Skip to main content

2019_6_socialcap

Social capital is a new concept to physical therapist practice that has the potential to facilitate interprofessional and intraprofessional relationships. Personally, I think it is very exciting to see how ideas from sociology literature can make a difference for physical therapists and health care at large.

By definition social capital is the advantage created by a person’s location in a structure of relationships. It explains how people perform better because they are connected with others.1,2 The principles of social capital are at work in the health care environment when it comes to clinical practice, teamwork, and training, and can strengthen the development of interprofessional education. The three primary forms of social capital include broker, closed, and partner networks.

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.

  • Burt R. Brokerage & Closure: An Introduction to Social Capital. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press; 2013. 
  • Strategic leadership course. University of Chicago, Booth School of Business; Summer 2016; Chicago, IL.

You Might Also Like...

News

APTA Top Advocacy Priorities Established for 2025-26

Feb 4, 2025

Our public policy priorities are aimed at increasing payment, decreasing administrative burden, and improving the value of patient care.

News

APTA Board, Nominating Committee Recommendations Due March 10

Feb 4, 2025

Recommend your peers for APTA elected positions, including secretary, vice speaker, director, and Nominating Committee member.

Column

Ethics in Practice: Physical Therapy as a Moral Community

Feb 1, 2025

Physical Therapy as a Moral Community: Collaboration, Leadership, and Persistence