What does discontinuation refer to in physical therapy?

Discontinuation in physical therapy specifically refers to the termination of services that occurs as a result of a decision made either by the patient or the therapist. This can arise from various factors, including the patient's recovery, personal circumstances, or a professional judgment by the therapist regarding the necessity of continued treatment. It signifies that both parties have agreed to stop therapy for reasons that may include achieving the therapy goals, changes in the patient's condition, or reaching a point where therapy is no longer beneficial.

The other options involve situations that do not encompass the mutual agreement aspect, which is crucial for the definition of discontinuation. Ending treatment after an assessment does not necessarily account for the patient's ongoing needs or improvements. Noncompliance could lead to termination, but this denotes a lack of adherence rather than a cooperative decision. Completion of the therapy program, regardless of outcomes, neglects the importance of patient involvement and indicates a lack of shared decision-making about the patient's ongoing care, which is central to the idea of discontinuation.