Role of Physiotherapist in a Rehabilitation Team
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Top Contributors - Naomi O'Reilly, Kim Jackson, Vidya Acharya, Rishika Babburu, Oyemi Sillo and Ashmita Patrao
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Physiotherapists are experts in human movement and have a key role in prevention, identification, assessment, treatment and (re)habilitation of individuals when movement and function are threatened or affected by ageing, injury, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors. Physiotherapists support people at all stages of life to recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness, increase mobility and movement and maximise function and quality of life, incorporating physical, psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. [1]
Physiotherapy is governed internationally by World Physiotherapy, which advocates that the profession of physiotherapy is responsible for articulating the profession’s scope of practice and defining the roles of physiotherapists, with National Physiotherapy Associations responsible for defining physiotherapy and the role of physiotherapists relevant to health service delivery needs specific to their own nation.[1] Physiotherapy is an autonomous profession, which means they can operate as members of health service provider or rehabilitation teams or as independent practitioners who can accept referrals from a range of sources, including from an individual themselves (self-referral) or from other people involved with that individual.
Knowledge and Skills for Clinical Practice[edit | edit source]
After professional training in physiotherapy, physiotherapists should have the knowledge, skills and judgment to provide services related, but not limited, to musculoskeletal and orthopaedic function, neurological function, respiratory function, cardiovascular function, sexual function, vestibular function, and prescription of assistive devices throughout the whole life span across a wide range of settings and contexts.
In partnership with the individual, physiotherapists use their professional knowledge & practical skills, together with thinking skills & skills for interaction to identify what is limiting an individual’s movement & function, recognising the impact of physical, psychological, social & environmental factors to help that individual decide how to best address their needs.
Physical therapists are qualified and professionally required to:
• undertake a comprehensive examination/assessment of the patient/client /population or needs of a client group
• evaluate the findings from the examination/assessment to make clinical judgments regarding patients/clients
• implement a physical therapist intervention/treatment programme and education in agreement with the patient/client
• evaluate and re-evaluate the outcomes of any interventions/treatments/education
• make recommendations for self-management
• collaborate with health professionals and other key stakeholders.
Assessment and Identification[edit | edit source]
The examination of individuals or groups with actual or potential impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions or abilities/disabilities by history-taking, screening and the use of specific tests and measures
• the evaluation of the results of the examination and/or the environment through analysis and synthesis within a process of clinical reasoning to determine the facilitators and barriers to optimal human functioning
Diagnosis and Prognosis[edit | edit source]
formulate a diagnosis, prognosis and plan
• provide consultation within their expertise and determine when patients/clients need to be referred to another professional
Management and Treatment[edit | edit source]
Intervention/treatment is implemented and modified in order to reach agreed goals and may include:
• therapeutic exercise
• functional training in self-care and home management
• functional training work, community and leisure
• manual therapy techniques (including mobilisation/manipulation)
• prescription, application, and, as appropriate, fabrication of devices and equipment (assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, supportive and prosthetic)
• airway clearance techniques
• integumentary repair and protection techniques
• electrotherapeutic modalities
• physical agents and mechanical modalities
• patient-related instruction
• coordination, communication and documentation
Intervention/treatment may also be aimed at prevention of impairments, activity limitations, participatory restrictions, disability and injury including the promotion and maintenance of health, quality of life, workability and fitness in all ages and populations. All aspects of the physical therapy process can be delivered in a diverse range of settings facilitated by technological advances eg. telehealth, online platforms, apps and other digital delivery options.
Prevention and Education[edit | edit source]
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Resources[edit | edit source]
World Physiotherapy Policy Statement: Description of Physical Therapy
- Available in a wide range of languages this policy statement provides a detailed description of physiotherapy and the role of the physiotherapist.
World Physiotherapy Standards of Physical Therapy Practice Guideline
- These standards provide the foundation for physiotherapy practice and represent the physical therapy profession’s commitment to society to promote optimal and function in individuals and populations by pursuing excellence in practice. These standards provide the basis for physical therapy practice in all settings, including but not limited to: clinics, hospitals, schools and commercial premises.
References [edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 World Physiotherapy, Description of Physical Therapy Policy Statement, 2019, Available from: https://world.physio/sites/default/files/2020-07/PS-2019-Description-of-physical-therapy.pdf, [Accessed 27th June 2021].
