IPSB post-class reflection (2026) by Tessa Wells

Professionalism

2026-03-13 18:02:39 UTC

Challenging to keep it together role-playing with peers. It’s hard to remember the words in the moment.

Critical thinking

2026-03-27 14:22:08 UTC

Thinking of new ways to enforce boundaries that are effective. Thinking about how the situation could go differently in different settings

You can’t passively ignore some comments that are made. You have to redirect the patient to let them know what the boundaries are

2026-03-27 14:36:12 UTC

Script

2026-03-27 14:37:03 UTC

How to formulate a response to inappropriate comments when it may be more difficult in the moment

2026-03-27 14:37:11 UTC

Inappropriate comments will not stop if you just ignore the behavior. It’s important to establish professional boundaries and be assertive to combat the behavior.

Different strategies

2026-03-27 14:37:17 UTC

If telling them to stop doesn’t work, then you can give a negative consequences for example

Strategies

2026-03-27 14:37:34 UTC

I learned that their are different strategies that I can utilize in these situations. I didn't think about needing multiple ways to handle comments and instances that may be inappropriate

2026-03-27 14:37:34 UTC

Make sure your documentation is objective and in depth when describing inappropriate behaviors.

Boundaries

2026-03-27 14:37:43 UTC

There is a very serious line as a physical therapist and patient. The line should not be crossed and you should state the clear intention/ feelings about a situation even if you are uncomfortable

Its important to address it. Passivity doesn't solve the problem.

2026-03-27 14:37:43 UTC

Professionalism

2026-03-27 14:37:52 UTC

Don’t ignore inappropriate behavior. Address it right away to maintain professionalism

2026-03-27 14:38:18 UTC

It’s important to not brush off comments and situations without addressing them because you never know if they will escalate and protecting yourself and your boundaries is very important to do as physical therapist.

Strategies for responding

2026-03-27 14:38:19 UTC

The layout of 3 different options of responses is a helpful way to alleviate tension in an uncomfortable situation

Conditions

2026-03-27 14:38:25 UTC

Most of my experience in PT is peds, so I found it unique to learn about the variety of inappropriate conversation/actions that are present in the field. Very eye opening, and grateful to learn how to respond to a wide variety of situations!

Professionalism

2026-03-27 14:38:28 UTC

The incident may be uncomfortable, but when handled professionally, both the provider and patient can move on and continue through treatment smoothly.

Documentation

2026-03-27 14:38:38 UTC

I got a lot of practice and feedback on what good objective documentation looks like.

2026-03-27 14:38:40 UTC

No matter the age, you should always say something if it someone or their comment is inappropriate

2026-03-27 14:38:43 UTC

It is typically best to address an issue, even if you feel it may not need to be addressed. Make sure to document this so you have something to look back on

2026-03-27 14:38:45 UTC

It will most likely not be effective to ignore a behavior or laugh it off. It is important to be stern with your thoughts towards the situation so that the patient clearly understands that they need to stop.

Experience

2026-03-27 14:38:47 UTC

This is a topic that is swept under the rug often. It was important to learn how to address each scenario and gain experience in responding to the situation.

Documentation

2026-03-27 14:39:01 UTC

Be as objective as possible when documenting. Use quotes as much as possible to limit the emotion and ambiguity in the documentation. Also just being direct and assertive with patients when dealing with these situations.

2026-03-27 14:39:01 UTC

Important to repeat desired outcome from patient

2026-03-27 14:39:01 UTC

Was a great Friday lesson. Hank is a great actor!

Concurring The Uncomfortably

2026-03-27 14:39:02 UTC

even when you may feel uncomfortable and want to avoid and brush off the comment or action, it’s important you set a boundary and express your discomfort

2026-03-27 14:39:06 UTC

Addressing the first time the incident occurs is important, but making sure the behavior stops through the use of the strategies we learned today is critical, too.

Documentation thoroughness

2026-03-27 14:39:06 UTC

Being very specific with inappropriate interactions and experiences with patients.

Passive/Assertive

2026-03-27 14:39:10 UTC

I learn the different ways that you can address uncomfortable situations and the importance of taking a more assertive approach instead of ignoring the situation

Do not ignore it

2026-03-27 14:39:12 UTC

Make sure to address the issue instead of just hoping it stops with time.

Barriers

2026-03-27 14:39:15 UTC

I learned that it is important to establish and maintain a professional relationship with patients.

Be bold

2026-03-27 14:39:15 UTC

Be bold and don’t take the passive road

2026-03-27 14:39:17 UTC

There are multiple approaches to handling situations like this. If one strategy does not work, it’s important to work through other strategies and not ignore the situation.

Address it Quickly

2026-03-27 14:39:31 UTC

Do not allow it to gain any traction and eliminate the issue immediately.

2026-03-27 14:39:33 UTC

Different assertive approaches on how to respond to inappropriate patient sexual behaviors.

Uncomfortable situations

2026-03-27 14:39:36 UTC

I learned that it’s better to address things quickly and directly.

Professional Behavior

2026-03-27 14:39:37 UTC

Practicing these scenarios will be beneficial to our transition into a clinic

Professionalism

2026-03-27 14:39:39 UTC

How to remain professional and stern but without being mean in order to maintain the professional-patient relationship

2026-03-27 14:39:41 UTC

Learning there are multiple different ways to approach inappropriate situations/comments. In the moment, things will happen so fast, and by practicing these things it will flow better. It is important to maintain professionalism as a therapist and as a relationship with your patients.

2026-03-27 14:39:42 UTC

I appreciate learning strategies for how to address these in appropriate behaviors and it was nice to see it in real action.

2026-03-27 14:39:43 UTC

I thought it was nice to have a safe space to be able to have these conversations and get the giggles out before we encounter it in the clinic.

Strategies

2026-03-27 14:39:47 UTC

I learned that it’s best to directly address the situation instead of trying to avoid it. Direct communication with the patient is the best way to facilitate a change in the behavior.

Directness and Assertiveness

2026-03-27 14:40:00 UTC

Even though you might just want to ignore it, this would be enabling the behavior. It is best to address inappropriate behavior head on to ensure the patient understand this is wrong.

Boundaries

2026-03-27 14:40:29 UTC

No matter what, do not date patients. It might be tempting, but keeping that professional relationship and boundaries allows us to do the care and personal treatments as physical therapist and allows us to be respected in society if we all keep our relationships with our patients professional.

Passiveness

2026-03-27 14:41:44 UTC

Passively approaching situations since at these can lead it no solution. Having a plan of how to approach these situations can allow you to smoothly manage the situation.

Professionalism

2026-03-27 14:46:27 UTC

While you might be uncomfortable, it is important to acknowledge the behavior so that it is not repeated.

2026-03-27 14:46:51 UTC

Passively ignoring comments is not the best approach to handling inappropriate behavior from patients

Experiences

2026-03-27 15:30:56 UTC

I learned more about the actual scenarios that people encounter in the clinic that I would have never have though I might experience. And also the different methods of responding depending on the type of situation