Navigating the grey zone of physiotherapy assistant autonomy in homecare: perspectives of physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants
What's the challenge?
In an effort to reduce costs, there has been a shift in focus from acute care to community-based services including homecare, and an increase in the use of physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) in these settings, leading to change in the role of PTs and PTAs.
What did we do?
We explored the perspectives of physiotherapists (PTs) and PTAs providing homecare services in Ontario regarding their experiences since the 2013 introduction of PTAs into homecare rehabilitation teams. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 PTs and 5 PTAs working in homecare. These were transcribed and analyzed using the DEPICT model.
What have we found?
We explored the perspectives of physiotherapists (PTs) and PTAs providing homecare services in Ontario regarding their experiences since the 2013 introduction of PTAs into homecare rehabilitation teams. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 PTs and 5 PTAs working in homecare. These were transcribed and analyzed using the DEPICT model.