Speakers: Jody Prohar, Leanne Loranger In this episode, Jody and Leanne discuss the profound effect that the spread of misinformation has had on the public’s trust of institutions and regulated health professionals alike. We talk about some of the statements issued by professional organizations and regulators during the pandemic about the expectations health professionals need to meet and the importance of avoiding spreading or amplifying misinformation. At about the 7-minute mark, we talk about the specific expectations for Alberta physiotherapists as outlined in the Code of Ethical Conduct and the Standards of Practice and how these expectations reinforce the importance of sharing credible, evidence-based messages.  What is the physiotherapist’s role in sharing public health messages, and how does that relate to the traditional scope of physiotherapy practice? What happens if a physiotherapist uses their professional title to add credibility to misinformation shared on social media or in other forums? Listen to this episode to find out. Resources: Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy - Statement on Misinformation:  https://www.fsbpt.org/News-Events/News/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/151/Statement-on-Misinformation Government of Alberta - Statement from Minister Copping in Response to Anti-Vaccination Letter https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=79899FED247BF-F1CD-D9EE-2844E2FB61EF117D  College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta – An Open Letter in Response to Vaccine Concerns and Misinformation https://cpsa.ca/news/an-open-letter-in-response-to-vaccine-concerns-and-misinformation/  Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 29

Speakers: Joyce Vogelgesang, Cheryl Blahut, Leanne Loranger With the September 30th deadline for practice permit renewal fast approaching, we are using this episode to answer the question – ‘What happens if I fail to renew my permit and practice when I’m not authorized?’ The Health Professions Act establishes the penalties that apply if someone claims or implies that they are a physiotherapist without being registered with Physiotherapy Alberta. Penalties may apply to people who falsely represent themselves as physiotherapists, and to people who have let their practice permit expire and continue to provide professional services. If a regulated member lets their permit expire, it is not a simple task to get their practice permit back, and there can be fines or other penalties that need to be addressed as part of the process of being reinstated. Physiotherapists need to know that if they let their permit expire, it results in a complaint which is not a minor thing. Listen to this episode to learn more about the consequences of letting your practice permit expire, then submit your renewal before it does! Resources: Physiotherapy Alberta. Annual Renewal. Available at: https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/how_to_maintain_your_registration/annual_renewal Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 28

Speakers: Joyce Vogelgesang, Jody Prohar, Leanne Loranger August means that practice permit renewal season is upon us. Joyce Vogelgesang joins Jody and Leanne in this episode to discuss all things registration and renewal and our tips for making the renewal process run smoothly, including: Maintaining your member profile. Reporting criminal charges, convictions, and findings of unprofessional conduct as soon as reasonably possible. What to keep in mind if you are considering canceling your practice permit.   Physiotherapists can start working on their practice permit renewal in advance by: Making sure all their employment locations are indicated on their member profile. Calculating the hours worked at each practice location where they’ve worked in the past year. Finishing the practice improvement record for their self-selected competence activity now. Gathering the other documents they will need, such as their personal professional liability insurance.   No one likes paying late fees. Start the renewal process early to avoid them! Resources: Physiotherapy Alberta. Maintain Your Information. Available at https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/what_you_need_to_know_to_practice_in_alberta/maintain_your_information Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 27

Speakers: Jody Prohar and Leanne Loranger It’s the second anniversary of College Conversations! This episode takes us back to the discussions of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct of patients by regulated health professionals, which were the spark that let to the creation of the podcast.   We begin the episode by reviewing key definitions related to changes to the Health Professions Act which were passed in late 2018. We go on to discuss the patient relations program that the College established in response to those legislative amendments. This includes the funding program created to provide financial support for treatment and counselling of patients, if a complaint is made respecting a physiotherapist that relates to sexual abuse of or sexual misconduct towards the patient by the physiotherapist. At the 9:03 mark we talk about changes made to mandatory education requirements for all new and recent applicants to the College. These changes are designed to ensure that all Alberta physiotherapists have a basic understanding of the legislation, key definitions, and why and how the Standard of Practice – Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct and related guidance documents apply to their practice. Resources: Physiotherapy Alberta. Learn. Grow. Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct – What Members Need to Know. https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/how_to_maintain_your_registration/do._learn._grow._continuing_competence_program/college_selected_activity#2019_college_selected_activity Physiotherapy Alberta. College Conversations. Episode 1: When is a Patient a Patient?https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/xchange/continuing_professional_development/elearning_center/college_conversations_episode_1/?course_type%3Alist=Podcasts Physiotherapy Alberta. College Conversations. Episode 2: The Dirty Joke.https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/xchange/continuing_professional_development/elearning_center/college_conversations_episode_2/?course_type%3Alist=Podcasts&page=3 Physiotherapy Alberta. College Conversations. Episode 3: Sensitive Practice in Physiotherapy – A Primer. https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/xchange/continuing_professional_development/elearning_center/college_conversations_episode_3/?course_type%3Alist=Podcasts&page=4 Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 26

Speakers: Jody Prohar and Leanne Loranger In this episode, Jody and Leanne discuss the core activities of regulatory organizations, the costs of regulation and Council’s fiduciary duty. Council has a duty to act in the interest of meeting Physiotherapy Alberta’s mandate and to use the funds collected responsibly to fulfill core regulatory activities and our strategic plan. As a large, public organization, Physiotherapy Alberta’s financial situation is reported annually to government and other stakeholders, through our annual report. While no one wants to pay higher fees for registration with the College, many of the costs that the College faces are, if not fixed, not truly malleable either. We discuss how the College sets its annual budget, establishes fees for registration and renewal, and aligns spending with the strategic plan. We discuss some of the new costs the College has been faced with in recent years at 6:26 and touch on non-dues revenue generation and why that is not something Physiotherapy Alberta pursues at 8:45. At the 11:48 mark we discuss the reserve funds Physiotherapy Alberta reports in the annual report and what these funds are used for. Want to know where your fees go? Check out this episode! Resources: Physiotherapy Alberta. Annual Report. Available at https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/annual_report  Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 25

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 24

In this episode, Jody and Leanne are joined by Joyce Vogelgesang, Deputy Registrar and long-time staff member of Physiotherapy Alberta, to discuss the history of how we came to be both College and Association, some common misconceptions about our history and role, and our primary mandate to serve the public interest. We go on to discuss recent legislative changes that mandate that health profession regulatory organizations may not hold themselves out to be both College and Association and may not fulfill association-type roles as part of their work. This change reflects a trend in the world of regulation to require separation between organizations that serve the public interest and those that represent the interests of the profession. While the details of what this change will mean for Physiotherapy Alberta’s activities are still being reviewed, we know that in the future we will not operate as a dual mandate organization. Fortunately, the legislation provides for an 18-month transition period for the College to devolve itself of association functions. Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 23

In this episode, Jody and Leanne discuss what professionalism means and the expectations that arise as part of being a member of a self-regulating profession.   Professionalism is a topic of conversation that arises frequently within the physiotherapy profession. Organizations such as entry to practice education programs, accreditation organizations, and regulators all agree that professionalism matters, but defining what is or is not professional is challenging. We discuss how attitudes and beliefs about professionalism often stem from messages internalized long before a person entered the profession. Professionalism is also complicated by the fact that as society’s norms and expectations change, perspectives about what constitutes professional behaviour also change.   In some ways, it is easier to define what it means to be a member of a self-regulating profession. Jody and Leanne discuss what’s expected when an issue is brought to a physiotherapist’s attention, and what to do when a physiotherapist notices a peer isn’t meeting expectations. When do physiotherapists need to call on each other to meet expectations, and when is it appropriate to contact Physiotherapy Alberta about a fellow physiotherapist’s practices?   Resources: Code of Ethical Conduct: https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/what_you_need_to_know_to_practice_in_alberta/code_of_ethical_conduct Standards of Practice: https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/what_you_need_to_know_to_practice_in_alberta/standards_of_practice Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 22

Changes are coming to how Physiotherapy Alberta regulates the performance of pelvic health internal examinations by physiotherapists in Alberta. Although pelvic health internal examinations have always been a restricted activity, Physiotherapy Alberta is now transitioning to an authorization process for this activity that is similar to those used for authorizing the performance of spinal manipulation and the use of needles in practice.   In this episode we discuss the terminology Physiotherapy Alberta uses to describe this area of physiotherapy practice and what the plans to transition to individual authorization entail. We also address common questions from registrants, such as: What do these changes mean for physiotherapists currently working in this area of practice and wishing to continue to do so? How will these changes affect physiotherapist interns on the Provisional Register? What type of supervision is required for physiotherapist interns when they perform the restricted activity? What supervision is required for physiotherapists on the General Register who are in the process of learning how to perform internal examinations?   Legacy providers of these services should know that there are options open for them to apply for and obtain authorization to perform pelvic health internal examinations. We talk about that process in detail toward the end of the episode. Resources: Restricted Activities – Pelvic Health (Internal Examinations) https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/what_you_need_to_know_to_practice_in_alberta/restricted_activities#pelvic_health_internal_examinations Good Practice: Pelvic Health Update https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/news/good_practice_pelvic_health_update? Pelvic Health (Internal Examinations) Resource Guide https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/resources_to_help_you_meet_practice_standards/pelvic_health_internal_examinations_resource_guide Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 21

From time to time, conflicts and challenging situations may arise between physiotherapists and their patients, which may lead the physiotherapist to consider declining to continue to provide services to the patient. These situations exist on a continuum from the slightly challenging to the potentially dangerous. Although there are circumstances where a physiotherapist may decide to discontinue treatment, when opting to decline services the physiotherapist also has several duties to fulfill.   In this episode, Jody and Leanne discuss the situations where it is or is not OK to decline services and the duties and obligations a physiotherapist must fulfill.   The onus is always on the physiotherapist to address conflicts appropriately, but how should we go about doing so? At the seven-minute mark we highlight a process for working through and addressing challenging situations and discuss key considerations, such as when it is important to involve a manager or clinic owner in a discussion with a patient.   When is it ok for a physiotherapist to decline services to a patient? Listen to this episode to find out.     Resources: https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/resources_to_help_you_meet_practice_standards/managing_challenging_situations Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 20

Advertising is a challenging topic within physiotherapy regulation, due in part to the tension between the need to promote the services offered and the need to conduct ourselves professionally. In this episode Jody and Leanne talk about common advertising problems including the use of the title ‘doctor,’ comparative and superlative statements, and misleading advertising.    Along the way we talk about the need to avoid a race to the bottom when it comes to advertising, and the importance of making sure that the advertisements for your business are consistent with the Standards and Code of Ethical Conduct, even when (especially when) you hire advertising professionals for help.    The key point here is that physiotherapist advertisements promote a health professional’s services. The purpose is to inform members of the public about services that are available in their community, not to engage in unseemly aspects of advertising, such as bait and switch tactics, in order to get business in the door.     Resources: https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/what_you_need_to_know_to_practice_in_alberta/standards_of_practice/advertising https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/what_you_need_to_know_to_practice_in_alberta/code_of_ethical_conduct Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 19

Physiotherapy Alberta has always fielded questions regarding Physiotherapist Interns and the Provisional Register, with questions relating to everything from the requirements for becoming a Physiotherapist Intern to the ins and outs of supervision and the performance of restricted activities. In the latter half of 2020 the number of questions received increased, presumably due to the delays to the completion of the clinical component of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.    This episode provides answers to the most common questions Physiotherapy Alberta receives about this group of Registrants. We discuss the Swiss Cheese Model of safety, and Physiotherapy Alberta’s perspective that the Physiotherapy Competency Examination is one layer within a system designed to make sure that only competent and qualified physiotherapists are providing physiotherapy services.    As time spent in supervised practice passes, most Physiotherapist Interns will progress in terms of the nature and intensity of supervision that they require to practice safely, but what exactly does that mean? We discuss the differences between direct and indirect supervision and the instances where direct supervision is mandatory at the 6-minute mark of the episode.    We close with a discussion of restricted activities and the rules related to their practice by Physiotherapist Interns.    Resources: https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/what_you_need_to_know_to_practice_in_alberta/standards_of_practice/supervision https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/physiotherapists/resources_to_help_you_meet_practice_standards/supervision_guide https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/files/supervision_agreement.pdf Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 18

Provision of services rules are in place to guide the processes by which Physiotherapy Alberta approves practice settings where physiotherapy services are provided. In this episode Jody and Leanne talk about the evolution of regulation of physiotherapy practice settings in Alberta and the provision of services rules currently in place. We discuss when these rules apply and the application requirements for different types of physiotherapy practices. Have you ever wondered what Physiotherapy Alberta means when we talk about the “most responsible physiotherapist” or why there are different application requirements depending on who owns a practice setting? Check out this episode to find the answers to these questions and more! Resources: https://www.physiotherapyalberta.ca/employers/provision_of_professional_services Links: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Spotify 

Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations - Episode 17

Ever wish you had a friend at Physiotherapy Alberta that you could call when you have questions about the standards of practice or when you encounter challenging situations? In this friendly and informative podcast, Physiotherapy Alberta’s staff and guests will highlight issues of regulatory interest and importance, answer common questions, and address misconceptions about the standards of practice and what they mean. Got questions? We have answers! Let us help you navigate the challenges of physiotherapy practice.

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Physiotherapy Alberta's College Conversations

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