Perspectives
Have You Reviewed the Latest Updated Standards?
Last month, we highlighted two new standards that went into effect November 1, 2024.
These updated requirements must be followed by all physiotherapists and physiotherapist residents.
Please ensure you’ve reviewed the new standards in full, and feel free to reach out to our Practice Advice Team if you have any questions.
Blog: A Look at Current Complaint Trends
As a health regulator, the College exists to serve the public interest and ensure patients have access to safe, ethical, competent and equitable care.
Along with supporting physiotherapists in the delivery of high-quality care, it’s also our job to investigate complaints or concerns about PTs who may be falling short of their professional obligations.
In this month’s blog, we go over some trends in the types of complaints we see and share essential takeaways.
Watch Our New Standards Webinar On-Demand
If you missed our webinar, Updated Standards, Your Questions Answered, you can now watch a recording online.
The session focuses on the first group of new standards, which went into effect on August 1, 2024:
Members of the College’s Practice Advice and Policy teams talk through how these standards apply in practice and the top highlights from each. They also answer common questions.
Links to the resources discussed during the webinar are included in the YouTube video description.
Case of the Month: Communication Frustration
Physiotherapists are responsible for the actions of physiotherapist assistants they supervise and how those actions impact patient care.
For that reason, open communication between a physiotherapist and their assistant is essential.
In a new case of the month, we look at what happens when things go unsaid.
Learn About Consent and Boundaries in this Module
Consent is a conversation, it’s never just a form.
By nature, physiotherapists touch their patients and so it’s essential PTs have a strong understanding of the concepts of consent and professional boundaries.
Module 5 of our Transitioning to Practice in Ontario series details how you can ensure you’re truly getting informed consent from your patients.
It also goes over how to establish appropriate boundaries and what to do if a boundary is breached during treatment.
Enhance your understanding of consent and boundaries with this free 30-minute module.
Providing Culturally Safe Care for Indigenous Patients
This brief guide from the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia outlines practical actions physiotherapists can take to provide culturally safe and anti-racist care for Indigenous patients.
It covers self-reflective practice, strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches, and physiotherapists’ role in creating healthcare spaces where the holistic needs of Indigenous clients are met.
Featured Standard: Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment
This standard came into effect on August 1, 2024.
It requires physiotherapists to demonstrate proficiency in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatments to deliver quality, safe, patient-centered physiotherapy services.
Top five highlights from the Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment Standard:
- Obtain patients’ ongoing informed consent to physiotherapy services.
- Select and apply appropriate assessment procedures.
- Determine an informed and appropriate diagnosis.
- Apply treatment procedures safely and effectively.
- Evaluate, monitor, and document patients’ responses throughout the course of treatment.
Make sure you review the full Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment Standard.
Practice Advice Question
The Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment Standard includes a performance expectation that physiotherapists use standardized measures as available to assess and reassess the patient’s condition and progress.
What exactly is meant by the term “standardized measures,” and why are they important?
Myth vs. Fact
Only a physiotherapist, a PT resident or a physiotherapy student can communicate a physiotherapy diagnosis to a patient.
Is this a myth or a fact?
Last Call: Business Practice Standards Consultations
A friendly reminder that there are only four days left to have your say on the following proposed standards:
- Advertising and Marketing
- Documentation
- Funding, Fees and Billing
Your feedback is important. Your input will shape how these standards are developed and what the expectations for Ontario physiotherapists look like in the future.
The consultation period will close on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
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