physiotherapy-assistant/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — physiotherapy assistant

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 31-2022.00 (Physical Therapist Aides).

Task statements

• [Core] Schedule patient appointments with physical therapists and coordinate therapists' schedules.
• [Core] Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment.
• [Core] Observe patients during treatment to compile and evaluate data on patients' responses and progress and report to physical therapist.
• [Core] Instruct, motivate, safeguard, or assist patients practicing exercises or functional activities, under direction of medical staff.
• [Core] Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
• [Core] Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.
• [Core] Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, or coordinating treatment.
• [Core] Perform clerical duties, such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, or filling out forms.
• [Core] Maintain equipment or furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly or disassembly of equipment or accessories.
• [Core] Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, or heat, light, sound, water, or electrical modality treatments, such as ultrasound.
• [Core] Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.
• [Core] Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.
• [Core] Assist patients to dress, undress, or put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, or slings.
• [Supplemental] Record treatment given and equipment used.
• [Supplemental] Measure patient's range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
• [Supplemental] Train patients to use orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices.
• [Supplemental] Fit patients for orthopedic braces, prostheses, or supportive devices, adjusting fit as needed.
• [Supplemental] Participate in patient care tasks, such as assisting with passing food trays, feeding residents, or bathing residents on bed rest.
• [Supplemental] Administer traction to relieve neck or back pain, using intermittent or static traction equipment.

Detailed work activities

• Administer basic health care or medical treatments.
• Administer therapy treatments to patients using hands or physical treatment aids.
• Assess physical conditions of patients to aid in diagnosis or treatment.
• Assist patients with daily activities.
• Clean medical equipment.
• Clean patient rooms or patient treatment rooms.
• Confer with other professionals to plan patient care.
• Encourage patients during therapeutic activities.
• Engage patients in exercises or activities.
• Fit patients for assistive devices.
• Hold patients to ensure proper positioning or safety.
• Inventory medical supplies or equipment.
• Maintain medical equipment or instruments.
• Maintain medical records.
• Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
• Move patients to or from treatment areas.
• Perform clerical work in medical settings.
• Prepare medical instruments or equipment for use.
• Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
• Teach medical procedures or medical equipment use to patients.