PREAMBLE

The Physical Therapy profession is committed to providing quality and competent services to people to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability through their lifespan. The Philippine Physical Therapy Association, as the formal body that represents the profession, affirms this commitment by promoting the following Standards of Practice for Physical Therapy. These standards set the parameters of quality physical therapy practice and provide basis for evaluating physical therapy practice.

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I. LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

1. Legal Considerations

   • ​​The physical therapist adheres to current legislation regulating the practice of physical therapy.

2. Ethical Considerations

   • The physical therapist practices according to the Code of Ethics of the Philippine Physical Therapy Association.

 

II. CLIENT CARE

1. Patient Acquisition

   • The physical therapist receives patients upon the referral of a duly licensed and registered health professional.

2. Informed Consent

   • The physical therapist shall obtain informed consent from a competent client or his caregiver.

   • Information provided to the patient includes:

     • the plan of intervention

     • data on effectiveness of intervention

     • risks associated with the intervention

     • expected benefits from the intervention

     • alternative modes of intervention

3. Assessment and Diagnosis

   • The physical therapist performs and documents results of examination and evaluates these results through the process of clinical reasoning. The physical therapist then uses these data to determine the diagnosis in terms of movement dysfunction, categories of impairment, functional limitations, abilities and disabilities.

4. Plan of Care

   • The physical therapist determines the need for intervention and develops a plan of intervention based on results of assessment, and this plan includes measurable outcome goals in collaboration with the client or caregiver.

   • The physical therapist explains to the patient the results of the evaluation and the corresponding plan of intervention.

5. Intervention

   • The physical therapist provides or supervises the implementation of the plan of care in collaboration with other members of the rehabilitation team.

   • The physical therapist documents services provided and patient responses to the physical therapy intervention.

6. Reassessment/Reevaluation

   • The physical therapist reassesses the patient throughout the duration of care, and modifies or discontinues the plan of care accordingly.

7. Discharge/Discontinuation of Intervention

   • The physical therapist discharges the patient from physical therapy intervention when set goals have been achieved.

   • Intervention is discontinued when the goals have been achieved, patient refuses continuation of intervention, or patient is unable to continue receiving care.

 

III. EDUCATION

• The physical therapist is responsible for his own professional development through any continuing education program.

• The physical therapist participates in the education of physical therapy students and students of other allied health professions.

• The physical therapist participates in the education of the public, including prevention, health promotion and wellness services.

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IV. ADMINISTRATION

• The physical therapist responsible for the direction of physical therapy services in the clinic, including direct patient care and clinical teaching functions, ensures:

  • that service is directed and/or administered by a physical therapist

  • that standards of practice for client care are met

  • that the clinic has a statement of mission, vision and goals consistent with the definition of the Scope of Practice of Physical Therapy

  • that supervisory structures are defined

  • that written policies and procedures exist that are consistent with the clinics’ mission, vision, goals and that reflect operations in the clinic

  • competence of physical therapy personnel/staff through continuing education

  • safety issues are addressed

  • that the physical setting meets space requirements according to the number and type of clients served, and the services provided

  • that physical therapy service collaborates with all appropriate disciplines

 

• The physical therapist responsible for the direction of activities in the academic ensures:

  • that the academic institution has a statement of mission, vision and goals consistent with the interest of the physical therapy profession and the students

  • that the curriculum equips the students with entry-level competencies of a physical therapist

 

V. RESEARCH

• The physical therapist encourages and participates in research activities that provide basis for excellent performance of functions within the Scope of Practice of Physical Therapy.

• The physical therapist applies research findings to practice.

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