Collaborating with PTA's

Question 1

What is a PTA?

Answer 1

A trained personnel who assist in the provision of PT services under the direction and supervision of a registered/licensed PT.

Question 2

What is the role of a PTA?

Answer 2

To assist the PT in ensuring that PT services are delivered in a safe, effective and efficient manner. Help provide PT services to achieve and maintain optimal client outcomes

Question 3

How long is a PTA program?

Answer 3

2 years

Question 4

How many placements do they complete?

Answer 4

3, 6 weeks each

Question 5

Who determines the role and scope of a PTA?

Answer 5

The employer

Question 6

Who guides the role and scope of a PTA?

Answer 6

The PT legislation and practice standards (The College)

Question 7

Can a PTA perform a standardized outcome measure test?

Answer 7

Yes

Question 8

Can a PTA interpret referrals, diagnosis, prognosis, assessment findings, treatment procedures, goals of treatment?

Answer 8

No

Question 9

Can a PTA observe, monitor and report pts performance and status?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

Can a PTA obtain informed consent?

Answer 10

NO

Question 11

Can a PTA perform interventions including mobility training, modalities, secretion clearance, development of exercise programs?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

Can a PTA plan or modify treatment beyond established limits?

Answer 12

No

Question 13

Can a PTA deliver standardized education classes?

Answer 13

Yes

Question 14

Can a PTA dischage plan?

Answer 14

NO

Question 15

Can a PTA discontinue treatment in response to pts status?

Answer 15

Yes

Question 16

Can a PTA perform a task that requires continuous clinical judgement (ie, ultrasound)

Answer 16

No

Question 17

Can a PTA determine parameters for electrical modalities?

Answer 17

No

Question 18

Can a PTA perform or even remove acupuncture needles?

Answer 18

No

Question 19

Can a PTA write legal documents other than notes in the chart?

Answer 19

No

Question 20

True or false: the responsibility for the care cannot be assigned or transferred. The PT is accountable for the PT services the client receives

Answer 20

True

Question 21

What are some responsibilities of the PTA?

Answer 21

Consent (not informed but still need pt permission to perform Rx)
Follow Rx plan outlined by PT
Ask questions and speak up if not comfortable or not within personal scope
Communicate
Collobrate
Be professional

Question 22

True or false: the assignment of tasks to assistants differs between provinces?

Answer 22

True

Question 23

True or false when PT’s obtain informed consent this includes consent for the pt to work with the PTA

Answer 23

True

Question 24

True or false: you can assign a task to a PTA even though you have never seen them do it before?

Answer 24

False

Question 25

True or false: PTA's are responsible for documenting what they complete with the pt.

Answer 25

True

Question 26

What are the four components considered for task assignment?

Answer 26

Client, Task, Environment, Practice

Question 27

When thinking about the client and assigning a task to the PTA, what do you need to keep in mind?

Answer 27

Stability and complexity of the condition Pt - physical, mental and social status Predictibility of change Client's ability to direct care and give informed consent

Question 28

When thinking about the task and assigning it to the PTA, what do you need to keep in mind?

Answer 28

The risk of harm from doing or not doing the intervention Complexity of the task Knowledge and skill required Need for ongoing clinical judgement

Question 29

When thinking about the environment and assigning a task to the PTA, what do you need to keep in mind?

Answer 29

What practice setting you're in Physical barriers and hazards Predictability of changes

Question 30

When thinking about the practice and assigning a task to the PTA, what do you need to keep in mind?

Answer 30

Is there adequate time to supervise and document process The availability of support personnel Support for assigning process within practice setting Availability and stability of resources

Question 31

What things can get in the way of the PT and PTA relationship?

Answer 31

Lack of understanding roles and responsibilities Poor communication/ working relationship Fear or sense of threat