What assurance should be given regarding privacy and confidentiality?

Personal and medical information will remain confidential unless legally required to be shared.

Why is it important for patients to have the opportunity to ask questions?

To clarify any doubts before making their decision.

What is a legal requirement for valid consent in physiotherapy?

The patient must have the capacity to consent, meaning they can understand, retain, and evaluate the information provided.