Uniqueness of physical therapy tasks and its relationship to complexity and delegation: a survey of Pennsylvania physical therapists.
Physical therapists' (PTs') perceptions of 26 physical therapy tasks regarding complexity, uniqueness to PTs, and delegation were studied. A questionnaire describing 26 PT tasks was sent to 200 PTs in Pennsylvania identified as working in acute care, rehabilitation, or private practice. The response rate was 45.5%. Eleven of the 26 tasks identified as most unique to PTs were also identified as highly complex. None of these 11 tasks was delegated frequently to a nurse or a PT aide, and only two were delegated to an occupational therapist. All 11 unique tasks were delegated to the physical therapist assistant (PTA), with some level of supervision provided by the majority of respondents. Results indicated there are activities within patient care that are perceived by PTs to be unique to their profession. Also, the role of the PTA may be expanding, warranting further research in this area.
Figueroa-Soto
I
I
College of Education, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, USA.
Furmansky
S
S
Hughes
C
C
Quintas
E
E
Schifter
C
C
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007587:Job Description; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010414:Pennsylvania; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D011364:Professional Practice; D012380:Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce