Initiating Vital Signs in an Outpatient Physical Therapy Practice: Incorporating Interprofessional Care

Abstract

This DNP project implemented vital sign screenings at a physical therapy clinic prior to starting physical therapy, based on the Guide to Physical Therapy Practice recommendation. The literature review showed that many physical therapists were not performing a vital sign assessment on patients prior to starting physical therapy. This DNP project provided education to physical therapists, developed an algorithm for assessing patient’s blood pressure and pulse, and how to communicate those results with the primary care provider. This was done by providing a teaching session to the physical therapy staff, development of a system to screen for blood pressure and pulse by the physical therapist, and what to communicate with the primary care provider. The results showed a 100% increase in screening blood pressure and pulse after implementation of the project. Physical therapists and primary care providers engaged in interprofessional communication during this process improvement project. Results showed an increase in interprofessional communication between physical therapists and the primary care providers. This project implemented safe and efficient care while improving interprofessional communication at this project site.