Use of the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice by pediatric physical therapists.

PURPOSE

Physical therapists are encouraged to use the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice (Guide) in their practice. The purpose of this study was to determine whether and how pediatric physical therapists (PTs) use the Guide.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A nationwide electronic survey was sent to pediatric physical therapists. Four hundred seventy-five members returned the survey yielding a 9.6% response rate.

RESULTS

Respondents reported that they practice consistently with the Guide's patient/client management model but that they do not find the Guide useful. Respondents made recommendations for a future edition of the Guide.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric PTs value the Guide as a reference, resource, and teaching tool. When the Guide is revised, the following should be considered: pediatric content, format, and utility of the Guide; educational needs of pediatric PTs about the Guide; and how stakeholders and PTs with other specialties view and use the Guide.