PTA 115 Procedures I

• Use online and print resources to obtain information in regard to modalities used in physical therapy practice
• Safely and effectively implement selected components of interventions identified in the plan of care established by the physical therapist including:
  • Electrotherapeutic agents
  • Infection control / aseptic technique
  • Functional training
  • Injury prevention - body mechanics
  • Positioning /draping
  • Manual therapy - therapeutic massage
  • Physical agents
  • Thermal agents (heat and ice)
  • Ultrasound
  • Phonophoresis 
  • Diathermy
  • Whirlpool
• Safely and effectively perform components of data collection skills essential for carrying out the plan of care established by the physical therapist including:
  • Interview patients/clients, caregivers and family to obtain current information related to prior and current level of function and general health status
  • Vital signs
  • Anthropometric characteristics
  • Pain
  • Posture
• When providing interventions and associated data collection techniques:
  • Display professional behaviors consistent with the expectations of the physical therapy profession
  • Protect patient modesty, privacy, and dignity
  • Apply current physical therapy knowledge, theory and clinical judgement
  • Consider the patient/client perspective and treatment environment.
  • Provide clear instructions, when educating patients, as directed by the supervising physical therapist  
  • Explain the rationale for selected interventions to achieve patient goals as identified in the plan of care
  • Review health records prior to carrying out the plan of care.
  • Monitor and adjust interventions within the plan of care in response to patient/client status and clinical indications
  • Report any changes in patient status or progress to the supervising physical therapist
  • Identify indications, contraindications, precautions and safety considerations for the patient and determine if the treatment intervention is appropriate
  • Determine when a directed intervention is either beyond the scope of work or personal scope of work of a physical therapist assistant
  • Recognize activities, positioning and posture that aggravate or relieve pain
  • Select relevant information for documentation
  • Prepare and maintain a safe working environment
  • Handle patients using safe techniques and appropriate body mechanics
  • As appropriate to the PTA, maintain and use physical therapy equipment safely and effectively
  • Provide patient centered care