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Productivity isn't just about numbers.

Productivity standards can be a useful way to improve both the ways care is provided and the work experience of providers — but only if those standards are thoughtfully developed with careful attention to patient experience and outcomes, the PT’s clinical judgment, and the APTA Code of Ethics, among other factors.

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Recommended Content

Productivity: Definitions and Considerations

Oct 26, 2022 / Resource

Effective productivity standards require a careful balance of multiple concepts and considerations. This article provides basic terminology, areas to consider when determining productivity, clinic considerations for operational success, and more.

Productivity Environmental Scan Summary

Oct 25, 2022 / Resource

In March 2022, an environmental scan was conducted to determine the landscape of health care productivity in general. This included a search of the existing literature in all professions including physical therapy and an inventory of the existing resources

Productivity Standards in the Physical Therapy Workforce

Dec 14, 2021 / Policies & Bylaws

This position statement, last updated in 2021, lays out the association's support for well-balanced productivity requirements that respect clinical judgment and improve providers' work experience.

Productivity Versus Value: Why We Need to Change the Discussion and How YOU Can

Oct 1, 2022 / Website

This recorded online workshop is designed to introduce leading strategies in the field of employee engagement and employee empowerment to help break down barriers and optimize productivity in a private practice.

Additional Productivity Content

Questions PTs and PTAs Should Ask Potential Employers

Oct 26, 2022 / Resource

This set of questions is designed to help physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students assess practice and professional development opportunities.

Uncompensated Care: An Ongoing Challenge

Oct 1, 2021 / Column

This APTA Magazine article recaps results from an APTA member survey that explored the amount of time PTs spend engaging in coordination-of-care activities without receiving payment.

Too Much Focus on Productivity Increases Risk of Unethical Behavior, Say Re...

Mar 22, 2019 / Review

A survey of PTs and PTAs in Texas found that while not widespread, instances of observed unethical behavior were associated with increases in expected productivity.

Practicing Ethically In Today's Health Care Environment

Apr 1, 2018 / Feature

This APTA Magazine article recaps results from an APTA member survey that explored the amount of time PTs spend engaging in coordination-of-care activities without receiving payment.

Is More Always Better?

Sep 1, 2017 / Column

This Ethics in Practice Column from APTA Magazine highlights potential ethical challenges that can be associated with some productivity demands.

Measuring by Value, Not Volume

Jul 1, 2015 / Feature

APTA Magazine explored the trend toward employer-established productivity standards, with a focus on implications for the profession and physical therapists.

Consensus Statement on Clinical Judgement in Health Care Settings

Jun 2, 2014 / Resource

In 2014, APTA, the American Occupational Therapy Association, and the American Speech-Language-hearing Association issued a statement emphasizing the important role clinical judgment plays in ethical service delivery.