Professionalism in Physical Therapy: Core Values

Professionalism in Physical Therapy: Core Values

Purpose of Core Values

  • To promote the profession of Physical Therapy (PT), the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) defined the professional segment of the Vision Statement: "Professionalism in Physical Therapy: Core Values."
  • Aim: Transition PT into a doctoring profession by outlining the behaviors a Physical Therapist (PT) should exhibit in daily practice to demonstrate professionalism.

Seven Core Values of Professionalism in PT

  • The APTA identifies the following seven core values:
    • Accountability
    • Altruism
    • Compassion/Caring
    • Excellence
    • Integrity
    • Professional Duty
    • Social Responsibility
1. Accountability
  • Definition: Active acceptance of the responsibility for diverse roles, obligations, and actions as a physical therapist.
  • Includes:
    • Self-regulation and behavioral actions that positively influence:
    • Patient/client outcomes.
    • The profession as a whole.
    • The health needs of society.
2. Altruism
  • Definition: Commitment to prioritizing the interests of patients/clients.
  • Key Concept: Fiduciary responsibility requiring PTs to place patient/client needs ahead of their own self-interest.
3. Compassion/Caring
  • Compassion: A deep-seated desire to understand and connect with another individual's experiences.
  • Caring: Encompasses concern, empathy, and consideration for the needs and values of others.
4. Excellence
  • Definition: Engaging in PT practice that:
    • Consistently utilizes up-to-date knowledge and theories.
    • Acknowledges personal limitations.
    • Integrates clinical judgment with the patient/client perspective.
    • Embraces advancements and challenges mediocrity.
    • Works towards the development of new knowledge within the profession.
5. Integrity
  • Definition: Commitment to steadfast adherence to:
    • High ethical principles.
    • Professional standards, ensuring a trustworthy practice.
6. Professional Duty
  • Definition: The obligation to:
    • Provide effective physical therapy services to individual patients/clients.
    • Serve the profession as a whole.
    • Positively influence the overall health of society.
7. Social Responsibility
  • Definition: The responsibility of the profession to foster a mutual trust with the public.
  • Significance: This includes responding to societal needs for health and wellness, ensuring the profession remains connected to the community it serves.