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Diagnosis and Classification by Physical Therapists: A Special Communication

A Jette, PhD, PT, is Senior Research Scientist, New England Research Institute, 9 Galen St, Watertown, MA 02172, and Adjunct Associate Professor, Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 15 River St, Boston, MA 02108-3402 (USA).

Through history taking and physical examination, physical therapists diagnose and classify different types of information for use in their clinical reasoning and treatment. What differentiates diagnosis by the physical therapist from diagnosis by the physician is not the process itself but the phenomena being observed and classified. The World Health Organization's International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps is one clinical taxonomy available to help physical therapists diagnose and classify clinical phenomena important to their scope of practice. Developing and applying classification systems to order its observations is a critical stage in the physical therapy profession's efforts to develop its scientific base.

Key Words: Classification • Decision making • Delivery of health care • Diagnosis • Physical therapy profession, professional issues

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