Medical screening examination: not optional for physical therapists

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy
• Clinical Practice
• Differential Diagnosis

Background:

• The role of physical therapists in differential diagnosis is debated.
• A clinical commentary discussed the boundaries of physical therapy practice.
• This paper responds to a commentary on physical therapy's diagnostic role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the inclusion of medical screening in physical therapy examinations.
• To clarify the scope of Review of Systems Checklists in physical therapy.
• To emphasize the importance of physician referral when general pathology is suspected.

Main Methods:

• The authors discuss the necessity of medical screening as an adjunct to physical examination.
• They reference existing literature on "Pathological Origins of Trunk and Neck Pain" and Review of Systems Checklists.
• The paper analyzes the function of Review of Systems Checklists in identifying general pathology.

Main Results:

• Medical screening is a crucial component of a comprehensive physical therapy examination.
• Review of Systems Checklists are designed for broad system screening, not specific disease diagnosis.
• A "yes" response on a checklist indicates potential general pathology requiring physician referral.

Conclusions:

• Physical therapists must integrate medical screening to identify potential serious pathologies.
• The use of Review of Systems Checklists should guide, not replace, physician consultation.
• This approach enhances patient safety and upholds the integrity of physical therapy practice.