Physical Therapist Assistants’ Perceptions of the Documented Roles of the Physical Therapist Assistant: A Response to Lippert’s Reply

Abstract

[Excerpt] We would like to thank Lynn Lippert for her thoughtful and supportive commentary on our article dealing with physical therapist assistants’ (PTAs’) perceptions of documented PTA roles. We agree with her position that the lack of operational definitions for terms associated with physical therapy activities is a problem, both in conducting research in the area of occupational roles and in the documentation that differentiates physical therapist, PTA, and physical therapy aide practice. We would strongly encourage individuals or groups involved in revising guidelines on the roles of providers of physical therapy services to begin that process by generating operational definitions of tens that may lead to confusion in the interpretation of policy on the direction, delegation, and supervision in physical therapy services.