Article

The American Physical Therapy Association's Vision 2020
advocates that physical therapists be integral members of health care teams
responsible for diagnosing and managing movement and functional disorders. This
report details the design and early implementation of a physical therapist
service in the emergency department (ED) of a large, urban hospital and presents
recommendations for assessing the effectiveness of physical therapists in this
setting. CASE DESCRIPTION: Emergency departments serve multiple purposes in the
American health care system, including care of patients with non-life-threatening
illnesses. Physical therapists have expertise in screening for problems that are
not amenable to physical therapy and in addressing a wide range of acute and
chronic musculoskeletal pain problems. This expertise invites inclusion into the
culture of ED practice. This administrative case report describes planning and
early implementation of a physical therapist practice in an ED, shares
preliminary outcomes, and provides suggestions for expansion and effectiveness
testing of practice in this novel venue. OUTCOMES: Referrals have increased and
length of stay has decreased for patients receiving physical therapy. Preliminary
surveys suggest high patient and practitioner satisfaction with physical therapy
services. Outpatient physical therapy follow-up options were developed. Educating
ED personnel to triage patients who show deficits in pain and functional mobility
to physical therapy has challenged the usual culture of ED processes. DISCUSSION:
Practice in the hospital ED enables physical therapists to fully use their
knowledge, diagnostic skills, and ability to manage acute pain and
musculoskeletal injury. Recommendations for future action are made to encourage
more institutions across the country to incorporate physical therapy in EDs to
enhance the process and outcome of nonemergent care.

Langue : ANGLAIS