8 - Roles in the Provision of Physical Therapy

• What major role do physical therapists play in healthcare?

  Provision of primary care services
• How is primary care defined?

  Integrated, accessible health care services by accountable clinicians
• What is the first level of care in healthcare?

  Primary care
• Who is responsible for the majority of health needs in primary care?

  A member of the healthcare system
• Who generally provides primary care?

  The first person in contact with the recipient
• Can family and community members provide primary care?

  Yes, they may provide care at this level
• What is secondary care based on?

  Referral after primary care
• What organization endorsed concepts in primary care?

  APTA
• What are the key concepts endorsed by APTA in primary care?

  1. Primary care encompasses various needs beyond individual capabilities.
  2. It is not limited to the first contact in healthcare.
  3. The primary care program is comprehensive.
• How do physical therapists help individuals daily?

  By restoring health and alleviating pain
• In what settings do physical therapists provide primary care?

  Industrial or workplace settings
• What do physical therapists manage in workplace settings?

  Occupational health services
• What conditions may lead to referrals to physical therapists?

  Musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular conditions
• Where do physical therapists provide secondary care?

  Acute care and rehabilitation hospitals
• What characterizes tertiary care?

  Provided by specialists in specific health conditions
• How is tertiary care typically provided?

  On a referral basis
• In what settings do physical therapists provide tertiary care?

  Highly specialized, complex, technology-based settings
• What is one role of physical therapists in health promotion?

  Helping individuals with chronic conditions engage in activity
• What are the initiatives physical therapists engage in to decrease costs?

  • Achieve optimal functional capacity
  • Minimize impairments and disabilities
  • Maintain health to prevent deterioration
  • Create environmental adaptations for independence
• What is primary prevention in physical therapy?

  Identifying risk factors to reduce risk
• What is secondary prevention in physical therapy?

  Preventing progression of functional decline
• What does direct access in physical therapy mean?

  Access to PT without referral from another provider
• What role does PT serve in healthcare services?

  As a gatekeeper for further services
• Who do physical therapists collaborate with in healthcare?

  • Physicians
  • Physiatrists
  • Rehabilitation nurses
  • Occupational therapists
  • Dentists
  • Social workers
• What are examples of prevention activities by physical therapists?

  Workplace redesign and back schools
• What is the purpose of screening in physical therapy?

  To determine need for further services
• What is the goal of prevention services provided by PT?

  Avoid occurrence of pain and dysfunction
• What is an example of identifying risk factors in PT?

  Identifying elderly individuals at high risk for falls
• What is an example of ergonomic redesign in PT?

  Adjusting work environments to prevent injuries
• What type of exercise programs do PTs provide for older adults?

  Weight-bearing and weight training programs
• What is the purpose of cardiovascular conditioning in PT?

  To prevent disability in pregnant women
• What are the components of a physical therapy program?

  1. History questionnaire
  2. Medical screening and evaluation
  3. Consultation
  4. Exercise performance
  5. Reassessment
• What is involved in the examination process in PT?

  Gathering information about patient history
• What is the purpose of evaluation in PT?

  To make clinical judgments based on assessments
• What does diagnosis in PT involve?

  Categorizing findings from the examination
• What does prognosis predict in PT?

  Level of improvement and time needed
• What is the intervention process in PT?

  Conducting procedures to achieve desired outcomes
• What are the team approaches employed in PT practice?

  • Medical Model
  • Multidisciplinary Model
  • Interdisciplinary Model
  • Transdisciplinary Model
• What characterizes the medical model in PT?

  Physician attends to patient’s needs
• What is a disadvantage of the multidisciplinary model?

  Limited coordination among team members