Ethics knowledge in physical therapy: a narrative review of the literature since 2000

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this narrative review is to assess current physical therapy ethics knowledge by synthesizing literature published since 2000.

Method: This review builds on an earlier analysis.6 A rigorous search of major databases (including Medline, CINAHL, and PubMed) was conducted using specific keywords and explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. The final review included 27 peer-reviewed articles and three editorials/lectures.

Results: Four themes of papers were identified that focused on (1) development of physical therapy ethics knowledge, (2) ethical issues related to conducting research, (3) how ethical issues are identified and managed and how ethical practice is taught, and (4) development of theoretical ethical decision-making models.

Discussion: The literature reflects a steady growth in interest in physical therapy ethics. Some 'gaps' in knowledge have been addressed but others have not, such as the impact of the institutional environment and cultural dimensions of practice on ethical reasoning. Research studies, using mostly qualitative approaches, identify similar issues but a synthesis of the findings is made difficult by lack of consistency in purpose and study design. While inclusion of ethics content in physical therapy curricula is recommended, little is known about how this is currently being achieved. Ethical theories are poorly integrated into the discussion of ethics in practice.

Conclusion: This review reveals the continuing need to ensure the development of physical therapy ethical knowledge by consistently incorporating both ethical theories and practice knowledge in education curricula and establishing a rigorous research agenda that accurately reflects the unique and multidimensional nature of clinical practice.

Keywords:

• HEALTHCARE ETHICS
• PHYSICAL THERAPY