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

Advancing the Role of PTs in Falls Prevention Together: From Congress to Clinics

Sep 15, 2025

Through advancing evidence-based care, community education about the importance of prevention, and coordinated advocacy around federal legislation, PTs,

News

The Clock Is Ticking for Congress to Extend Medicare Telehealth Waivers

Sep 9, 2025

Congress must act by Sept. 30 to extend current telehealth access for PTs, PTAs, and other therapy providers.

News

Congress Investigating TRICARE Issues Amid Provider and Patient Disruptions

Sep 5, 2025

Congress is beginning to formally investigate ongoing issues with the TRICARE system that have affected health care providers and military families who