Clinical Education
Physiotherapy
Student Code of Ethics
The University of Ottawa Physiotherapy Program uses the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario Code of Ethics for Physiotherapists to guide the accepted ethical behavior of physiotherapy students. It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with this document and its' implications.
(The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario is not however, formally responsible for the students.)
In addition to the Code of Ethics for Physiotherapists, there are specific guidelines that apply to physiotherapy students during clinical placements.
Interactions with Supervising Physiotherapists (Clinical Instructors):
- The student must send a letter of introduction to the Clinical Coordinator of the facility and the Clinical Instructor, no less than six weeks before the start of the placement. The student should follow the format outlined in the Example of a confirmation letter for clinical placement.
- Learning objectives should be agreed upon between the student and the clinical instructor within the first few days of the placement. Students assume primary responsibility for meeting the objectives of their clinical placement.
- Students must participate actively in the evaluation process of their clinical performance. They are expected to complete the Student’s evaluation of the Clinical Placement form which they will discuss with their clinical instructor at midterm and final reports. Both parties should provide each other with constructive feedback on a regular basis.
- Students are responsible for keeping their clinical handbook – the Student Profile up-to-date.
Interactions with Clients:
- Students must not misrepresent their level of knowledge, competency or professional status to a client or the client’s family.
- A professional approach and attitude must be taken with all clients.
- Students must advise their clinical instructor of all requests by a client to see or copy information written in the medical chart.
- Students must ensure that all documents, reports, notes and exercise programs placed in the client's chart or given to the client, be countersigned by the clinical instructor.
Interactions with the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education
- Any concerns, questions or professional issues that arise concerning a clinical placement should be dealt with in the appropriate manner through the support and guidance of the A.C.C.E. at the University.
