ED PT Practice: Addressing Barriers and Operational Challenges
Presented by Rebekah Griffith
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This course provides a practical framework for navigating the barriers and operational challenges that physical therapists may face in emergency department (ED) practice. From administrative resistance and resource limitations to interdisciplinary misconceptions and patient-related obstacles, clinicians will learn to identify common pitfalls and apply strategic solutions to optimize care delivery. Through real-world examples and implementation strategies, the course prepares PTs to strengthen their role, improve team integration, and advocate for sustainable ED PT services. This course is ideal for PTs working in or transitioning to emergency care, acute settings, or systems seeking to expand collaborative care models.
Learning Objectives
- Categorize common systemic and cultural barriers to ED PT implementation across healthcare settings
- Examine communication pitfalls and workflow disruptions that can limit ED PT effectiveness
- Determine strategies to navigate referral resistance, turf issues, and interdisciplinary misconceptions
- Implement practical solutions to optimize patient identification, clinical flow, and team integration
This course is part of a six part series on Emergency Department PT practice:
Meet your instructor
Rebekah Griffith
Dr. Rebekah Griffith specializes in emergency department care. Dr. Griffith believes physical therapist practice in the emergency department is a critical way to move upstream in healthcare, supporting patients during their most critical moments. Dr. Griffith has been an invited lecturer, a regular presenter, a podcast guest,…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Barriers: The Administrative Disconnect
This chapter examines administrative-level challenges that limit ED PT implementation, such as misaligned priorities, unclear expectations, and siloed leadership. It offers strategies for building institutional support by aligning PT services with hospital metrics, financial goals, and patient care missions. Participants will learn how to anticipate concerns and frame ED PT value in terms that resonate with healthcare decision-makers.
2. Barriers: Scope, Skill, and Showing Up—The Internal PT Challenges
Focusing on internal challenges within the physical therapy profession, this chapter addresses gaps in training, role clarity, and preparedness for ED work. It emphasizes the need for targeted skill development in triage, acute evaluation, and interprofessional communication, while also discussing burnout risks and workload management. Strategies to build a confident, consistent, and well-supported PT team are explored.
3. Barriers: Building Team Trust
This chapter explores the cultural and communication-based obstacles that can arise within interdisciplinary ED teams. Topics include role ambiguity, varying clinical perspectives, and the need for psychological safety. Participants will learn how to improve collaboration through clear communication, proactive education, and shared decision-making frameworks that reinforce trust and cohesion.
4. Barriers: The Patient Variable
Recognizing that patient readiness and understanding can be significant barriers to care, this chapter delves into common challenges such as fear, mistrust, and low health literacy. Trauma-informed communication strategies and flexible care approaches are emphasized to improve patient engagement and therapeutic outcomes. The chapter reinforces the importance of empathy and clarity in delivering care during moments of crisis.
More courses in this series
ED PT Practice: Foundations for Emergency Department Care
Rebekah Griffith
ED PT Practice: Demonstrating Value and Defining the Role of the ED PT
Rebekah Griffith
ED PT Practice: Addressing Barriers and Operational Challenges
Rebekah Griffith
ED PT Practice: Building Your ED PT Practice
Rebekah Griffith
ED PT Practice: Launching Your ED PT Practice
Rebekah Griffith
ED PT Practice: Practicing at Top of Scope
Rebekah Griffith