ETHICAL DILEMMAS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN PHYSIOTHERAPY

Abstract

Ethics and professionalism are integral to physiotherapy, influencing practice, patient confidence, and the role of physiotherapists. Ethics are now more important than ever in modern physiotherapy, which is increasingly practiced in culturally diverse environments and relies on remote technologies. This chapter explores the values, principles, and professional behaviours of physiotherapists as outlined in codes of ethics, empirical studies, and policy documents. It addresses the American Physical Therapy Association's core values of accountability, altruism, and integrity, as well as World Physiotherapy's emphasis on respect, privacy, and equitable care. The chapter highlights ethical concerns, including conflicts of interest, informed consent, and dual agency, and examines professional attitudes and behaviours identified through empirical research. In addition, telehealth and digital practice-related issues, such as privacy, security, and equity, are considered. Ethical decision-making, ongoing professional learning, and cultural competence strategies are discussed to help practitioners provide excellent, patient-centered care. The chapter concludes that incorporating ethical thinking and cultural humility into education and clinical practice can support physiotherapists in adapting to future innovations while maintaining high standards of professional care.