skillfactor-pipeline/skills/osteopath/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — osteopath

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 29-1123.00 (Physical Therapists).

Task statements

• [Core] Inform patients and refer to appropriate practitioners when diagnosis reveals findings outside physical therapy.
• [Core] Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
• [Core] Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.
• [Core] Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
• [Core] Administer manual exercises, massage, or traction to help relieve pain, increase patient strength, or decrease or prevent deformity or crippling.
• [Core] Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
• [Core] Confer with the patient, medical practitioners, or appropriate others to plan, implement, or assess the intervention program.
• [Core] Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and physical therapy treatment required.
• [Core] Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
• [Core] Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.
• [Core] Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referrals.
• [Core] Test and measure patient's strength, motor development and function, sensory perception, functional capacity, or respiratory or circulatory efficiency and record data.
• [Core] Identify and document goals, anticipated progress, and plans for reevaluation.
• [Core] Provide information to the patient about the proposed intervention, its material risks and expected benefits, and any reasonable alternatives.
• [Core] Direct, supervise, assess, and communicate with supportive personnel.
• [Core] Administer treatment involving application of physical agents, using equipment, moist packs, ultraviolet or infrared lamps, or ultrasound machines.
• [Core] Teach physical therapy students or those in other health professions.
• [Core] Evaluate, fit, or adjust prosthetic or orthotic devices or recommend modification to orthotist.
• [Core] Provide educational information about physical therapy or physical therapists, injury prevention, ergonomics, or ways to promote health.
• [Core] Refer clients to community resources or services.
• [Core] Conduct or support research and apply research findings to practice.
• [Core] Participate in community or community agency activities or help to formulate public policy.
• [Core] Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices.
• [Supplemental] Direct group rehabilitation activities.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust prostheses or other assistive devices.
• Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues.
• Advise others on matters of public policy.
• Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
• Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
• Communicate health and wellness information to the public.
• Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
• Design public or employee health programs.
• Develop medical treatment plans.
• Direct healthcare delivery programs.
• Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
• Establish treatment goals.
• Evaluate patient outcomes to determine effectiveness of treatments.
• Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
• Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
• Fabricate medical devices.
• Monitor patient progress or responses to treatments.
• Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
• Process healthcare paperwork.
• Record patient medical histories.
• Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
• Supervise medical support personnel.
• Test patient heart or lung functioning.
• Train medical providers.
• Train patients, family members, or caregivers in techniques for managing disabilities or illnesses.
• Treat patients using physical therapy techniques.