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...

Article

Payment Advocacy Takes Center Stage During APTA Capitol Hill Day

May 5, 2026

APTA members gather in front of the U.S. Capitol during APTA Capitol Hill Day. More than 250 APTA members came to Washington, D.C., with a shared message

Article

CMS Finalizes 2027 Medicare Advantage Rule: What Physical Therapists Should Know

May 5, 2026

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released its Medicare Advantage Contract Year 2027 Final Rule, finalizing policies related to utilization

Article

Physical Therapy in the News: April 2026

May 5, 2026

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