Chapter 1 - The Profession of Physical Therapy

Question 1

Definition of Physical Therapy

Answer 1

A health profession whose primary purpose is the promotion of optimal health and function. This purpose is accomplished through the application of scientific principles to the processes of examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention to prevent or remediate impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities as related to movement and health.

Question 2

Role of Physical Therapy

Answer 2

• Autonomy of Judgment
• Service to clients
• Specialized education
• Representative organization
• Lifetime commitment

Question 3

Modern Origins

Answer 3

World War I and Polio Epidemic

Question 4

World War I (1917-1940)

Answer 4

• Reconstruction Aides, trained by Mary McMillian and Marguerite Sanderson
• Polio outbreak in Vermont
• Physiotherapists (aka PA) joined other professional and responsible for exercises, massage, and muscle strength measurements
• Not autonomous at this time

Question 5

Mary McMillian and Marguerita Sanderson

Answer 5

• WWI era
• Trained reconstruction aides
• Created first professional organization in 1921 (American Woman’s Physical Therapeutic Association)
• Became American Physiotherapy Association in 1922

Question 6

WWII (1940-1960)

Answer 6

• Modes of treatment = bed rest, immobilization, exercise, splinting and surgery
• 1950s = Transition from technician to practitioner
• Educational standards
• AMA accepted PT definition and no longer use of technician

Question 7

1960s-1980s

Answer 7

• Salk vaccine eradicated polio
• PT can expand areas of patient treatment
• 60s and 70s = increase cardiopulmonary and PT programs for Pre and Post-op
• 70s and 80s = increase opportunities d/t OSHA and passage of all Handicapped Children Act
• APTA mandates postbac degree for PT, leading to MPT
• Increase political lobbying (ie. direct access)
• ABPTS (American Board of PT Specialists) allows for PT to demonstrate clinical specialists in certain areas

Question 8

1990s

Answer 8

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and National Center for Medical Rehab Research = new opportunities for PT
• Increasing Gov Costs = decrease reimbursement, increasing regulations and influence for Corporate American, and continued proliferation of education programs = concern for unemployment
• Reimbursement regulation led to need to justify PT services and establishment of Guide to PT practice
• Clinical Research Agenda established
• Need for research = directly led to emphasis on EBP

Question 9

21st century

Answer 9

Vision Statement 2020
(6 main components)
2003 = Autonomous PT practice and PT core values to transition to doctoring profession

Question 10

6 components of Vision Statement 2020

Answer 10

1. Autonomous practice
2. Direct Access
3. Practitioner of Choice
4. Doctors of Physical Therapy
5. EBP
6. Professionalism

Question 11

Vision Statement sentencc 2020

Answer 11

By 2020, PT will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and environmental barriers related to movement, function, and health.

Question 12

Core Values of Professionalism

Answer 12

Accountability
Altruism
Compassion/Caring
Excellence
Integrity
Professional Duty
Social Responsibility