The Framework for Physical Therapist and Physician Assistant Partnership: Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Patient-Centered Care

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Collaborative health care is a process in which multiple medical providers manage the care of a patient jointly. Collaborative health care has developed as a way to achieve quality patient-centered care. Evolution of health care delivery systems has lead to interprofessional care that requires analysis and understanding of each health disciplines' model of care in order to determine common and discrete clinical strategies. The purpose of this article is to identify opportunities for collaboration between physical therapist and physician assistant practice through linkage of excellence, professional duty, and social responsibility in their professional core values, educational approach, and specialized practice issues. Methods and Materials. Information was drawn from published materials in the physical therapy, physician assistant, and health care literature, as well as the professional organizations in or related to physical therapist and physician assistant professions. Summary of Literature. Comprehensive reviews of physical therapist and physician assistant practice were conducted. Analyses of each profession and editorials on the evolution of the practice patterns for each profession have been published through out the 20th century and most recently in the early part of the 21st century. The literature has evolved as the focus of health care has shifted to address the best needs of the patient. Conclusion. This article links the professional core values and specialized practice issues of physical therapists and physician assistants. The article provides discussion of interprofessional education and collaborative patient-centered care by physical therapists and physician assistants.