Prof comp module 2 (week 3) sync session

Understanding the Scope of Practice in Physical Therapy

• Scope of Practice

  • Definition: Set parameters defining what a physical therapist (PT) can legally do in practice based on education, training, and experience.

  • Components to consider:

  • Personal scope: Individual knowledge and skills.

  • Professional scope: Defined by the profession’s body of knowledge, including educational preparation and evidence-based practice.

  • Jurisdictional scope: Legal parameters set by state practice acts governing licensure and practice standards.

• Examples of Scope of Practice

  • Differences between states (California vs. Tennessee):

  • California: PTAs cannot supervise PT aides.

  • Tennessee: PTs may use PTAs for designated tasks that do not require clinical decision-making.

• Evolution of PT Scope of Practice

  • Historical Development:

  • 1910-1930: PTs served as assistants to physicians.

  • 1930-1960: Recognition as allied health professionals; educational standards began to rise.

  • 1960-1990: Increased autonomy with expectations for evidence-based practice.

  • 1990-present: Accountability as a doctoring profession without needing a referral for care.

Key Models in Physical Therapy Practice

• ICF Model

  • Focuses on understanding patient abilities and the factors contributing to disability during evaluation and treatment.

• Movement System

  • Physical therapists are experts in the movement system, understanding all components involved in movement and function.

• Biopsychosocial Model

  • Acknowledges the multi-faceted nature of individuals, integrating biological, psychological, and social factors influencing health outcomes.

• Evidence-Based Practice

  • Utilizes current best evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to inform decision-making in patient care.

Box Breathing Exercise

• Procedure for Box Breathing

  • Breathe in for 4 seconds.

  • Hold for 4 seconds.

  • Exhale for 4 seconds.

  • Hold for 4 seconds.

  • Repeat three times to promote relaxation and focus prior to sessions.

Understanding Patient-Centered Care

• Definition

  • Patient-centered care prioritizes the individual's specific needs, values, and preferences in the treatment process.

• Components of Patient-Centered Care

  • Individualized planning based on patient goals.

  • Acknowledgment of patient’s emotional and social needs.

  • Care that aligns with patient comfort and transparency in care plans.

• Relevance to Practice

  • Balancing financial realities of healthcare (payment and reimbursement) with the need to prioritize patient care.

Prevention Types in Physical Therapy

• Primary Prevention

  • Focuses on preventing disease before it occurs (e.g., addressing risk factors for osteoporosis).

• Secondary Prevention

  • Aims at early detection and intervention following the onset of an ailment (e.g., rehabilitation after myocardial infarction).

• Tertiary Prevention

  • Involves managing and reducing the impact of ongoing illness or injury (e.g., interventions for patients with Parkinson’s disease).

Advocacy in Physical Therapy

• Importance of Advocacy

  • Addresses underappreciated roles of PTs and seeks to change conditions for reimbursement and practice standards.

  • APTA serves as the main advocacy body for PTs advocating for better reimbursement frameworks and practice rights.

• Types of Advocacy Activities

  • Engaging with local and state PT associations to address specific practice issues (e.g., dry needling regulations).

  • Participating in the political action committee efforts to lobby for changes beneficial to the physical therapy profession.

Interprofessional Collaboration

• Definitions

  • Intraprofessional: Collaboration within the same profession (e.g., PTs and PTAs discussing patient care).

  • Interprofessional: Collaboration among different professions for comprehensive care (e.g., PTs, nursing, and PA students working together).

Practical Exercises in the Session

• Mentimeter Activity

  • Interactive polling to gauge understanding and perspectives on scope of practice and components of it.

• Breakout Sessions

  • Groups evaluated state practice acts to learn about what PTs can legally do concerning tasks like imaging and dry needling, fostering real-world application of learned concepts.

Final Notes

• Reminders

  • Implicit bias assessment due by October 19.

  • Discussion board due dates set for initial posts and peer responses as outlined.

• Engagement Opportunities

  • National Physical Therapy Month, community service activities, and local engagements to promote physical therapy and enhance advocacy efforts.