To identify and analyze the theoretical and methodological foundations regarding the diagnostic process in physiotherapy, with the aim of improving the quality of the teaching-learning process in clinical practice.
A comprehensive literature review was conducted of the available evidence from 1999 to 2024 using the Ebsco, Pubmed, and ScienceDirect databases with the terms “Physical therapy,” “diagnosis,” “process,” and “education,” focusing on finding articles, books, and clinical practice guidelines regarding the theoretical and methodological foundations of the diagnostic process in physiotherapy. Eleven scientific articles, nine books, and three clinical practice guidelines that met the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis and critical reading.
Forty years after the inception of diagnosis in physiotherapy, a clear and agreed-upon methodology for its establishment still does not exist. Most professionals and institutions are guided by particular criteria, and in some cases, it is even completely omitted (2, 3). A detailed analysis of different approaches allowed for the identification of common theoretical foundations and conceptual bases among authors, as well as methodological strategies that clearly and precisely guide the successful development of this process. It is noteworthy that, for over a decade, authors such as Escorpizo et al. (4) have proposed the interaction between the ICF and the domains of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) as complementary models in the diagnostic process. Despite both approaches having a high level of evidence, they continue to be used in isolation to this day.
The integration of the ICF model and the APTA approach would represent a significant advancement in the standardization of diagnosis, offering a solid theoretical and methodological framework that facilitates both the teaching process and clinical practice. By harmonizing the global classification of functioning with a precise analysis of structures and functions, this proposal optimizes clinical decision-making and promotes a multidimensional perspective. The implementation of this approach will contribute to greater diagnostic coherence and improved interdisciplinary communication, impacting therapeutic outcomes and quality of life.
This work will provide the integration of the ICF and APTA models, facilitating the standardization of the diagnostic process in physiotherapy, improving clinical decision-making, and promoting a significant change in interdisciplinary communication.
Diagnosis
Education
