Physical Therapist (PT), are skilled health care practitioners that aim to improve movement, reduce pain and increase patient enjoyment of life. All while providing moral, legal and ethical care to patients. However, each of these requirements of practice are dictated by different entities. Meaning, that the requirements sometimes may or may not correlate with one another. Legally, therapist must abide by both state and national laws that are put in place for all health care professionals, in addition to those specific to the field of Physical Therapy. Whereas, ethical responsibilities may be dictated by the professional organizations and society norms. While morals vary according to different cultures and subcultures, making them specific …show more content…
to each individual therapist and Corporation. For the therapist morals may be linked to upbringing, education and experiences that are then reflected by their beliefs and opinions. Whereas, the Corporation will reflect a composite of various individuals’ beliefs and opinions through policies, procedures and expectations. As for the given scenario, I will use this information to evaluate and discuss the legal, ethical and moral dilemmas. At first glance, the therapist in the scenario does not break any laws while treating patient X and Y. As both patient X and Y are being treated by, or under, the supervision of a PT. That is, if the following criteria are met: the PT performs the evaluations, re-evaluations and discharges; both the PT and PTA hold current licenses to practice; and the Corporation is authorized for lawful business to occur. Thus, under the law of the Texas Practice Act, both the Corporation and PT are abiding by the law. (PT Practice Act, 2017) Nevertheless, when evaluating the scenario morally, I feel that there are several dilemmas based on my own personal morals. First, I believe that two patients with the same injury should never be treated differently based on socioeconomic differences or financial status. Secondly, “pro-bono” work is defined as performing a service without compensation. Therefore, the explanation of “pro-bono” is a rather poor way of covering up the inequalities in treatment. But would be correctly defined if the therapist was providing the same quality of care for patient Y, without charge for services. Similarly, this scenario contains several ethical dilemmas as the PT is not upholding several principles based on the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA), Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist. First, principle number one, subsection B, for not recognizing personal biases that lead to discrimination against certain patients. Second, principle two, subsection A, as the PT is not necessarily acting in the best interest of the patient. Similarly, principle three, subsections A & D, the therapist is not demonstrating objective professional judgement and engaging in conflicts of interest that interfere with professional judgment. Finally, principle 8, subsection C, is violated as the PT is not, avoiding the over or under utilization of physical therapy services. (APTA, 2016) Furthermore, within this case, there seems to be potential moral and ethical dilemmas as to where the company’s interest lies when treating patients. To regard more affluent patients as “their best investment for profit” insinuates that the “Corporation” is focusing on financial gain rather than providing the highest quality of care for each patient. Meanwhile, the Corporation’s explanation of pro-bono work would only be correct if patient Y is treated with the same quality of care as patient X, without compensation. To better understand the situation, I feel that additional information would be needed from both the Corporation, PT and the patient to better understand the scenario. Currently, the scenario provides no information about the patients’ level of knowledge, understanding or feelings about the situation. Leaving the following questions to be answered: Are both patients aware of the pros and cons of being treated by the PT versus the PTA or PT student? As it is the PT’s responsibility to educate the patient, so that the patient may make informed decisions about their health care. If the patient is aware, does the patient feel comfortable being treated by the PTA or PT student rather than the PT? And are the patients satisfied with the care received? All of which may change whether the situation is legal, ethical or moral. Similarly, the scenario gives no information about any financial discussions that have occurred with the patient.
As for some patients, the biggest concern about attending physical therapy is cost. So, has the therapist had a conversation with each patient about financials? Does the patient understand their insurance and how much each visit will be? What will their insurance cover? Is the PT aware that maybe the patient cannot afford to come in three times a week? Maybe the patient requested to come in once a week instead? Is there a plan as to what the patient could do something outside of therapy, to help decrease their symptoms and number of visits? All of which are important questions to further understand if the situation is ethically or morally …show more content…
correct. Nevertheless, when evaluating this situation without this information is seems that patient X may be receiving a higher quality of care than patient Y. As patient X is seen for longer periods by the more experienced, senior PT for each visit. Meanwhile, patient Y is potentially being taken advantage of as they may be receiving lower quality of care from the PTA and PT student. As well as, being released sooner than necessary, when they may not be ready for discharge. However, to make this judgement, it is essential to know the level of supervision the PT gives to the PTA and PT student. Along with an assessment and comparison of the quality of care being provided by the PTA and PT students to that of the senior PT. Followed by a comparison of both patients’ progress from initial evaluation to discharge to determine if either patient is being discharged prematurely or late. Upon further consideration the situation, it seems that patient X and patient Y may both be taken advantage of by the Corporation.
For patient X, the Corporation is placing the PT with the patient, instead of the PTA or PT student for a greater financial gain. As well as, possibly keeping the patient in therapy longer than necessary. Whereas, patient Y may not receive the same quality of care. As well as, being discharged sooner to possibly create room for more affluent patients in the schedule. Therefore, the Corporation and PT would be the beneficiary as they are creating an advantageous situation for their own financial
gains. In the end, I feel it is not my place to discuss this issue with the PT. However, I believe it is my duty to assure the situation is addressed, so that all patients will receive the best quality of care. I would begin this discussion by asking several questions mentioned above to further understand the extent of the situation. Followed by a discussion on morals and ethics with the therapist before making an informed decision to speak with the therapist further. At this point, I would do my best to politely and diplomatically speak with the PT about my time at their practice. Beginning with some of my best experiences, followed by a brief explanation of my impression of this specific scenario from an outside perspective. Before asking the PT about their own opinion, as well as, the Corporation’s beliefs, on a PT’s role in treating patients legally, morally and ethically. Ultimately, assuring that I may receive all the information necessary for me to make an informed decision about working with the Corporation and PT in the future. As well as, being an advocate for the patients that are seen by the PT and Corporation in the future.
The issue I Journaled about in the course is to reduce falls among the elderly in long term care. In writing my journals one of my focuses is that patient’s dignity can destroyed after falling multiple times by diminishing their independence. Our responsibility as nurses is to inform patients of choices, options for selection, which is why I suggested that patients should be given as much independence as possible with close supervision, and to the best of our ability, inform the patient of the consequences of the choices. Another ethical principle the book explained about is the respect for a person, it is the patients right to choose how they go along with their daily living in long-term care. They can choose not to engage in activity that
Sim, J (1997). Ethical Decision Making in Therapy Practice. Oxford: Reed Educational and Professional Publishing Ltd. p.16.
Planning included reaching out to other health organizations, objectives, and goals of health fair were established. The implementation includes getting volunteers, set up for the health fair. The evaluation of the process occurred throughout the implementation and changes were made as needed. The evaluation will be completed by gathering information from health booth to determine the number of participants. Review vendor and participant evaluations about the health fair including how they heard about the health fair, ratings of booths and suggestions for improvements. Record everything to determine changes. Reflection on past experiences and what worked and did not work.
The APTA code of ethics clearly defines the goals and ethical principles of the organization. It provides an ethical guidance for all physical therapists, and prevents them from taking advantage of their patient/client. It encourages the physical therapist to seek additional advice or consultation in instances where the guidance of the Code of Ethics may not be definitive. This Code of Ethics is built upon the five roles of the physical therapist, which include management of patients/clients, consultation, education, research, and administration, and the multiple realms of ethical action, which include individual, organizational, and societal. Physical therapist practice is guided by a set of seven core values: accountability, altruism, compassion/caring, excellence, integrity, professional duty, and social responsibility. The physical therapists have a special obligation 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. The eight princi...
In this article, the American Physical Therapy Association (2005) discusses the ethical conduct standards that a physical therapist assistant should follow. Within the preamble it states, “All physical therapist assistants are responsible for maintaining high standards of conduct while assisting physical therapists. The physical therapist assistant shall act in the best interest of the patient/client.” These standards of conduct must be followed by all physical therapist assistants. (American Physical Therapy Association, 2005)
During the interview, the Physical Therapist I conferred with was very thorough and straightforward in his responses to the questions that were given. I decided to interview another one of my mother’s fellow co-workers, Mr. Stephen Chan, considering his new experiences in the Physical Therapy field. I met with Mr. Stephen Chan at the Kaiser Permanente Outpatient Orthopedic Clinic that is located in Union City. The essential subject matters that we discussed consisted of his Major and Minor in college, the Residency Program that he takes part in, variations of attitudes, and advantages in the workforce.
There are questions about transplant allocation in regards to the four major ethical principles in medical ethics: beneficence, autonomy, nonmaleficence and justice. Beneficence is the “obligation of healthcare providers to help people” that are in need, autonomy is the “right of patients to make choices” in regards to their healthcare, nonmaleficence, is the “duty of the healthcare providers to do no harm”, and justice is the “concept of treating everyone in a fair manner” ("Medical Ethics & the Rationing of Health Care: Introduction", n.d., p. 1).
While there were many differences between each setting, there were also several commonalities. In all settings, the physical therapists provided care that was professional and skilled. They worked collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide the best care possible for each of their patients. They strived to establish rapport and trust with each patient. Each of the settings I observed provided me with insights to the field of physical therapy and convinced me that this career is the right choice for
Ethics in the counselling and psychotherapy protects the client and the therapist involved in the therapeutic relationship and the therapeutic process as a whole; with the concepts that act as a guide for the therapists in provision of good practice and care for the client. The framework is built on values of counselling and psychotherapy; principles of trustworthiness, autonomy, fidelity, justice, beneficence, non-maleficence and self-respect, and provides standards of good practice and care for the practitioner (BACP, 2010). Ethical framework contributes to the development of the therapeutic relationship and process by assisting therapist’s decisions, and guides their behaviour and proceedings within their legal rights and duties. The ethical frame is structured on the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship and the therapists should be aware of their categories and be responsible for their forms. Monitoring and being aware of what goes on in and out of the room physically, emotionally and psychologically is primarily the duty of the therapist.
In the case of an ethical dilemma I would refer to the ethical decision making steps and then using the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics to choose the best course of action. The dilemma I have witnessed in occupational therapy settings, and one I will probably encounter someday, is being asked to perform services outside of my licensure and scope of practice. The overlap between occupational therapy and physical therapy can be blurry, and sometimes parents will ask for services not within the occupational therapist’s scope of practice and doesn’t understand why they can’t just do it this time.
Like every profession in the medical field even Physical Therapist need to be relaxed and determined. When a patient comes to a Physical Therapist for intervention they more than likely do not want to be there and think it is a waste of time. With this being said, the patient
“Excuse me my name is Susan I was coming in today to see Jerrick Turner for a physical therapy session do you know where I can find him? Yes right this way ma’am, so what brings you in today, a knee injury or something of the sort? Yes I’ve been having severe pain in both of knees and I was told by my primary care doctor to come to Jerrick he is a Professional in this area and can help me. Hello there Susan its very nice to meet you how can I help? Physical therapy is the treatment of injury, disease, deformity in the body and is a way to help a person instead of medicine or surgery; furthermore, it takes
The occupation of physical therapy has been around for centuries. Throughout time it has evolved greatly as a medical practice and an area of study. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2012, there were 204,200 physical therapists employed throughout the United States of America.
Physical therapy is a health care profession, which focuses on enhancing and restoring functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. This profession treats people with any kind of functional disabilities and improves their independence in activity of daily living through specially designed muscular skeletal exercises, massages and various types of modalities. One of the ethical dilemmas that has been presenting in not only physical therapy profession, but in other related professions as well, involves the interaction of patient and the therapists. In many instances, nurses, physical therapists or doctors know the conditions of the patients better than the patients themselves. Most of the physical therapists are trained to adhere the principles of beneficence. They are trained to believe that they must do what will benefit the patients' the health most and not harm them physically or psychologically. Sometimes patients may not want to receive or participate in the treatment session for various reasons. However, since most of the physical therapists know what needs to be done to improve patients' condition and desire their patient to recover as soon as possible, they may have to push, in some case, even force their patients to receive treatments.
Physical therapy is always full of surprises, from new advancements in technology to new and improved therapeutic techniques. Although there are fun games and new technology that physical therapists can do with patients, the main struggle for physical therapists is to motivate their patients to complete their therapy exercises both in the clinic and in the outside world. This problem is very frustrating because the doctors who work at the clinic constantly push patients to complete their therapy so that they can heal; however, when patients are stubborn and reluctant to their treatment, yet constantly complain of pain, doctors must spend more time convincing them to do the therapy rather than completing the therapy itself.