PROFESSIONALISM IN PHYSICAL THERAPY: CORE VALUES ...

DefinitionSample IndicatorsCore ValuesAltruismCompassion/CaringAltruism is the primaryregard for or devotion tothe interest ofpatients/clients, thusassuming the fiduciaryresponsibility of placingthe needs of thepatient/client ahead of thephysical therapist’s selfinterest.Compassion is the desireto identify with or sensesomething of another’sexperience; a precursor ofcaring.1. Placing patient’s/client’s needsabove the physical therapists.2. Providing pro-bono services.3. Providing physical therapy servicesto underserved and underrepresentedpopulations.4. Providing patient/client servicesthat go beyond expected standards ofpractice.5. Completing patient/client care andprofessional responsibility prior topersonal needs.1. Understanding the socio-cultural,economic, and psychological influenceson the individual’s life in theirenvironment.2. Understanding an individual’sperspective.Caring is the concern,empathy, andconsideration for the needsand values of others.3. Being an advocate forpatient’s/client’s needs.4. Communicating effectively, bothverbally and non-verbally, with otherstaking into consideration individualdifferences in learning styles, language,and cognitive abilities, etc.5. Designing patient/client programs/interventions that are congruent withpatient/client needs.6. Empowering patients/clients toachieve the highest level of functionpossible and to exercise selfdeterminationin their care.