In this webinar, Practice Advisors Fiona and Mary-Catherine go over some of the common misunderstandings about privacy and patient safety from this year's Professional Issues Self-Assessment (PISA) exercise. 

The 22-minute video covers topics like the importance of designating a Health Information Custodian, if physiotherapists can feature patients on social media, and whether to keep the door open or closed during treatment. 

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PTs must recognize and manage situations that could result in a real or perceived conflict of interest.

Physiotherapists must recognize and manage situations that could result in a real or perceived conflict of interest.

Wherever possible, physiotherapists should avoid situations that might result in a conflict of interest. If it’s not possible to avoid a conflict of interest, physiotherapists must:  

• Disclose and discuss the situation with the patient before providing the services 
• Make the patient aware of practical alternatives if there are any 
• Document the discussion in the patient’s record

Advice from the Practice Advisors when it comes to potential conflicts of interest: 

Stop: Offering incentives, such as referral programs for family and friends, to promote your practice.

Start: Avoiding situations that might cause a conflict of interest. For example, you shouldn't give or receive benefits for patient referrals.

Before deciding to offer incentives, consider these points: 

• Professional Judgment: Your decisions should not be influenced by incentives. 
• Clinical Care: Always provide care that is needed, regardless of any incentives. 
• Cost of Incentives: Do not add the cost of the incentive to the service invoice for third-party payors. 
• Protect Patients: Ensure that patients are not exposed to unethical business practices. 

For more information, review the Conflict of Interest Standard and read the College’s guidance on incentives.