Respiratory Care Week is October 20-26, a celebration recognizing respiratory therapists' vital role in healthcare. This week highlights the importance of respiratory care professionals in treating patients with breathing disorders and raising awareness about lung health. It's a time to honor the dedication and expertise of those who work tirelessly to improve respiratory health and to educate the public on the significance of respiratory care.

Many Respiratory Therapists participated in a Fly-in Advocacy effort in May, asking for support with legislative bills like:

The Role of Physical Therapists in Managing Low Back Pain: A Collaborative Approach

by Arvie Vitente, PT, DPT, PhD, MPH, GCS, FNAP • Beth Davis, PT, DPT, MBA, FNAP • Sara North PT, DPT, PhD, M.Ed., FNAP • Margaret Kathryn Panasci, PT, DPT, CWS

Low back pain (LBP) remains one of the most prevalent and costly musculoskeletal conditions worldwide. In celebration of World Physiotherapy Day 2024, which focuses on the theme of LBP, it’s crucial to recognize the pivotal role physical therapists play in addressing this growing epidemic. As healthcare professionals, physical therapists (PTs) have an opportunity to collaborate across disciplines in order to improve the lives of individuals affected by LBP, reduce their societal burden, and impact patient outcomes.

Optometry Academy News

by Marc Taub, OD, MS, FAAO, FCOVD, FNAP

According to the American Optometric Association, more than 16 million Americans suffer undiagnosed or untreated vision impairments; a comprehensive eye exam could have detected and allowed for treatment for so many of these individuals. Doctors of Optometry (e.g., O.D.s/optometrists/optometric physicians) are the frontline of eye and vision care and serve as America’s primary eye health care providers. Not only do optometrists prescribe glasses and contacts lenses, but they examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the eye. In addition to providing eye and vision care, they play a major role in an individual’s overall health and well-being by detecting systemic diseases, and diagnosing, treating and managing ocular manifestations of those diseases.¹ In many states, optometrists can perform minor surgical and laser procedures.

Pharmacy Academy Newsletter

by Heather B. Congdon, PharmD, CDE, FNAP

In today’s collaborative, patient-centered health care environment, studies have demonstrated that team-based care improves patient-related clinical outcomes, especially for patients with chronic medical conditions and historically inequitable access to health care. As such, healthcare practitioners need to have the knowledge and skills to function capably in interprofessional teams. An international movement to offer interprofessional education (IPE) to health professions students has taken hold in response to this workforce need for collaborative practice. Student participation in IPE activities for health professions disciplines is paramount to preparing them for team-based care. 

Athletic Trainers as Part of the Interprofessional Concussion Management Team

March is National Athletic Training Month, and the Athletic Training Academy is excited to share information about our role as part of an interprofessional concussion management team. While athletic trainers do not work solely with athletes, here we will highlight our role in the management of sport-related concussion. In accordance with the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport, we will discuss our role using the 12 ‘R’s of sport-related concussion.

Recognize: Athletic trainers (ATs) are frequently the first healthcare provider to identify a patient suffering from a sport-related concussion (SRC). We are often on the field or court with the patient when the injury occurs. The pre-existing relationships ATs have with their patients facilitate trust and allow us to better evaluate whether there are changes in mood or behavior. Athletic trainers recognize SRCs and work with other healthcare providers to manage the patient’s recovery.

Examples of the Role of Social Workers on Medical Specialty Interprofessional Teams

by A. Suzanne Boyd, PhD, MSW, ACSW, FNAP

During the last 20 years there has been an increase in the number of social work professionals who are members of interprofessional teams in a variety of settings. Most notably social workers are interprofessional team members in health care settings both public health and primary health care settings (Tadic, Ashcroft, Brown, & Dahrouge, 2020). Social workers in the subspecialty integrated behavioral health are well-known and deliver interventions such as clinical therapy services, conduct biopsychosocial assessments, and resource identification. The role of social workers on interprofessional teams at large research medical centers or specialty medical centers has received less attention. They often specialize in patient needs related to a medical specialty area.

Academy News: Podiatric Medicine

by Bob Smith, Podiatric Medicine Academy Chair

I can only imagine that all members of the National Academies of Practice are embracing 2024 of a year forecasting exciting and new opportunities either academically or within our practices arriving at our doorsteps. I reflect on this will be my fifth year as Podiatry Academy Chair and the responsibilities that role means. My fellow, professional, and emeritus members have given me a great privilege to voice their opinions and desires for the future of our small academy.  I am deeply grateful for their continued membership and participation as they see fit.  It is with great sadness that our academy lost one of our leaders who at one time was an emeritus member in December 2023.  Our ranks did grow by one member which delighted our entire academy.   

More Than Just Animal Doctors: Veterinarians in the Healthcare Mosaic

by Michael J. Blackwell, DVM, MPH

Healthcare today often resembles a patchwork—fractured and compartmentalized, each piece addressing a separate concern. Yet health, human or animal, is not a collection of isolated issues. It is a complex, interconnected web, which is why interprofessional collaboration is crucial.

Physical Therapy’s Commitment to Interprofessional Collaborative Care

The physical therapy profession is dedicated to collaborative practice for improved patient outcomes and the advancement of population health.  With our broad scope of practice, physical therapists collaborate with a variety of health professionals to provide comprehensive care across many practice settings. 

Physical therapists collaborate with all professions represented in NAP.  Please read the vignettes below that highlight some of many collaborative care experiences occurring in the physical therapy profession.

Looking Back Moves Us Forward: The Pioneer of Advocacy 

Since NAP seeks to improve healthcare and policy for all, it might be worthwhile to look into history to learn more about how to accomplish this goal.