When should assessment occur in the PT process?

• A. Prior to ending the episode and throughout interventions
• B. At discharge only
• C. At initial evaluation only
• D. Only after interventions

Answer: (D)

Assessment in physical therapy is an ongoing process that guides care from start to finish. It begins with the initial evaluation to establish baselines, function, goals, and a plan of care. It then continues during each treatment session to monitor how the patient responds, inform adjustments to the plan, and track progress toward goals. A final assessment at discharge or episode end helps determine outcomes and plan for next steps. So the best practice is to assess before ending the episode and to reassess throughout interventions.

Choosing to assess only after interventions overlooks initial data and mid-treatment changes; assessing only at discharge misses the progress that happened during care; and assessing only at the initial evaluation ignores how the patient responds over time.