scholarly journals Health Literacy: Physical Therapists' Perspectives

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Bilek-Sawhney ◽  
E. Reicherter ◽  
Billie Yatta ◽  
Shannon Duranko
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
The United States ◽  
Home Exercise ◽  
Educational Materials ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease

Background and Purpose: The literature is replete with research and guidelines indicating that educational materials provided by healthcare workers often surpass the average reading ability of adults in the United States (US). The purpose of this article was two-fold: (1) to assess PTs’ knowledge and use of health literacy strategies, and (2) to assess written home exercise programs for 10 outpatient physical therapy practices. Method: Physical therapist conference attendees attending a state chapter meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association were invited to participate; a total of 43 participated. In addition, 10 outpatient physical therapy practices in western Pennsylvania provided a home exercise program (HEP) for review; a sample of convenience was employed for selecting these sites. Participants were solicited via inclusion of an introductory cover letter, written survey on health literacy, and a return envelope in each conference applicant’s registration packet. Data were collected over the course of the conference. The home exercise programs were either mailed or requested in person by one of the investigators. The home exercise programs were reviewed for Flesch reading ease, the Flesch-Kincaid grade level, and the presence of diagrams. Results: Only 25% of PTs report that they clinically assess or screen for problems related to illiteracy. Seven percent (n=3) of the respondents recognized the incidence of illiteracy in United States, although 65% (n=28) were aware of the relationship of illiteracy to poorer health status. The average Flesch reading ease was 75.08 ± 18.99 and the grade level was 4.59 ± 3.59. Each of the 10 home exercise programs included pictures or diagrams. Discussion and Conclusion: Clinical implications of this study include recognition of the need to employ appropriate reading levels for patient educational materials, from HEPs to educational brochures. Physical therapists must become more aware of health literacy by implementing the most appropriate interventions to allow for the best possible outcomes for the patient.

The Use of Yoga by Physical Therapists in the United States

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary E. Wims ◽  
Shayla M. McIntyre ◽  
Ann York ◽  
Laura G. Covill
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
The United States ◽  
Primary Concern ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Electronic Communications ◽  
American Physical

Abstract How physical therapists (PTs) in the United States currently use yoga in their clinical practices is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine how PTs in the United States view yoga as a physical therapy (PT) tool and how PTs use yoga therapeutically. The authors conducted a 24-item survey via electronic communications of the Geriatric, Orthopedic, Pediatric, and Women's Health Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association. Participants (n = 333) from 47 states and the District of Columbia replied. Reported use of therapeutic yoga among participants was high (70.6%). Of those participants, nearly a third use asana and pranayama only. Most participants using therapeutic yoga also include additional mindfulness-related elements such as sensory awareness, concentration/focus, and/or meditation. Most participants learned about yoga through personal experiences, with many participants citing lack of familiarity in using yoga in PT practice. Safety is the primary concern of participants when recommending yoga to patients as an independent health and wellness activity. Interdisciplinary communication between PTs, yoga therapists, and yoga teachers is warranted to address the post-discharge needs of clients. Healthcare changes have required PTs to adapt to a biopsychosocial-spiritual model (BPSS) for improved patient outcomes. Therapeutic yoga may provide an opportunity for PTs to expand their role in health and wellness and chronic disease management. There is opportunity for continuing education in therapeutic yoga for PTs.

The Role of Physical Therapists Within Hospice and Palliative Care in the United States and Canada

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Wilson ◽  
Christine H. Stiller ◽  
Deborah J. Doherty ◽  
Kristine A. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
The United States ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Hospice And Palliative Care

Purpose: Little is known regarding the extent to which physical therapy is integrated into Hospice and Palliative Care (HPC). The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions of physical therapists (PTs) regarding their role within HPC or working with patients having life-threatening illnesses and to develop a conceptual framework depicting a PTs role within HPC and factors affecting it. Participants: Ten PTs, 5 from the United States and 5 from Canada, with at least 5 years of physical therapy experience and 5 years working experience with patients having life-threatening illnesses or in HPC. Methods: Demographic data were collected by electronic questionnaire. A semistructured interview was conducted with each participant to investigate their perceptions about the role of PTs in HPC. Data Analysis: Interview results were analyzed for trends between participants, practice settings, regions, and other sociocultural aspects. The constant comparative method of qualitative data analysis was used to identify similarities and differences and to develop themes and concepts relative to the role of PT in HPC. Results: Participants identified their 3 primary roles in HPC: providing patient/family care, serving as an interdisciplinary team member, and fulfilling professional responsibilities outside of direct patient care. They described factors within and outside direct patient care which influenced their roles. Concepts included shifting priorities, care across the continuum, and changing perceptions of PTs within HPC. Clinical Relevance: This study described perceptions of the role of PTs within HPC that may be utilized when coordinating future strategies to appropriately promote and expand the role.

scholarly journals Poor Readability of COVID-19 Vaccine Information for the General Public: A Lost Opportunity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke S Buthun ◽  
Scott Feeder ◽  
Gregory A Poland
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Adverse Event ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
Average Length ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Ease Score ◽  
Vaccine Information

Background: All adults in the Unites States now have access to COVID-19 vaccines. During the vaccination process, Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) fact sheets are provided. Objective: To analyze the ease of reading (i.e., readability) of the EUA-approved fact sheets for the vaccines currently available in the United States, the V-Safe adverse event survey script, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website on COVID-19 vaccines. Design: We analyzed the readability of Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen EUA fact sheets, as well as the V-Safe survey script and the vaccine-related information on the CDC website. Measurements: Readability factors include the following: average length of paragraphs, sentences, and words; font size and style; use of passive voice; the Gunning-Fog index; the Flesch Reading Ease index; and the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level index. Results: Only the V-Safe adverse event survey script met readability standards for adequate comprehension. The mean readability scores of the EUA fact sheets and the CDC website were as follows: Flesch Reading Ease score (mean 44.35); Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (mean 10.48); and Gunning-Fog index (mean 11.8). These scores indicate that a 10th-12th grade-level education is necessary to comprehend these documents. Conclusion: The average person in the United States would have difficulty understanding the information provided in the EUA fact sheets and CDC COVID-19 vaccine website; however, the V-Safe survey was written at an appropriate reading level. To ensure that the public fully understands information regarding COVID-19 vaccines, simplified information material should be developed.

Two Exercise Programs for People with Diabetes and Visual Impairment

1993 ◽  
Vol 87 (9) ◽  
pp. 365-367
Author(s):  
J. Dods
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
The United States ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Basic Model ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels ◽  
Exercise Regimen

This article describes two programs—one in Australia and one in the United States—that teach people with diabetes and visual impairment to incorporate proper diets and exercise into their daily lives and hence to gain better control of their blood glucose levels. It also presents a basic model of an exercise regimen that clients can perform at home.

Manual Therapy in Preadolescent Children: A Delphi Investigation of Physical Therapists in the United States

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenifer L Dice ◽  
Doug Dendy ◽  
Phillip S Sizer ◽  
Chad E Cook ◽  
Sara Feuling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
The United States ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Electronic Survey ◽  
Craniosacral Therapy ◽  
Barriers To Use ◽  
Composite Scores

ABSTRACT Objective Limited research has investigated the use of manual therapy to treat the preadolescent (0–12 years of age) population with musculoskeletal and neurological impairments. The purpose of this study was to identify the following among physical therapists holding advanced credentials in pediatrics, neurodevelopmental treatment, or manual therapy: (1) consensus regarding effective techniques in the preadolescent population, (2) differences in opinion, and (3) perceived decision-making barriers and factors regarding use of manual therapy techniques. Methods Credentialed physical therapists in the United States were recruited for a 3-round Delphi investigation. An electronic survey in Round 1 identified musculoskeletal and neurological impairments and the manual techniques considered effective to treat such conditions, in addition to factors and barriers. Responses were used to create the second round, during which a 4-point Likert scale was used to score each survey item. A third round of scoring established consensus. Descriptive statistics and composite scores were calculated for each manual technique by impairment. Between-group differences were calculated using Mann–Whitney U with Bonferroni correction. Results Consensus was determined for several concepts. First, neuromuscular techniques were considered effective across all impairments, and joint mobilizations (grades I-IV) were believed to be effective to treat joint and muscle and myofascial impairments. Second, visceral manipulation and craniosacral therapy were considered ineffective in treating most impairments. There was lack of consensus and clear differences of opinion regarding the use of grade V mobilizations and dry needling. Significant barriers to use of manual therapy were: lack of knowledge, lack of evidence, and fear of litigation and harming patients. Conclusion This study is an initial step for developing manual therapy guidelines, research, and educational opportunities regarding manual therapy in pediatric physical therapy.

Physical therapy research and researchers in the United States: good news and bad news

1997 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn Snyder-Mackler ◽  
Stuart Binder-Macleod ◽  
Paul F. Mettler
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Bad News ◽  
Good News

Feasibility of Goal Attainment Scaling in Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol for Training & Implementation in an Outpatient Physical Therapy Setting (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Haladay ◽  
Rebecca Edgeworth Ditwiler ◽  
Aimee Klein ◽  
Rebecca Miro ◽  
Matthew Lazinski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
The United States ◽  
Goal Attainment Scaling ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Qualitative Phase

BACKGROUND Patient engagement in decisions regarding their healthcare may lead to improved outcomes and improved adherence to treatment plans. While there are several options for involving patients in their healthcare, goal setting is a readily accessible method for physical therapists to increase the involvement of patients in healthcare decisions. Physical therapy goals are often provider-generated and based on subjective information or standardized fixed-item patient-reported outcome measures. However, these outcome measures may provide a limited scope of activity and participation limitations which may not capture the needs of individual patients. Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a patient-centered approach to involving patients in setting meaningful goals. While GAS has been shown to be reliable, valid, and sensitive to change in various population, there is limited evidence in the United States about utilizing GAS in the physical therapist management of patients with low back pain (LBP). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this report is to describe the protocol for a study to a) develop an application of GAS procedures to be used by physical therapists treating patients with chronic LBP in the United States and b) to test the feasibility of applying GAS procedures in chronic LBP in an outpatient physical therapy setting. METHODS This study will use a mixed-methods design with two (2) phases (Phase 1: Qualitative, Phase 2: Quantitative). The qualitative phase of the study will employ focus groups of patients with chronic LBP to identify an inventory of goals that are important and measurable. This inventory will be used to develop a series of leading questions that will allow physical therapists to assist patients in establishing goals in the clinical setting. The quantitative phase of the study will pilot-test the inventory developed in the qualitative arm in patients with chronic LBP to determine feasibility, reliability, validity, and responsiveness. We will also compare how well GAS captures change over time as compared to traditional fixed-item patient-reported measures. RESULTS We anticipate that this study will demonstrate that GAS can be implemented successfully by outpatient physical therapists, and it will demonstrate clinically important changes that are important to patients with chronic LBP. CONCLUSIONS GAS represents an opportunity for patient-centered care in the physical therapy management of chronic LBP. While GAS is not new, it has never been studied in a real-world clinical setting for the physical therapy management of chronic LBP which have unique time and productivity constraints. For GAS to be successfully implemented in this environment, we must demonstrate that clinicians can be trained efficiently and reliably, that GAS can be implemented in the clinical setting in under 15 minutes, and that GAS is able to detect clinically meaningful change in patient outcomes. CLINICALTRIAL N/A

Readability of Online Health Information: A Meta-Narrative Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 487-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lubna Daraz ◽  
Allison S. Morrow ◽  
Oscar J. Ponce ◽  
Wigdan Farah ◽  
Abdulrahman Katabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Grade Level ◽  
General Public ◽  
Sixth Grade ◽  
The United States ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Online Health Information ◽  
Cross Sectional

Online health information should meet the reading level for the general public (set at sixth-grade level). Readability is a key requirement for information to be helpful and improve quality of care. The authors conducted a systematic review to evaluate the readability of online health information in the United States and Canada. Out of 3743 references, the authors included 157 cross-sectional studies evaluating 7891 websites using 13 readability scales. The mean readability grade level across websites ranged from grade 10 to 15 based on the different scales. Stratification by specialty, health condition, and type of organization producing information revealed the same findings. In conclusion, online health information in the United States and Canada has a readability level that is inappropriate for general public use. Poor readability can lead to misinformation and may have a detrimental effect on health. Efforts are needed to improve readability and the content of online health information.

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