PT/PTA Roles and Clinical Care Concepts (Informed Consent, Evaluation, Intervention, Reevaluation, Supervision, Direct Access, and Demographics)

A set of Q&A flashcards covering informed consent, evaluation/intervention/reevaluation, supervision, direct access, demographics, and practice settings based on the provided notes.

What is informed consent in physical therapy?

Information provided to the patient describing the planned intervention in lay terms, including risks, benefits, alternatives, and an opportunity to ask questions, so the patient can decide whether to consent.

What components are included in an informed consent discussion?

Lay description of the intervention, risks and benefits, alternatives, opportunities for questions, and sign-off to indicate understanding.

Who must confirm understanding and provide consent before PT interventions begin?

The patient/client or their parent/legal guardian.

What are the main stages of the PT examination–evaluation–intervention process?

Examination (history, systems review, tests) leading to evaluation by the PT, establishing diagnosis and prognosis, and developing a plan of care.

Who performs the formal evaluation in physical therapy, and can PTAs perform evaluations?

The physical therapist (PT) performs the evaluation; PTAs do not perform evaluations.

Who can perform PT interventions and under what guidance?

Interventions may be performed by the PT or the PTA under the plan of care; the PT develops the plan and supervises.

What is reevaluation in physical therapy and who conducts it?

A formal reassessment of progress and the plan of care’s effectiveness, typically performed by the PT and sometimes required by payers at defined visit counts (e.g., six, ten, or twelve visits).

What does direct access mean in physical therapy?

Patients can access PT services directly without a physician referral; referrals may come from PAs, NPs, etc., depending on state rules.

What is direct supervision of PTAs?

The PT must be physically present and immediately available to direct the PTA.

What is indirect supervision of PTAs?

The PT is not required to be on-site; supervision can be provided through available means within regulatory allowances.

What is the PTA's role in supervision within a PT-led team?

PTAs supervise aides and implement the plan of care under PT direction; the PT remains legally responsible for patient care.

Who typically supervises PTAs, and who is ultimately responsible for the plan of care?

A physical therapist supervises PTAs; the PT is ultimately responsible for the plan of care and care quality (PTAs may supervise aides under direction).

What is primary vs secondary vs tertiary care in physical therapy?

Primary care is the initial contact provider; PTs are typically secondary or tertiary clinicians who work under referrals; tertiary care is specialized, such as pelvic floor PT.

What is the director of rehab (DOR) role in skilled nursing facilities?

Often a PTA or OTA in many facilities who manages scheduling and rehab operations; not always a PT.

What are common employment settings for PTs and how do they differ financially?

Common settings include outpatient/private practice, skilled nursing facilities (often higher pay), hospitals, home health, and schools; salaries vary by setting, with outpatient typically lower than some facility-based roles.

What are typical demographics for practicing physical therapists (PTs) according to the notes?

Predominantly white female; average age around 41; historically began with a bachelor’s degree, with the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) now common as the highest earned degree.

What are typical demographics and education for physical therapist assistants (PTAs)?

About 70% female and 30% male; average age mid-to-late 30s; entry-level Associate degree; highest earned degree usually Associate; majority are white.

What is the director of rehab role in SNFs often like?

The DOR manages rehab operations and scheduling; in many facilities, the role is filled by a PTA or OTA rather than a PT.

What is the McKenzie method (mechanical detection and therapy) used for in PT?

An assessment and treatment approach for low back issues that identifies a directional preference (flexion or extension) and uses repeated movements to guide exercise.

What is meant by screening in the PT examination process?

A process designed to avoid pain or discomfort and to identify potential problems early, guiding further evaluation or referrals.

What factors have increased demand for PT services and reimbursement?

An aging population, federal legislation supporting school-based health care, increased public interest in fitness, and insurer/government efforts to control health care costs.

What is the typical sequence from examination to plan of care and beyond?

History and systems review → examination → PT makes diagnosis and prognosis → plan of care with goals → interventions by PT/PTA → reevaluation and plan modification as needed.

Why is patient progress monitored and plans adjusted in PT?

To determine whether goals are being met; if progress stalls or regresses, the plan of care is adjusted to improve outcomes.

What is the role of education in physical therapy practice?

PTs and PTAs educate patients, families, and staff; training others (e.g., nursing staff) in safe transfers and activities to prevent injury.

Give an example of an knee rehabilitation goal and how progress might be measured.

Goal: regain full knee ROM and normal gait; progress is measured by ROM and functional milestones (e.g., stair climbing) within a defined time frame, with treatment adjusted to reach the goal.