Ethical Decision-Making in Physical Therapy |
CASE 3You are a physical therapist who has been licensed for ten years and has worked in a neurological rehabilitation center your entire career. About two months ago you moved and the only position you could find was in an outpatient orthopedic clinic. This clinic has goals set for each therapist to see a certain number of patients a day. You feel very nervous about the types and numbers of patients you see, but you are beginning to feel more comfortable. The environment is fast-paced and there is an emphasis on high productivity. In fact, last week a PTA was fired for not being able to keep up with the pace. Yesterday you saw a patient with a new ACL repair performed by a physician who regularly sends patients to the clinic. You had begun the patient on an exercise program including strengthening for the hamstrings. Today you realize that the physician had written a precaution on the referral against exercising the hamstrings due to the specific repair restrictions. You need this job because you are recently divorced and are raising two children alone. You do not have enough money to move to another city and there are no other jobs available in this area. You feel certain that you will be fired if your mistake is found out. What should you do?How do your actions relate to the principle of respecting a patient's autonomy? |