APTA Geriatrics' Guiding Principles for Best Practices in Geriatric Physical Therapy: An Executive Summary

Abstract

Special Interest Paperaging from optimal to pathology-influenced aging and how psychosocial, environmental, behavioral, accessibility, and economic factors affect this aging continuum, optimal health, and wellness. Employing this distinctive skill set while also utilizing evidence-based practice, acknowledging the variability observed in older adults, and utilizing interwoven care systems that impact outcomes are key characteristics of best practice. The Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy developed best practice guidelines consisting of 6 principles needed to ensure patients receive the care that they deserve. Best practice principles include person-centered care, anti-ageist beliefs, holistic assessment using sound outcome measures, evidence-based interventions, physical activity promotion, and interprofessional collaborative practice. This executive summary presents these principles along with suggested action steps for each element of best practice. The aims are to encourage individual self-assessment, promote improvement in practice on an individual and facility/system level, increase communication and collaboration with other health care providers about global best practices for older adults, and to further target education, resources, and advocacy toward achieving best practice on a larger scale.

Effects of a Structured Multicomponent Physical Exercise Intervention on Quality of Life and Biopsychosocial Health among Chilean Older Adults from the Community with Controlled Multimorbidity: A Pre–Post Design

“…Consequently, interventions should also been deepened through person-centered care, considering the interests and expectations of older adults [ 61 ] when performing PE. For example, orientating behavioral change through the application of the transtheoretical model, which recognizes stages of change, can motivate and generate actions at each stage, which favors health empowerment [ 62 ].…”

Level Of Patient’s Satisfaction with Physical Therapy Services in Public and Private Hospitals

“…Physical therapy aims not only at early healing and rehabilitation but also at enhancing the patients' independence, competence, and quality of life (3). Physical therapists apply their specialized knowledge and skills across a spectrum of practices, addressing issues related to various bodily functions like neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary systems, and specialized areas such as sports physical therapy and geriatric physical therapy (4,5). In cases of neurological disorders like stroke, physiotherapy is crucial for functional motor restoration in survivors (6).…”