Inter and Intra-Professional Collaboration

Thank you for watching Module 3 – Inter/Intra-Professional Collaboration in the Transitioning to Practice in Ontario learning series. Please take some time to reflect on what you learned by answering the questions below. You can check your answers at the end. We have also linked some helpful resources at the bottom to help support ongoing learning.

1.Which of the following are part of the practice of physiotherapy in Ontario?
A. Assessment of neuromuscular systems
B. Diagnosis of disorders associated with physical dysfunction, injury or pain
C. Treatment of physical dysfunction to promote mobility
D. All of the above

Correct Answer: D

All of the activities listed above are part of the scope of practice of physiotherapists in Ontario as defined in the Physiotherapy Act, 1991.
2.Which of the following statements about referrals to physiotherapists is correct?
A. Physiotherapists do not need referrals to initiate treatment when working in private practice
B. Only family physicians can refer patients to physiotherapists
C. Physiotherapists are not allowed to receive referrals from other physiotherapists because it is a conflict of interest
D. None of the above

Correct Answer: A

When working in private practice, physiotherapists can receive self-referrals from patients seeking assessments, treatment or care. The patient does not need a referral from another health care provider. For OHIP-funded services, referrals from designated professionals (including nurse-practitioners and family physicians) are required.

3.Which of the following groups of people are allowed to access patient records without explicit consent?
A. The patient or their authorized representative
B. Care providers within the “circle of care”
C. Health Information Custodians (HICs)
D. All of the above

Correct Answer: D

All of the groups noted above are generally allowed access to patient records.

4.The “Circle of Care” :
A. Describes a common healing ritual where a person is put in the centre of a family group to receive prayers and blessings
B. Is a concept defined in the Personal Health Information Act (PHIPA) and only specifically includes physicians, nurses, and pharmacists
C. Is a concept to help providers understand implied consent when patients are unable to provide explicit consent to sharing of personal health information
D. Does not apply to physiotherapists who have received referrals from other professionals.

Correct Answer: C

This term is not defined in the PHIPA but it is based on specific situations and must emphasize the care and best interests of the individual patient.
5.Physiotherapist Assistants:
A. Are regulated health professionals governed by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
B. Must complete a 4-year community-college based diploma/degree from an accredited institution
C. Provide care on behalf of, or as directed by, a registered physiotherapist
D. Perform the same tasks as personal trainers

Correct Answer: C

There are no specific educational requirements for physiotherapist assistants (PTAs), and they are not currently regulated in Ontario. While PTAs may help a patient perform some exercises as part of their physiotherapy treatment plan, they can only provide care on behalf of, or as directed by, a registered physiotherapist. The supervising physiotherapist must evaluate the competency of the PTA and assign and supervise all care.

6.Physiotherapists can NOT assign which of the following activities to a physiotherapist assistant (PTA)?
A. Acupuncture
B. Communicating a diagnosis
C. Spinal manipulation
D. None of these activities can be assigned to a PTA

Correct Answer: D

None of the activities listed above can be assigned to a PTA.

7.Which of the following statements regarding intra-professional collaboration is true?
A. It is appropriate for two different physiotherapists to provide care for the same patient provided there is no unnecessary duplication of care
B. It is inappropriate for a physiotherapist to provide care to a patient knowing that another physiotherapist is currently also providing care to that same patient
C. When collaborating with other PTs, it is not necessary to document the details of the collaborative care provided
D. A PT cannot refer a patient to see another PT, despite it being in the best interest of that patient

Correct Answer: A

Depending on the complexity of a situation or the specialization of the professionals involved, it may be appropriate and necessary for multiple physiotherapists to care for the same patient. There must be appropriate documentation of this in the patient’s chart. Unnecessary duplication of care must be avoided by both PTs involved in the patient’s care.

Additional resources:

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