Intro-History
PHT 1201: Introduction to PTA
Instructor: Beatriz Melendez, DPT, MSPT, ACCE
Definition of Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy: Begins with an examination to:
Determine the nature and status of the condition.
Establish a diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of care.
Provided by or under the direction of a physical therapist.
Physical Therapy as a Profession
Hierarchy in the Profession:
Lifetime Commitment: Dedication required.
Representative Organization: Standards and structure provided by the APTA.
Specialized Education: Ensures competency.
Service to Clients: Direct benefit to society.
Autonomy: Independent and accurate judgment expected.
Historical Development
Polio Epidemic: Left many children paralyzed, highlighting the need for PT.
World War I: Surgeons went to England and France to learn PT techniques for veterans.
Continued Historical Development
Development of an organization to train Reconstruction Aides post-WWI.
Creation of the American Women's Physical Therapist Association after WWI,
Mary McMillan elected first president in 1921, first PT in the US.
Post-WWI Progress
Journal of PT Review introduced.
In 1922, the AWCPTA changed names to American Physiotherapy Association (APA), admitting male members.
Journal re-titled to Physiotherapy Review.
Educational Developments Post-WWI
1928: APA suggested a 9-month curriculum.
1930: Approved 11 educational programs.
Post-WWII Period
Army recognized the need for organized PT training for military personnel.
APA renamed to American Physical Therapy Association.
1962: Publication known as Journal of Physical Therapy.
1960-1980s Developments
1960: Policy statements for PTAs established.
1971: APTA headquarters relocated to Washington D.C.
Minimum Requirement for PTs raised to a baccalaureate degree in 1960; mandatory BS degree by 1970.
APTA Recognition and Specialization
1977: APTA recognized as an accrediting agency.
1978: American Board of Physical Therapy Specialist created for specialization and certifications.
1980: All programs must award a post-baccalaureate (MS) degree by 1990.
Changes in Accreditation
1983: APTA became the sole agency for accrediting PT and PTA programs.
1984: APTA adopted policy on diagnosis in PT.
1988: Direct access to PTs became legal in 20 states.
Challenges in the 1990s
New reimbursement issues from managed care limited practice environments.
Creation of a separate body for PTAs, Representative Body of the National Assembly.
2020: Included provisions for services by Doctors of Physical Therapy.
Role of Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Defined as a health care provider assisting PTs in delivering PT services.
Must graduate from an accredited PTA associate degree program.
PTA's function includes compliance with federal and state regulations.
Responsibilities of the PTA
PTA cannot initiate/change treatment without PT's assessment and approval.
Inpatient care requires the PT to be physically available.
For non-inpatients, PT must be accessible by telecommunications.
PTA reports patient responses and inquiries about prognosis to PT.
PT Responsibilities
Interpretation of Referrals.
Initial patient assessment and treatment plan development.
Documentation and identification of special precautions.
Regular reassessment and modification of treatment plans.
Components of the Initial Assessment
Informed Consent: Clear description of interventions, expected benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Examination: Gathering information including patient medical history.
Initial Assessment: All measurements recorded.
Diagnosis: Defined from examination findings.
Prognosis: Prediction of improvement and necessary timeline.
Plan of Care: Incorporates patient expectations.
Goals: Should be measurable.
Treatment Interventions: Procedures to achieve desired outcomes.
Documentation Formats
SOAP Notes: Framework for documenting patient interactions.
S: Subjective data, information from the patient or caregivers.
O: Objective data, measurable and reproducible findings.
A: Assessment, summarizing subjective and objective data.
P: Plan, outlining what will happen next in treatment.