Employers Perceptions on Performance Outcomes of Certified Specialists Compared with Other Physical Therapists
Survey respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement with eleven indicators of outcomes of job performance for ABPTS certified specialists. Because it was hypothesized that responses would differ according to practice setting, data were cross-tabulated on the basis of practice setting. Highlights from this section of the study say:
More than half (53%) of the total respondents agreed that there are differences in clinical outcomes (i.e. functional improvement and patient satisfaction) between certified specialists and other physical therapists. Respondents from private practice (64%) or outpatient facilities (58%) were the most likely to report differences in clinical outcomes.
Almost half of the total respondents (45%) agreed that certified specialists routinely manage patients with more complex patient conditions than other physical therapists, and more than half of the employers in private practice and outpatient facilities agreed.
Approximately 39% of total respondents agreed that certified specialists manage patients more efficiently than other physical therapists. Almost half of those in private practice, outpatient facilities, and home care agreed with this statement.
37% of the total respondents believe that there is a difference in the number of patients referred from other health care professionals directly to certified specialists versus other physical therapists. About half of the employers from private practice and outpatient facilities were in agreement.
About 35% of the total respondents indicate that certified specialists hold more leadership/management positions, have been employed longer at the facility, and make more of an effort to market themselves.
Half of the total respondents (50%) agree that certified specialists assume non-patient care roles (e.g. educator, researcher, consultant) more effectively than other physical therapists. Respondents in school settings were most likely to agree (60%).
The mission of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties is to advance the profession of physical therapy by establishing, maintaining, and promoting standards of excellence for clinical specialization, and by recognizing the advanced knowledge, skills, and experience by physical therapist practitioners through specialist credentialing.
The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties will create, promote, and sustain a culture in which the highest quality physical therapy is provided by therapists who attain and maintain certifications in a specialty area.