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Productivity isn't just about numbers.
Productivity standards can be a useful way to improve both the ways care is provided and the work experience of providers — but only if those standards are thoughtfully developed with careful attention to patient experience and outcomes, the PT’s clinical judgment, and the APTA Code of Ethics, among other factors.
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Recommended Content
Sep 19, 2023 / Resource
APTA has Identified these potential funding sources for members who wish to conduct needed research on physical therapy clinical productivity.
Oct 26, 2022 / Resource
Effective productivity standards require a careful balance of multiple concepts and considerations. This article provides basic terminology, areas to consider when determining productivity, clinic considerations for operational success, and more.
Oct 25, 2022 / Resource
In March 2022, an environmental scan was conducted to determine the landscape of health care productivity in general. This included a search of the existing literature in all professions including physical therapy and an inventory of the existing resources
Dec 14, 2021 / Policies & Bylaws
This position statement, last updated in 2021, lays out the association's support for well-balanced productivity requirements that respect clinical judgment and improve providers' work experience.
Jun 25, 2024 / Resource
In response to the 2021 APTA House of Delegates position and charge related to productivity standards, an APTA Association Leadership Scholars paper was developed based on a survey distributed to members of APTA Acute Care in June of 2022.
Additional Productivity Content
Dec 18, 2023 / Review
A survey of 975 PTs and PTAs in Texas reveals potential insights into productivity requirements and other factors tied to work engagement.
Aug 15, 2023 / Interview
One of the biggest ethical issues in the profession is balancing productivity and quality patient care.
Oct 26, 2022 / Resource
This set of questions is designed to help physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students assess practice and professional development opportunities.
Oct 1, 2021 / Column
This APTA Magazine article recaps results from an APTA member survey that explored the amount of time PTs spend engaging in coordination-of-care activities without receiving payment.
Mar 22, 2019 / Review
A survey of PTs and PTAs in Texas found that while not widespread, instances of observed unethical behavior were associated with increases in expected productivity.
Apr 1, 2018 / Feature
This APTA Magazine article recaps results from an APTA member survey that explored the amount of time PTs spend engaging in coordination-of-care activities without receiving payment.
Sep 1, 2017 / Column
This Ethics in Practice Column from APTA Magazine highlights potential ethical challenges that can be associated with some productivity demands.
Jul 1, 2015 / Feature
APTA Magazine explored the trend toward employer-established productivity standards, with a focus on implications for the profession and physical therapists.
Jun 2, 2014 / Resource
In 2014, APTA, the American Occupational Therapy Association, and the American Speech-Language-hearing Association issued a statement emphasizing the important role clinical judgment plays in ethical service delivery.