Psychosocial Aspects in Discharging Decision in Physical Therapy - Term Paper Example

Physical therapists can work in hospitals, private clinics, out-patient clinics, home based therapies, educational institutions, sports and fitness facilities, work/office settings and even nursing homes (APTA, 2009). The physical therapist can be placed anywhere in the system. Performing a variety of functions and activities, the physical therapist can be considered as a vital member of the rehabilitation team. Over the last three decades, physical therapists have asked for more autonomy with regards to their role in the clinical decision-making, although many physical therapy leaders believe that this increased autonomy can lead to a more complex ethical dilemma and responsibility for the physical therapist (Swisher 2002, p.693). Although since the70’s, physical therapy has progressed in terms of professional independence in the sense that they are given more and more liberty and independence when it comes to formulating and executing professional judgements (Babeu, Born & Ozar, 1993).

The physical therapist is portrayed as having evolved from being only a treatment provider to being a patient’s evaluator, and developer of treatment programmes (Singleton 1987, p. 54). The APTA of late developed a vision statement in support of direct access to physical therapy services: “By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health.

” (Jette et al 2006, p.1620). Realising the significant role that a physical therapist play in the care of their patients, it is important for a physical therapist to