NATHANIEL MUGAMBI

PT03/857/24

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCE

BACHELOR OF PHYSIOTHERAPY

DR CATHERINE

17TH OCTOBER 2024

• A first year physiotherapist student during
orientation in the wards overhead a senior
physical therapist advising a fourth year
student on what is expected of him in
practice when he qualifies in regards to
professional guidelines. The physiotherapist
further advised him to register in the
physiotherapy regulatory body
 KEY WORDS

• Physical therapy - It's treatment of diseases, injury or deformity by

physical methods such as massage, heat treatment and exercise
rather than by drugs or surgeries

• Orientation - it's a program designed to introduce newcomers to

an institution

• Wards - its a separate room or area in a hospital designated for a

particular type of patient

• Senior Physical Therapist - is an experienced professional who

specializes in evaluating and treating patients with physical
impairments or disabilities.
• Practice - Application of medical knowledge skills and procedures by
health care professionals to deliver care

• Qualification - typically refers to the education, training, and

certification required to practice as a physical therapist.

• Professional guidelines in physical therapy refer to a set of standards

and practices that physical therapists follow to ensure high-quality care
and ethical conduct.

• Register - generally refers to the act or process of recording

information or enrolling in an official list.

• Physiotherapy regulatory body - is an organization that ensures

physiotherapists adhere to professional standards and practices within
a specific region.
 THEME

• Code of ethics and principles that

guides a physiotherapist
 OBJECTIVES
• Discuss code of ethics in physical therapy

• Discuss the qualifications of physical therapy

• Discuss the role of senior physical therapist to juniors

• Discuss organization and structure of regulatory bodies

in kenya
• Discuss the importance of ethics in physical therapy
 Code of ethics in physical therapy

• Respect for Individuals: Physical therapists must respect

the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals, acting
with compassion and integrity.

• Professional Competence: They are expected to maintain

and enhance their professional knowledge and skills,
ensuring they provide high-quality care.

• Accountability: Physical therapists are accountable for their

professional actions and must adhere to legal and ethical
standards
• Confidentiality: Physical therapists must protect the privacy
and confidentiality of patient information, only sharing it
when required by law or with the patient’s consent.
• Justice: They should provide fair and equitable treatment to
all patients, regardless of their background, ensuring that
everyone has access to necessary care.
• Professional Relationships: Physical therapists should foster
respectful and collaborative relationships with colleagues,
other healthcare
• Non-Maleficence: Physical therapists are obligated
to avoid causing harm to patients and to minimize
any potential risks associated with treatment.
• Beneficence: They should act in the best interest of
their patients, promoting their health and well-
being.
• Integrity : Honesty and transparency in all
professional interactions are crucial.
• Social Responsibility: Physical therapists should
contribute to the health and well-being of
society, advocating for the needs of their patients
and the community.

• Altruism: They should prioritize the needs of

patients and clients, demonstrating a
commitment to their well-being.
 Qualifications of a physical therapist

• Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: This is usually in a science or health-

related field.

• Complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy Program: This advanced

degree is essential and typically takes about three years to complete.

• Pass the National Physical Therapy EExamination: This is required to

obtain a license to practice.

• Professional Registration:Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists

Council : Physical therapists must be registered with the KMPDC to
get a licence
• Consider Specialization - after obtaining a licence you
can pursue a higher level of education to become a
professionallist
• Continuous professional development - engaging in this
activities is essential to stay updated with the latest
scientific research about physiotherapy
• Internship: Completion of an internship is typically
required to gain practical experience.
Role of senior physical therapist to juniors

• 1. Mentorship and Training: Senior physical therapists

provide guidance and support to junior therapists,
helping them develop their clinical skills and knowledge.
This includes offering advice on treatment plans,
demonstrating techniques, and providing feedback on
their performance.

• 2. Supervision: They oversee the work of junior therapists

to ensure that patient care is delivered effectively and
safely. This involves reviewing patient cases, monitoring
treatment progress, and ensuring adherence to best
practices and protocols.
• 3 Leadership and Management: They may take on
administrative roles, such as managing schedules,
coordinating team meetings, and handling departmental
logistics. Their leadership helps maintain a well-organized
and efficient work environment

• 4.Clinical Expertise: Senior therapists bring a wealth of

experience and specialized knowledge to the team. They
serve as a resource for complex cases and advanced
treatment techniques, ensuring high-quality patient care
5.Role Modeling: By exemplifying professionalism, ethical
behavior, and a patient-centered approach, senior
therapists set a positive example for junior therapists to
follow

6. Professional Development: Senior therapists often

facilitate continuing education opportunities for juniors,
such as workshops, seminars, and in-service training
sessions. They encourage ongoing learning and
professional growth.
Organisation, functions and structure of physicaltherapy regulatory bodies in kenya

• Physiotherapy Council of Kenya (PCK)

• Structure

• Board Members: The council is composed of a board that

includes representatives from the Ministry of Health,
experienced physiotherapists, and other stakeholders.
• -Committees: Various committees handle specific functions
such as registration, licensing, and disciplinary actions
 Functions of P. C. K (physiotherapy Council of Kenya)

• Registration and Licensing: PCK is responsible for the

registration and licensing of physiotherapists in Kenya. This
ensures that only qualified individuals practice
physiotherapy.

• Regulation and Standards: The council sets and enforces

standards for the practice of physiotherapy, including
ethical guidelines and professional conduct.

• Training Accreditation: PCK accredits training institutions

and programs to ensure they meet the required standards
for educating physiotherapists.
 • Organization
• Headquarters: The council operates from its
headquarters in Nairobi, with regional offices to
manage local affairs.
• Collaboration: PCK works closely with other health
regulatory bodies and educational institutions to
maintain high standards in physiotherapy practice
andeducation
 • Kenya Society of Physiotherapists (KSP)
• Structure
• -Executive Committee: KSP is managed by an executive
committee elected by its members. This committee
includes a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer,
and other officials.
• Sub-Committees: Various sub-committees focus on areas
such as continuing professional development, research,
and public relations.
• Function
• Professional Development: KSP organizes workshops,
seminars, and conferences to promote the continuous
professional development of physiotherapists.
• Advocacy: The society advocates for the interests of
physiotherapists and the profession at large, including
lobbying for better working conditions and recognition.

• Networking and Support: KSP provides a platform for

physiotherapists to network, share knowledge, and
support each other professionally.
 • Organization
• Membership- Membership is open to all
qualified physiotherapists in Kenya. Members
are required to adhere to the society's code of
conduct.
• Regional Chapters: KSP has regional chapters
that facilitate local activities and ensure
representation across the country
Importance of ethics in physical therapy

1.Patient Trust and Safety: Ethical behavior helps build trust

between patients and therapists. Patients need to feel
confident that their therapists are acting in their best interests,
providing safe and effective care
• 2.Professional Integrity: Adhering to ethical standards
ensures that physical therapists maintain professional
integrity. This includes respecting patient confidentiality,
obtaining informed consent, and providing unbiased care
• 3.Quality of Care: Ethical guidelines help ensure that the
quality of care remains high. Therapists are encouraged to
stay updated with the latest practices and to provide care
that meets professional standards
• 4. Legal Compliance: Following ethical guidelines helps
therapists comply with legal requirements, reducing the
risk of legal issues and professional misconduct

• 5.Professional RelatRelation: Ethics guide interactions not

only with patients but also with colleagues and other
healthcare professionals, fostering a collaborative and
respectful work environment

• 6.Patient Autonomy: Ethics ensure that patients have the

right to make informed decisions about their care. This
includes respecting their choices and providing all
necessary information for them to make those decisions.
• 7. Conflict Resolution: Ethical guidelines provide a
framework for resolving conflicts that may arise between
patients and therapists, or among healthcare team
members. This helps maintain a professional and
harmonious working environment.

• 8. Cultural Sensitivity: Ethics promote respect for cultural

diversity and encourage therapists to be sensitive to the
cultural backgrounds and beliefs of their patients. This can
improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.
• 9.Public Confidence: When physical therapists adhere
to ethical standards, it enhances the public's
confidence in the profession. This can lead to greater
utilization of physical therapy services and better
overall public health.

• 10.Professional Development: Adhering to ethical

standards encourages continuous professional
development. Therapists are motivated to engage in
lifelong learning and stay updated with advancements
in their field.