LECTURE 3
THE SCOPE OF THE
PROFESSION
Physiotherapy practice, which is limited to the care and services
provided by or under the direction and supervision of a physical
therapist, includes:
1. Examination (history taking, system review and tests and
measurements) individuals with impairment, functional limitation, and
disability or other health-related conditions in order to determine a
diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention.
The test and measurements include:
aerobic capacity/endurance; anthropometric characteristics; assistive
and adaptive devices; circulation (arterial, venous, lymphatic); cranial
and peripheral nerve integrity; environmental, home, and work
(job/school/play) barriers; ergonomics and body mechanics; gait and
balance; joint integrity and mobility; motor function; muscle
performance (including strength, power, and endurance); pain; posture;
prosthetic requirements; respiration and gas exchange etc.
2. Alleviating impairment and functional limitation by designing,
implementing, and modifying therapeutic intervention that includes:
coordination, communication and documentation; client-related
instruction; therapeutic exercise; functional training in self-care and
home management (including QoL); manual therapy techniques
(including mobilization/manipulation); prescription, application and
application of supportive devices; airway clearance techniques;
electrotherapeutic modalities; physical agents and mechanical
modalities
3. Preventing injury, impairment, functional limitation, and disability,
including the promotion and maintenance of health, wellness, fitness,
and quality of life in all age populations
4. Engaging in consultation, education, and research
PROFESSION CADRE IN
PHYSIOTHERAPY
This refers to the grading in the physiotherapy profession.
Physiotherapists (PhD, DPT, MSc, Mphil, BSc)
Physiotherapy Technicians
Physiotherapy Assistants
Physiotherapy Aids
CODE OF ETHICS OF THE
PHYSIOTHERAPY PROFESSION
Ethics refers to principles of behavior that distinguishes between good,
bad , right and wrong.
Therefore code of ethics is a set of written principles designed to help
professional within various professions to conduct themselves with
honesty and integrity.
A code of ethics document may also outline the professions mission
and vision and how professional are suppose to approach problems.
The ethical principles are based on the profession’s core values and
the standards to which the professional will be held.
No code of ethics is exhaustive nor can it address every
situation. Physical therapists are encouraged to seek
additional advice or consultation in instances where the
guidance of the Code of Ethics may not be definitive.
The physiotherapy Code of Ethics is built upon the five
roles of the physiotherapist
management of patients/clients
Consultation
Education
Research
Physiotherapist practice is guided by a set of seven core values:
accountability
altruism-regard for others
compassion/caring
excellence
integrity
professional duty
social responsibility
Fundamental to the Code of Ethics is the special obligation of
physiotherapists to empower, educate, and enable those with
impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and
disabilities to facilitate greater independence, health, wellness, and
enhanced quality of life.
Principle 1: Physiotherapists shall respect the inherent dignity and
rights of all individuals.(Core Values: Compassion, Integrity)
Principle 2: Physiotherapists shall be trustworthy and compassionate
in addressing the rights and needs of patients/clients. (Core Values:
Altruism, Compassion, Professional Duty)
Principle 3: Physiotherapists shall be accountable for making sound
professional judgments. (Core Values: Excellence, Integrity)
Principle 4: Physiotherapists shall demonstrate integrity in their
relationships with patients/clients, families, colleagues, students,
research participants, other health care providers, employers, payers,
and the public. (Core Value: Integrity)
Principle 5:Physiotherapists shall fulfill their legal and professional
obligations. (Core Values: Professional Duty, Accountability)
Principle 6: Physiotherapists shall enhance their expertise
through the lifelong acquisition and refinement of knowledge, skills,
abilities, and professional behaviors. (Core Value: Excellence)
Principle 7: Physiotherapists shall promote organizational behaviors
and business practices that benefit patients/clients and society. (Core
Values: Integrity, Accountability)
Principle 8: Physiotherapists shall participate in efforts to meet the
health needs of people locally, nationally, or globally. (Core Value: Social
Responsibility)
THE IMPORTANCE OF
PHYSIOTHERAPY IN HEALTH CARE
DELIVERY
Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants should strive to
apply principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics, respect,
communication and accountability in working together with other
professionals to achieve optimal health and wellness in individuals and
communities.