Exploration of Content and Reach of Physical Therapy-Related Discussion on Twitter

Abstract Background Many individuals access and share health information on social networking sites. Previous studies have analyzed the social media site Twitter to discern public opinion related to health phenomena such as antibiotics, concussions, and flu. Physical therapy-related online discussions have not been studied. Objective The aim of this study was to explore content, participants, and structure of physical therapy-related discussions on Twitter. Design This study was observational. Methods Over 12 weeks, more than 30,000 physical therapy-related tweets were collected. A random sample of 100 tweets underwent preliminary analysis to determine broad categories including tweet author, tone, and theme. A second random sample of 100 tweets was analyzed to confirm categories. Once categories were established, a new sample of 1000 tweets was randomly selected for analysis and categorization. All study investigators categorized a shared collection of tweets to establish inter- and intrarater agreement. Twitter conversations were visualized using NodeXL. Results Intrarater and interrater agreement for tweet categorization was 95% and 89%, respectively. The distribution of the intended audience was 35.5% professional, 35.5% broad reach, and 29% public. The gross distribution of tweet tone was 63.1% neutral, 31.4% positive, and 5.6% negative. Twenty-eight percent of tweets were authored by physical therapists/physical therapist assistants and nearly one-half were categorized as “marketing.” Tweets tended to be “isolated,” not within a conversation, or consist of conversation within “tight crowds.” Limitations This study was purely observational. Social media content can be highly influenced by temporal events, which limits the generalization of specific findings. Conclusions Study results indicate that the reach of physical therapy-related tweets may not be as broad as intended by the author. Physical therapy professionals and the hospitals/clinics that employ them may need to implement strategies to be more intentional in reaching a broader audience with online messages.

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The Revised APTA Code of Ethics for the Physical Therapist and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant: Theory, Purpose, Process, and Significance

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20090373 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 90 (5) ◽

pp. 803-824 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Laura Lee Swisher ◽

Peggy Hiller ◽

Keyword(s):

Physical Therapy ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

Code Of Ethics ◽

Codes Of Ethics ◽

Ethical Conduct ◽

Vision 2020 ◽

Deliberative Process ◽

Physical Therapist Assistant ◽

Physical Therapist Assistants

IntroductionIn June 2009, the House of Delegates (HOD) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) passed a major revision of the APTA Code of Ethics for physical therapists and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant. The revised documents will be effective July 1, 2010.PurposeThe purposes of this article are: (1) to provide a historical, professional, and theoretical context for this important revision; (2) to describe the 4-year revision process; (3) to examine major features of the documents; and (4) to discuss the significance of the revisions from the perspective of the maturation of physical therapy as a doctoring profession.Process of RevisionThe process for revision is delineated within the context of history and the Bylaws of APTA.Format, Structure, and Content of Revised Core Ethics DocumentsThe revised documents represent a significant change in format, level of detail, and scope of application. Previous APTA Codes of Ethics and Standards of Ethical Conduct for the Physical Therapist Assistant have delineated very broad general principles, with specific obligations spelled out in the Ethics and Judicial Committee's Guide for Professional Conduct and Guide for Conduct of the Physical Therapist Assistant. In contrast to the current documents, the revised documents address all 5 roles of the physical therapist, delineate ethical obligations in organizational and business contexts, and align with the tenets of Vision 2020.SignificanceThe significance of this revision is discussed within historical parameters, the implications for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, the maturation of the profession, societal accountability and moral community, potential regulatory implications, and the inclusive and deliberative process of moral dialogue by which changes were developed, revised, and approved.

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Predictors of Physical Therapy Clinic Performance in the Treatment of Patients With Low Back Pain Syndromes

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20070110 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 88 (9) ◽

pp. 989-1004 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Linda Resnik ◽

Dawei Liu ◽

Vince Mor ◽

Dennis L Hart

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

Low Back ◽

Therapist Experience ◽

Performance Group ◽

Pain Syndromes ◽

Physical Therapist Assistants

Background and Purpose Little is known about organizational and service delivery factors related to quality of care in physical therapy. This study sought to identify characteristics related to differences in practice outcomes and service utilization. Subjects The sample comprised 114 outpatient clinics and 1,058 therapists who treated 16,281 patients with low back pain syndromes during the period 2000–2001. Clinics participated with the Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes, Inc (FOTO) database. Methods Hierarchical linear models were used to risk adjust treatment outcomes and number of visits per treatment episode. Aggregated residual scores from these models were used to classify each clinic into 1 of 3 categories in each of 3 types of performance groups: (1) effectiveness, (2) utilization, and (3) overall performance (ie, composite measure of effectiveness and utilization). Relationships between clinic classification and the following independent variables were examined by multinomial logistic regression: years of therapist experience, number of physical therapists, ratio of physical therapists to physical therapist assistants, proportion of patients with low back pain syndromes, number of new patients per physical therapist per month, utilization of physical therapist assistants, and setting. Results Clinics that were lower utilizers of physical therapist assistants were 6.6 times more likely to be classified into the high effectiveness group compared with the low effectiveness group, 6.7 times more likely to be classified in the low utilization group compared with the high utilization group, and 12.4 times more likely to be classified in the best performance group compared with the worst performance group. Serving a higher proportion of patients with low back pain syndromes was associated with an increased likelihood of being classified in the lowest or middle group. Years of physical therapist experience was inversely associated with being classified in the middle utilization group compared with the highest utilization group. Discussion and Conclusion These findings suggest that, in the treatment of patients with low back pain syndromes, clinics that are low utilizers of physical therapist assistants are more likely to provide superior care (ie, better patient outcomes and lower service use).

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Physical Therapy 2.0: Leveraging Social Media to Engage Patients in Rehabilitation and Health Promotion

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20130432 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 95 (3) ◽

pp. 389-396 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Emily Knight ◽

Robert J. Werstine ◽

Diane M. Rasmussen-Pennington ◽

Deborah Fitzsimmons ◽

Robert J. Petrella

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Treatment Outcomes ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

Care Delivery ◽

Health Care Systems ◽

Noncommunicable Diseases ◽

The Way

Care for chronic conditions and noncommunicable diseases is dominating health systems around the globe. For physical therapists, this strain presents a substantial opportunity for engaging patients in health promotion and disease management in the years to come. Examples of social media being used to engage consumers in the business landscape are pervasive, and research reports suggest that patients are ready for social media to be incorporated into the way health care systems deliver care. We propose that leveraging the power and utility of existing technologies, such as social media, could innovate the way physical therapists engage patients in rehabilitation and health promotion practices, thus contributing to the evolution of the profession: Physical Therapy 2.0. To continue to be relevant in the community, physical therapist practice must respond to patients' needs and expectations. Incorporating social media into how physical therapists are both designing and delivering care holds potential for enhancing patient engagement in prescribed health behaviors and improving treatment outcomes. This conceptual article presents the perspective that physical therapists can utilize social media to enhance care delivery and treatment outcomes.

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Do As I Do: Exercise Habits of Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Student Physical Therapists

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20090112 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 90 (5) ◽

pp. 726-734 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Julia Chevan ◽

Esther M. Haskvitz

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Care ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

The United States ◽

Care Providers ◽

Physical Therapist Assistants

BackgroundPhysical therapy practitioners are among the many health care professionals who can counsel their patients to address the public health care concern of physical inactivity. Health care providers who are physically active themselves are more likely to counsel patients on the benefits of activity.ObjectiveThe purposes of this study were: (1) to examine the leisure-time physical activity habits of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and student physical therapists in the United States using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American College of Sports Medicine (CDC-ACSM) recommendations and (2) to compare these habits with those of the general population and other health care professionals.DesignA cross-sectional survey design was used.MethodsThere were 2 data sources. A random sample of American Physical Therapy Association members completed an online survey that included questions about physical activity habits worded in same manner as the leisure-time activities section of the 2005 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The final study sample comprised 1,238 participants: 923 physical therapists, 210 student physical therapists, and 105 physical therapist assistants. The 2005 NHIS public use data files were the source for the same information about the general US population and for a subset of health care professionals. Rates of participation in vigorous and moderate physical activity were analyzed.ResultsPhysical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and student physical therapists exercised at higher rates than adults and health-diagnosing professionals in the 2005 NHIS.LimitationsThe study may be limited by sampling and response bias.ConclusionsThis study identified that physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and student physical therapists are meeting CDC-ACSM physical activity guidelines at higher rates than the US adult population and health-diagnosing professionals. These rates exceed the physical activity targets set for adults in Healthy People 2010.

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Patient Participation in Physical Therapy Goal Setting

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/81.5.1118 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 81 (5) ◽

pp. 1118-1126 ◽

Cited By ~ 75

Author(s):

Susan M Baker ◽

Helen H Marshak ◽

Gail T Rice ◽

Grenith J Zimmerman

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Goal Setting ◽

Patient Participation ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

Assessment Instrument ◽

Initial Examination ◽

Goals And Objectives

Abstract Background and Purpose. An important part of treatment planning in physical therapy is effective goal setting. The Guide to Physical Therapist Practice recommends that therapists should identify the patient's goals and objectives during the initial examination in order to maximize outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether therapists seek to involve patients in goal setting and, if so, what methods they use. Therapists' attitudes toward participation and patient satisfaction with the examination were also examined. Subjects and Methods. Twenty-two physical therapists audiotaped the initial examination of 73 elderly patients (X̄=76.4 years of age, SD=7.1, range=65–94). The audiotaped examinations were then scored using the Participation Method Assessment Instrument (PMAI) to determine the frequency of attempts made by therapists to involve patients in goal setting. Therapists and patients completed surveys following the examinations. Results. Therapists' use of participation methods during examinations ranged from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 19 out of 21 possible items on the PMAI. The therapists stated that they believed that it is important to include patients in goal-setting activities and that outcomes will be improved if patients participate. Patients also indicated that participation is important to them. Discussion and Conclusion. In most cases, the therapists did not fully take advantage of the potential for patient participation in goal setting. Patient and therapist education is needed regarding methods for patient participation during initial goal-setting activities.

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Contributions of Non-professional Local Physical Therapist In the Promotion of Community Health Activities in the Arsi Zone, Southeast Ethiopia (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.27789 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Leta Melaku

Keyword(s):

Health Promotion ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Arsi Zone ◽

Southeast Ethiopia ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND Physical activity is a first-line therapy and secures against persistent illnesses. Essential medical care professionals are obviously situated to advance actual action. Active recuperation mediations focused on advancement and upkeep of wellbeing, personal satisfaction, and wellness. There is, notwithstanding, a deficiency of such examination proof in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE We planned to assess the degree of KAP of nonprofessional local physical therapists' towards wellbeing advancement in Arsi zone of Oromia, Southeast Ethiopia. METHODS Community based cross sectional study was conducted in April 2018 among 45 physical therapists. Data were collected using pre-tested, structured and self-administrative questionnaires. Participants were selected by quota sampling technique. The questionnaire was drafted specifically to test the KAP. Data were double entered and analyzed by SPSS Version 20.0 program. Descriptive statistics were used. The KAP were estimated using proportion. RESULTS In present response rate is 90.0%. Ages of respondents ranged between 24 – 87 years. 57.8% of participants got initial physical therapy knowledge from either of their parents. 53.3% of the respondents hear about health promotion from families and friends. 57.8% of them provided health promotion at their workplace. The overall percentage of all the respondents’ KAP in health promotion was 60.1%. CONCLUSIONS The respondents’ have good KAP towards health promotion. However there is still room for improvement. Also there is a lack of proper guide lines in determining the impact physical therapy.

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Awareness and Perception of Physical Therapy Education, Role in Patient Management and Health Promotion Held by Senior Medical Practitioners

Asian Journal of Allied Health Sciences (AJAHS) ◽

10.52229/ajahs.v2i3.299 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 13-17

Author(s):

OJS Admin

Keyword(s):

Health Promotion ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Patient Management ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical Therapy Education ◽

Health Providers ◽

Medical Practitioners ◽

Therapy Education

Physical therapists are integral part of health care system. In collaboration with other health providers, physical therapist can play an effective role in patient handling and well-being of individuals. The awareness and perception of senior medical practitioners is less known regarding physical therapy education, role in patient management and health promotion.

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Value-Based Care for Musculoskeletal Pain: Are Physical Therapists Ready to Deliver?

Physical Therapy ◽

10.1093/ptj/pzz171 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 100 (4) ◽

pp. 621-632 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Trevor A Lentz ◽

Adam P Goode ◽

Charles A Thigpen ◽

Steven Z George

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Physical Therapy ◽

Musculoskeletal Pain ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

Great Promise ◽

Health Care Environment ◽

Early Physical Therapy ◽

Analytical Approaches

Abstract Early physical therapy models hold great promise for delivering high-value care for individuals with musculoskeletal pain. However, existing physical therapist practice and research standards are misaligned with value-based principles, which limits the potential for growth and sustainability of these models. This Perspective describes how the value proposition of early physical therapy can be improved by redefining harm, embracing a prognostic approach to clinical decision making, and advocating for system-wide guideline-adherent pain care. It also outlines the need to adopt a common language to describe these models and embrace new, rigorous study designs and analytical approaches to better understand where and how early physical therapy delivers value. The goal is to define a clear path forward to ensure physical therapists are aligned within health care systems to deliver on the American Physical Therapy Association’s vision of high-value care in a rapidly changing health care environment.

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Physical Therapy Intervention for People With Huntington Disease

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20070346 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 88 (7) ◽

pp. 820-831 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Monica E Busse ◽

Hanan Khalil ◽

Lori Quinn ◽

Anne E Rosser

Keyword(s):

Physical Therapy ◽

Huntington Disease ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Future Research ◽

Therapy Intervention ◽

Physical Therapy Intervention

Background and PurposeThe clinical symptoms of Huntington disease (HD) include progressive movement disorders, cognitive deficits, and behavioral changes, all of which affect an individual's ability to participate in activities of daily living. To date, very few quantitative or qualitative studies have been conducted to guide physical therapists working with people with HD. The objective of this study was to characterize current physical therapist practice for people with HD, thus informing the development of standardized clinical care and future research studies.Subjects and MethodsConsultation with physical therapists working with people with HD was undertaken in the form of mailed questionnaires (n=49) and semistructured interviews (n=8). The development of the interview schedule was aided by consideration of the data obtained from the questionnaires. Themes identified from the interviews were considered in light of published literature and questionnaire responses.ResultsThe main issues that emerged from the interviews were classified into 3 subthemes: (1) there is insufficient use of routine physical therapy–related outcome measures at different stages of HD, (2) there is underutilization of physical therapy services in managing HD (particularly in the early stages), and (3) the management of falls and mobility deficit progression is a key treatment aim for people with HD.Discussion and ConclusionA conceptual framework for physical therapy intervention in HD was developed on the basis of the themes that emerged from the data in this study. Such a framework has utility for complex, progressive conditions such as HD and may facilitate clinical decision making and standardization of practice and affect the development of future physical therapy trials.

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Decision-Making Ability of Physical Therapists: Physical Therapy Intervention or Medical Referral

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20050393 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 86 (12) ◽

pp. 1619-1629 ◽

Cited By ~ 136

Author(s):

Diane U Jette ◽

Kerry Ardleigh ◽

Kellie Chandler ◽

Lesley McShea

Keyword(s):

Physical Therapy ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Physical Therapists ◽

Physical Therapist ◽

Direct Access ◽

Medical Conditions ◽

Musculoskeletal Conditions ◽

Logistic Regressions ◽

American Physical ◽

Medical Referral

Abstract Background and PurposeOpponents of direct access to physical therapy argue that physical therapists may overlook serious medical conditions. More information is needed to determine the ability of physical therapists to practice safely in direct-access environments. The purpose of this study was to describe the ability of physical therapists to make decisions about the management of patients in a direct-access environment. Subjects. Of a random sample of 1,000 members of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association, 394 participated. Methods. A survey included 12 hypothetical case scenarios. For each case, participants determined whether they would provide intervention without referral, provide intervention and refer, or refer before intervention. The percentage of correct decisions for each group of scenarios was calculated for each participant, and participants were classified as having made correct decisions for 100% of cases or less for each group. Three sets of logistic regressions were completed to determine the characteristics of the participants in relation to the decision category. Results. The average percentages of correct decisions were 87%, 88%, and 79% for musculoskeletal, noncritical medical, and critical medical conditions, respectively. Of all participants, approximately 50% made correct decisions for all cases within each group. The odds of making 100% correct decisions if a physical therapist had an orthopedic specialization were 2.23 (95% confidence interval=1.35–3.71) for musculoskeletal conditions and 1.89 (95% confidence interval=1.14–3.15) for critical medical conditions. Discussion and Conclusion. Physical therapists with an orthopedic specialization were almost twice as likely to make correct decisions for critical medical and musculoskeletal conditions.

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