Skip to main content

2019_6_socialcap

Social capital is a new concept to physical therapist practice that has the potential to facilitate interprofessional and intraprofessional relationships. Personally, I think it is very exciting to see how ideas from sociology literature can make a difference for physical therapists and health care at large.

By definition social capital is the advantage created by a person’s location in a structure of relationships. It explains how people perform better because they are connected with others.1,2 The principles of social capital are at work in the health care environment when it comes to clinical practice, teamwork, and training, and can strengthen the development of interprofessional education. The three primary forms of social capital include broker, closed, and partner networks.

Log in or create a free account to keep reading.


Join APTA to get unlimited access to content.

  • Burt R. Brokerage & Closure: An Introduction to Social Capital. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press; 2013. 
  • Strategic leadership course. University of Chicago, Booth School of Business; Summer 2016; Chicago, IL.

You Might Also Like...

News

A Responsibility to Innovate: Managing the Trends Shaping the Future of Rehab

Jul 25, 2025

The APTA Future of Rehab Therapy Summit highlighted emerging technologies and partnerships changing rehabilitation and patient care.

News

Takeaways From the Proposed 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, Part 1

Jul 25, 2025

After five years of cuts, CMS proposes an increase in the conversion factor but devalues physical therapy codes.

Article

Remembering James Alan Ball: A Dedicated Member of the APTA Community

Jul 24, 2025

Former APTA board member leaves a legacy of leadership and advocacy in the physical therapy profession