Standards January 2024: Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment, Communication, Duty of Care and Risk Management and Safety

About the Proposed Standards

Background

The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario is seeking comments on four draft Standards of Practice:

1. Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment
2. Communication
3. Duty of Care
4. Risk Management and Safety

On December 15, 2023, Council approved the Standards to go out for a 60-day consultation to registrants, our partners, and the public. After the consultation closes, Council will take into account the feedback received and decide whether to approve the Standards for use.

This is the first group of standards to be reviewed in a larger Standards review process. More Standards will be presented for consultation over the coming months.

What do the proposed standards cover?

Below, you’ll find a description of each Standard’s outcomes and whether it would be a new Standard for physiotherapists in Ontario.

1. Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment

   Physiotherapists select appropriate assessment techniques, make informed diagnoses, and competently apply treatment procedures for safe, quality, and effective care.

   This will be a new Standard.

2. Communication

   Physiotherapists communicate in a respectful, professional, clear, and timely manner to support patients’ participation in their health management.

   This will be a new Standard. Currently, the College has a Communication Skills guideline, but there is no Standard around Communication.

3. Duty of Care Standard

   Physiotherapists put patients’ needs first when starting and managing treatment plans throughout the therapeutic relationship.

   This would replace the current Providing or Refusing Care Standard.

4. Risk Management and Safety

   Physiotherapists maintain a safe practice environment and address patient safety incidents appropriately.

   This will be a new Standard.