Physical Therapy Case Study

Regulatory and Ethical Issues That Raise Patient Care Problems for Physical Therapists

I have dreamed of becoming a physical therapist since I was a child. A few of my family friends are physical therapists and it was just something that really interested me. Although some would think that a Physical Therapists career is smooth sailing, healthcare professionals challenge a series of regulatory and ethical issues in the modern varying practice settings. I grew up wanting to help people in some type of way, but after researching more about physical therapy I found out that doing what’s best for someone such as a patient is often manipulated and, at times, compromised. Clients are manipulated by other factors, including rules or guidelines linked

All of these stakeholders in physical therapy have different and sometimes conflicting values and priorities. Physical therapists often identify high-quality patient care, professional values and self-fulfillment as motivators in professional growth and satisfaction. Conversely, an organization managing or paying for healthcare services may prioritize fiscal viability, institutional efficiency and competitive positioning in the marketplace. These differences and potential loyalties may cause dilemmas in arriving at acceptable patient care outcomes based on evidence-based practice

The Code of Ethics adopted by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). It states, in part, “Physical therapists shall … act in the best interests of patients/clients over the interests of the physical therapist.” Once again, with companies putting payment caps on the patients, this is not in the best interests of them to get the proper help they