Development of a Decision Algorithm for Vital Sign Assessment in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Setting: An e-Delphi Study
Youngstown State University
Summary
Brief Summary The goal of this observational study is to develop consensus-based criteria for when vital sign assessment (VSA) should be performed in outpatient physical therapy settings. The primary purpose is to identify clinical signs, symptoms, and other factors that inform decision-making for VSA to improve patient safety and guide treatment progression. Main Questions: 1. Which clinical characteristics indicate that vital signs should be assessed during outpatient physical therapy? 2. Which clinical characteristics indicate that vital signs do not need to be assessed? Study Design: This study uses a three-round electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) process to achieve expert consensus. Comparison: Researchers will compare responses across rounds to determine agreement and stability of criteria for inclusion in a decision algorithm. Participants: Licensed physical therapists with ≥5 years of clinical experience in outpatient settings. Procedures: Participants will: Complete three rounds of online surveys via Qualtrics. Round 1: Suggest signs, symptoms, and factors for assessing or not assessing vitals. Round 2: Rank importance of these factors on a 5-point Likert scale and suggest additional items. Round 3: Review aggregated results and finalize consensus on criteria.
Description
Vital sign assessment (VSA) in outpatient physical therapy settings is underutilized despite its potential to improve patient safety and guide clinical decision-making. Physical therapists often rely on subjective patient reports rather than objective measures such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Evidence suggests that VSA can identify cardiovascular complications, detect early signs of physiological distress, and inform exercise intensity adjustments during treatment sessions. In the post-COVID-19 era, where direct access to physical therapy is common, integrating VSA in…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Licensed physical therapist. 2. Minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in an outpatient physical therapy setting. 3. Proficient in English (reading and writing). 4. Ability to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Less than 5 years of outpatient physical therapy experience. 2. Inability to read or write in English. 3. Declines informed consent or does not agree to participate in all survey rounds
Interventions
- OtherE-Delphi
Description: Round 1: Participants provide open-ended responses identifying signs, symptoms, and factors influencing decisions to assess or not assess vital signs. Round 2: Participants rank the importance of these factors using a 5-point Likert scale and may suggest additional items. Round 3: Participants review aggregated results and finalize consensus on criteria for inclusion in a decision algorithm. Mode of Delivery: Online survey via Qualtrics. Duration: Each round will remain open for 3 weeks, with reminder emails sent during weeks 1 and 2.
Location
- Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown, Ohio