What outcome best reflects equity-focused practice in PT?

• A. Improved access for underserved groups, tracked disparities.
• B. Fewer patients served.
• C. Higher costs with no improvement.
• D. More complex workflows.

Answer: (A)

Equity-focused practice in physical therapy centers on ensuring fair access and meaningful outcomes for all people, especially those who have faced barriers to care. It involves identifying disparities, collecting data on who receives services and how they do over time, and using that information to guide targeted improvements so underserved groups gain better access and outcomes.

The option that best reflects this approach shows improved access for underserved groups and ongoing tracking of disparities, illustrating accountability and a deliberate effort to close gaps in care. In contrast, fewer patients served points to reduced reach rather than equitable access. Higher costs with no improvement signals inefficiency, not equity-driven progress. More complex workflows can introduce barriers unless they are specifically used to reduce inequities; simply having complexity does not demonstrate equity-focused outcomes.