Skip to main content

EthicsinPractice-1.png

Moral distress, caused by constraints that prevent someone from taking actions that they perceive to be morally right, is not uncommon among physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students in today's complex health care environments. The inability to act after considering and deciding on their ethical course of action can lead PTs and PTAs to experience emotional, physical, behavioral, and/or spiritual responses and doubt their moral agency. Residual feelings of doubt and worry can undermine their personal feelings of integrity. Repeated doubting of one's own moral sensitivity can have a negative impact on a professional's future calibration of their own thinking regarding moral decisions.

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.


You Might Also Like...

News

Physical Therapy in the News: December 2025

Jan 7, 2026

“Physical Therapy in the News" is a monthly series that highlights recent media coverage of the profession and APTA members.

News

CMS Launches Models for Chronic Care Management and Lifestyle Interventions

Jan 5, 2026

APTA attends ACCESS model launch and highlights opportunities for PTs in both ACCESS and MAHA ELEVATE models.

News

Now Available: New Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession

Jan 2, 2026

On July 14, 2025, the APTA House of Delegates officially adopted The Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapy Profession. This updated Code combines into