Nicole Payne

Clinical Observation Reflection

4/26/2019

My experience in observing an outpatient Physical Therapy clinic was beneficial

and insightful as I move forward towards becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant. My

hours of observation consisted of 2 days a week for 6 weeks, which gave me plenty of

opportunities to see how things operated on multiple occasions. This observation

allowed me to better understand the different aspects that contribute to a patient's

rehabilitation process. I found it interesting to learn how the clinic functions as a whole,

based on the employee contribution to quality patient care. The different job positions

included Physical Therapist, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Physical Therapist Aides.

Overall, this experience positively demonstrated professionalism, organization, and

quality patient care in the field of physical therapy.

Professionalism was constantly displayed during my observation. Employees

were professional in their attire, language, patient interaction, and distribution of patient

information. As patients move through rehab they encounter different employees, all

with the same goal of helping the patient get better. The relationships established by the

Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant had a noticeable foundation of

respect and knowledge for both the patient and their condition. The PT and PTA took

pride in their ability to help their patient better understand what was going on physically

and the benefits of the rehabilitation process. To ensure the employees are informed of
the patient and their rehabilitation progress, each patient has a chart documenting their

diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan. Because of the personal information written

on these charts, HIPAA procedures were implemented. When passing patient

information physically, verbally, and electronically the patient's privacy was

acknowledged and respected. Providers would speak about patients progress but

refrained from mentioning any individually identifiable information. Respect for the

patient's privacy and space was reflected through the employee's professionalism.

The rehabilitation process follows an organized structure and flows from

beginning to end. The patient management model discussed at the beginning of the

semester was incorporated with every new patient. Once the examination, evaluation,

diagnosis, and prognosis were completed by the PT, patients would return for their

prescribed rehab visits. In a patient's road to recovery, all employees contribute to the

overall process. PT Aides help the patients move seamlessly throughout their visit,

guiding them along from stations, to manual therapy by the PT or PTA, and so on. I

recognize the value that physical therapist assistants and aides provide to the

development of an establishment. If the PT had to do it all, without delegating anything,

productivity would be low. By having assistants and aids, the quality of patient care is

elevated and patients are given the space to learn and grow in an organized

environment.

Patient care involves interacting with different personalities, demographics, and

injuries. Despite the variables, I found each provider well versed in compassion,

empathy, and self-confidence. When patients would get discouraged by their injury or
inability to function as they used to, the providers would show support and encourage

their patients. Each PT had their own way of connecting with their patients using

positive experiences and discussing a realistic perspective of the recovery process.

Awareness of the patient's growth allowed for progression within the plan of care. New

or altered exercises would be implemented to keep a consistent trajectory toward

patient goals.

This clinical observation positively influences my decision of becoming a PTA. I

enjoyed the overall experience of the clinical setting. The rehab ambionce is uplifting

and progressive, providers are knowledgeable and encouraging, and the impact of

teamwork is undeniable in the success of the clinic. Organization within each care plan

is necessary for the results of quality service in a professional environment. I desire to

take part in helping people function better and feel empowered through the knowledge I

obtained from school, research, and experience. The experience of observing an

outpatient clinic and providers in their element is motivating to my personal progress. As

I get closer to applying for the physical therapist assistant program, I continue to

submerge myself in this professional field.