Sample behaviors:

Safety

1. Establishes and maintains safe working environment.
2. Recognizes physiological and psychological changes in patients and adjusts patient Interventions accordingly.
3. Demonstrates awareness of contraindications and precautions of patient intervention.
4. Ensures the safety of self, patient, and others throughout the clinical interaction (eg, universal precautions, responding and reporting emergency situations, etc).
5. Requests assistance when necessary.
6. Uses acceptable techniques for safe handling of patients (eg, body mechanics, guarding, level of assistance, etc.).
7. Demonstrates knowledge of facility safety policies and procedures.

Definition:

Safety

Definition:

Professional behavior

Sample behaviors:

Professional behavior

1. Demonstrates initiative (eg, arrives well prepared, offers assistance, seeks learning opportunities).
2. Is punctual and dependable.
3. Wears attire consistent with expectations of the practice setting.
4. Demonstrates integrity in all interactions.
5. Exhibits caring, compassion, and empathy in providing services to patients.
6. Maintains productive working relationships with patients, families, CI, and others.
7. Demonstrates behaviors that contribute to a positive work environment.
8. Accepts feedback without defensiveness.
9. Manages conflict in constructive ways.
10. Maintains patient privacy and modesty.
11. Values the dignity of patients as individuals.
12. Seeks feedback from clinical instructor related to clinical performance.
13. Provides effective feedback to CI related to clinical/teaching mentoring.

Definition:

Accountability

Sample behaviors:

Accountability

1. Places patient's needs above self interests.
2. Identifies, acknowledges, and accepts responsibility for actions and reports errors.
3. Takes steps to remedy errors in a timely manner.
4. Abides by policies and procedures of the practice setting (eg, OSHA, HIPAA, PIPEDA [Canada], etc.)
5. Maintains patient confidentiality.
6. Adheres to legal practice standards including all federal, state/province, and institutional regulations related to patient care and fiscal management.
7. Identifies ethical or legal concerns and initiates action to address the concerns.
8. Displays generosity as evidenced in the use of time and effort to meet patient needs.
9. Recognize the need for physical therapy services to underserved and under represented populations.
10. Maintains patient privacy and modesty.
11. Strive to provide patient/client services that go beyond expected standards of practice.

Definition:

Communication

Sample behaviors:

Communication

1. Communicates, verbally and nonverbally, in a professional and timely manner.
2. Initiates communication in difficult situations.
3. Selects the most appropriate person(s) with whom to communicate.
4. Communicates respect for the roles and contributions of all participants in patient care.
5. Listens actively and attentively to understand what is being communicated by others.
6. Demonstrates professionally and technically correct written and verbal communication without jargon.
7. Communicates using nonverbal messages that are consistent with intended message.
8. Engages in ongoing dialogue with professional peers or team members.
9. Interprets and responds to the nonverbal communication of others.
10. Evaluates effectiveness of his/her communication and modifies communication accordingly.
11. Seeks and responds to feedback from multiple sources in providing patient care.
12. Adjust style of communication based on target audience.
13. Communicates with the patient using language the patient can understand (eg, translator, sign language, level of education, cognitive impairment, etc).

Sample behaviors:

Cultural competence

1. Incorporates an understanding of the implications of individual and cultural differences and adapts behavior accordingly in all aspects of physical therapy services.
2. Communicates with sensitivity by considering differences in race/ethnicity, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, and disability or health status.
3. Provides care in a nonjudgmental manner when the patients' beliefs and values conflict with the individual's belief system.
4. Discovers, respects, and highly regards individual differences, preferences, values, life issues, and emotional needs within and among cultures.
5. Values the socio-cultural, psychological, and economic influences on patients and clients and responds accordingly.
6. Is aware of and suspends own social and cultural biases.

Definition:

Cultural competence

Definition:

Professional development

Sample behaviors:

Professional development

1. Identifies strengths and limitations in clinical performance.
2. Seeks guidance as necessary to address limitations.
3. Uses self-evaluation, ongoing feedback from others, inquiry, and reflection to conduct regular ongoing self-assessment to improve clinical practice and professional development.
4. Acknowledges and accepts responsibility for and consequences of his or her actions.
5. Establishes realistic short and long-term goals in a plan for professional development.
6. Seeks out additional learning experiences to enhance clinical and professional performance.
7. Discusses progress of clinical and professional growth.
8. Accepts responsibility for continuous professional learning.
9. Discusses professional issues related to physical therapy practice.
10. Participates in professional activities beyond the practice environment.
11. Provides to and receives feedback from peers regarding performance, behaviors, and goals.
12. Provides current knowledge and theory (in-service, case presentation, journal club, projects, systematic data collection, etc) to achieve optimal patient care.

Definition:

Clinical reasoning

Sample behaviors:

Clinical reasoning

1. Presents a logical rationale (cogent and concise arguments) for clinical decisions.
2. Makes clinical decisions within the context of ethical practice.
3. Utilizes information from multiple data sources to make clinical decisions (eg, patient and caregivers, health care professionals, hooked on evidence, databases, medical records).
4. Seeks disconfirming evidence in the process of making clinical decisions.
5. Recognizes when Plan of Care and interventions are ineffective, identifies areas needing modification, and implements changes accordingly.
6. Critically evaluates published articles relevant to physical therapy and applies them to clinical practice.
7. Demonstrates an ability to make clinical decisions in ambiguous situations or where values may be in conflict.
8. Selects interventions based on the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences.
9. Assesses patient response to interventions using credible measures.
10. Integrates patient needs and values in making decisions in developing the plan of care.
11. Clinical decisions focus on the whole person rather than the disease.
12. Recognizes limits (learner and profession) of current knowledge, theory, and judgment in patient management.

Definition:

Screening

Sample behaviors:

Screening

1. Utilizes test and measures sensitive to indications for physical therapy intervention.
2. Advises practitioner about indications for intervention.
3. Reviews medical history from patients and other sources (eg, medical records, family, other health care staff).
4. Performs a system review and recognizes clusters (historical information, signs and symptoms) that would preclude interventions due to contraindications or medical emergencies.
5. Selects the appropriate screening tests and measurements.
6. Conducts tests and measurements appropriately.
7. Interprets tests and measurements accurately.
8. Analyzes and interprets the results and determines whether there is a need for further examination or referral to other services.
9. Chooses the appropriate service and refers the patient in a timely fashion, once referral or consultation is deemed necessary.
10. Conducts musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems screening at community sites.

Definition:

Examination

Sample behaviors:

Examination

1. Obtains a history from patients and other sources as part of the examination.
2. Utilizes information from history and other data (eg, laboratory, diagnostic tests and pharmacological information) to formulate initial hypothesis and prioritize selection of test and measures.
3. Performs systems review.
4. Selects evidence-based tests and measures that are relevant to the history, chief complaint, and screening.
5. Tests and measures* (listed alphabetically) include, but are not limited to, the following:
6. 1. aerobic capacity,
   2. anthropometric characteristics,
   3. arousal, mentation, and cognition,
   4. assistive and adaptive devices,
   5. community and work (job, school, or play) reintegration,
   6. cranial nerve integrity,
   7. environmental, home, and work barriers,
   8. ergonomics and body mechanics,
   9. gait, assisted locomotion, and balance,
   10. integumentary integrity,
   11. joint integrity and mobility,
   12. motor function,
   13. muscle performance (including strength, power, and endurance),
   14. neuromotor development and sensory integration,
   15. orthotic, protective, and supportive devices,
   16. pain,
   17. posture,
   18. prosthetic requirements,
   19. range of motion,
   20. reflex integrity,
   21. self-care and home management (including activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living),
   22. sensory integration (including proprioception and kinesthesia),
   23. ventilation, respiration, and circulation.
7. Conducts tests and measurements appropriately.
8. Sequences tests and measures in a logical manner to optimize efficiency.
9. Adjusts tests and measures according to patient's response.
10. Performs regular reexaminations of patient status.
11. Performs an examination using evidence based test and measures.

Definition:

Evaluation

Sample behaviors:

Evaluation

1. Synthesizes examination data and identifies pertinent impairments, functional limitations and quality of life.
   [WHO – ICF Model for Canada]
2. Makes clinical judgments based on data from examination (history, system review, tests and measurements).
3. Reaches clinical decisions efficiently.
4. Cites the evidence to support a clinical decision.

Definition:

Diagnosis and prognosis

Sample behaviors:

Diagnosis and prognosis

1. Establishes a diagnosis for physical therapy intervention and list for differential diagnosis.
2. Determines a diagnosis that is congruent with pathology, impairment, functional limitation, and disability.
3. Integrates data and arrives at an accurate Prognosis with regard to intensity and duration of interventions and discharge status.
4. Estimates the contribution of factors (eg, preexisting health status, co-morbidities, race, ethnicity, gender, age, health behaviors) on the effectiveness of interventions.
5. Utilizes the research and literature to identify prognostic indicators (co-morbidities, race, ethnicity, gender, health behaviors, etc) that help predict patient outcomes.

Definition:

Plan of care

Sample behaviors:

Plan of care

1. Establishes goals and desired functional outcomes that specify expected time durations.
2. Establishes a physical therapy Plan of Care in collaboration with the patient, family, caregiver, and others involved in the delivery of health care services.
3. Establishes a plan of care consistent with the examination and evaluation.
4. Selects interventions based on the best available evidence and patient preferences.
5. Follows established guidelines (eg, best practice, clinical pathways, and protocol) when designing the plan of care.
6. Progresses and modifies plan of care and discharge planning based on patient responses.
7. Identifies the resources needed to achieve the goals included in the patient care.
8. Implements, monitors, adjusts, and periodically re-evaluate a plan of care and discharge planning.
9. Discusses the risks and benefits of the use of alternative interventions with the patient.
10. Identifies patients who would benefit from further follow-up.
11. Advocates for the patients' access to services.

Definition:

Procedural intervention

Sample behaviors:

Procedural intervention

1. Performs interventions* safely, effectively, efficiently, fluidly, and in a coordinated and technically competent manner.
2. Interventions (listed alphabetically) include, but not limited to, the following:
3. 1. airway clearance techniques,
   2. debridement and wound care,
   3. electrotherapeutic modalities,
   4. functional training in community and work (job, school, or play) reintegration (including instrumental activities of daily living, work hardening, and work conditioning),
   5. functional training in self-care and home management (including activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living),
   6. manual therapy techniques: spinal/peripheral joints (thrust/non-thrust),
   7. patient-related instruction,
   8. physical agents and mechanical modalities,
   9. prescription, application, and as appropriate fabrication of adaptive, assistive, orthotic, protective, and supportive devices and equipment,
   10. therapeutic exercise (including aerobic conditioning).
4. Performs interventions consistent with the plan of care.
5. Utilizes alternative strategies to accomplish functional goals.
6. Follows established guidelines when implementing an existing plan of care.
7. Provides rationale for interventions selected for patients presenting with various diagnoses.
8. Adjusts intervention strategies according to variables related to age, gender, co-morbidities, pharmacological interventions, etc.
9. Assesses patient response to interventions and adjusts accordingly.
10. Discusses strategies for caregivers to minimize risk of injury and to enhance function.
11. Considers prevention, health, wellness and fitness in developing a plan of care for patients with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary system problems.
12. Incorporates the concept of self-efficacy in wellness and health promotion.

Definition:

Educational interventions

Sample behaviors:

Educational interventions

1. Identifies and establishes priorities for educational needs in collaboration with the learner.
2. Identifies patient learning style (eg, demonstration, verbal, written).
3. Identifies barriers to learning (eg, literacy, language, cognition).
4. Modifies interaction based on patient learning style.
5. Instructs patient, family members and other caregivers regarding the patient's condition, intervention and transition to his or her role at home, work, school or community.
6. Ensures understanding and effectiveness of recommended ongoing program.
7. Tailors interventions with consideration for patient family situation and resources.
8. Provides patients with the necessary tools and education to manage their problem.
9. Determines need for consultative services.
10. Applies physical therapy knowledge and skills to identify problems and recommend solutions in relevant settings (eg, ergonomic evaluations, school system assessments, corporate environmental assessments).
11. Provides education and promotion of health, wellness, and fitness.

Definition:

Documentation

Sample behaviors:

Documentation

1. Selects relevant information to document the delivery of physical therapy care.
2. Documents all aspects of physical therapy care, including screening, examination, evaluation, plan of care, intervention, response to intervention, discharge planning, family conferences, and communication with others involved in the delivery of care.
3. Produces documentation (eg, electronic, dictation, chart) that follows guidelines and format required by the practice setting.
4. Documents patient care consistent with guidelines and requirements of regulatory agencies and third-party payers.
5. Documents all necessary information in an organized manner that demonstrates sound clinical decision-making.
6. Produces documentation that is accurate, concise, timely and legible.
7. Utilizes terminology that is professionally and technically correct.
8. Documentation accurately describes care delivery that justifies physical therapy services.
9. Participates in quality improvement review of documentation (chart audit, peer review, goals achievement).

Definition:

Outcomes assessment

Sample behaviors:

Outcomes assessment

1. Applies, interprets, and reports results of standardized assessments throughout a patient's episode of care.
2. Assesses and responds to patient and family satisfaction with delivery of physical therapy care.
3. Seeks information regarding quality of care rendered by self and others under clinical supervision.
4. Evaluates and uses published studies related to outcomes effectiveness.
5. Selects, administers, and evaluates valid and reliable outcome measures for patient groups.
6. Assesses the patient's response to intervention in practical terms.
7. Evaluates whether functional goals from the plan of care have been met.
8. Participates in quality/performance improvement programs (program evaluation, utilization of services, patient satisfaction)

Definition:

Financial resources

Sample behaviors:

Financial resources

1. Schedules patients, equipment, and space.
2. Coordinates physical therapy with other services to facilitate efficient and effective patient care.
3. Sets priorities for the use of resources to maximize patient and facility outcomes.
4. Uses time effectively.
5. Adheres to or accommodates unexpected changes in the patient's schedule and facility's requirements.
6. Provides recommendations for equipment and supply needs.
7. Submits billing charges on time.
8. Adheres to reimbursement guidelines established by regulatory agencies, payers, and the facility.
9. Requests and obtains authorization for clinically necessary reimbursable visits.
10. Utilizes accurate documentation, coding, and billing to support request for reimbursement.
11. Negotiates with reimbursement entities for changes in individual patient services.
12. Utilizes the facility's information technology effectively.
13. Functions within the organizational structure of the practice setting.
14. Implements risk-management strategies (ie, prevention of injury, infection control, etc).
15. Markets services to customers (eg, physicians, corporate clients, general public).
16. Promotes the profession of physical therapy.
17. Participates in special events organized in the practice setting related to patients and care delivery.
18. Develops and implements quality improvement plans (productivity, length of stay, referral patterns, and reimbursement trends).

Definition:

Direction and supervision of personnel

Sample behaviors:

Direction and supervision of personnel

1. Determines those physical therapy services that can be directed to other support personnel according to jurisdictional law, practice guidelines, policies, codes of ethics, and facility policies.
2. Applies time-management principles to supervision and patient care.
3. Informs the patient of the rationale for and decision to direct aspects of physical therapy services to support personnel (eg, secretary, volunteers, PT Aides, Physical Therapist Assistants).
4. Determines the amount of instruction necessary for personnel to perform directed tasks.
5. Provides instruction to personnel in the performance of directed tasks.
6. Supervises those physical therapy services directed to physical therapist assistants and other support personnel according to jurisdictional law, practice guidelines, policies, codes of ethics, and facility policies.
7. Monitors the outcomes of patients receiving physical therapy services delivered by other support personnel.
8. Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills including regular feedback in supervising directed support personnel.
9. Demonstrates respect for the contributions of other support personnel.
10. Directs documentation to physical therapist assistants that is based on the plan of care that is within the physical therapist assistant's ability and consistent with jurisdictional law, practice guidelines, policies, codes of ethics, and facility policies.
11. Reviews, in conjunction with the clinical instructor, physical therapist assistant documentation for clarity and accuracy.