Guideline: Physical therapy records management: record keeping, storage, retrieval and disposal

WCPT intends that this international guideline for

Physical therapist: A professional who has successfully completed a professional entry level programme that enables them to identify and maximise quality of life and functional movement potential, within the spheres of promotion, prevention, maintenance, intervention/treatment and rehabilitation. This encompasses physical, psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. Physical therapist practice involves the interaction between the physical therapist, patients or clients, families, care givers, other health care providers and communities, in a process of assessing movement potential and in establishing agreed upon goals and objectives using knowledge and skills unique to physical therapists. The first professional qualification, obtained in any country, represents the completion of a curriculum that qualifies the physical therapist to use the professional title and to practise as an independent professional.

The professional title and term used to describe the profession's practice varies and depends largely on the historical roots of the profession in each country. The most generally used titles and terms are 'physical therapy’, ‘physiotherapy' and ‘physical therapist’, ‘physiotherapist’.

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 record keeping, storage, retrieval and disposal is used worldwide within the framework set out by national and local legislation. It may be used for planning, and in internal and external service

Quality assurance: A system of recognised procedures for establishing standards and includes procedures for reaching standards.

See also Quality enhancement

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processes. It has been prepared to support the implementation of WCPT’s policy statement on records management:

Record: An account that contains information (in any media) intended to document actions, events or facts. The International Organization for Standardisation defines records as information created, received, and maintained as evidence and information by an organisation or person, in pursuance of legal obligations or in the transaction of business.

See also Clinical record

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keeping, storage, retrieval and disposal.