Decision Algorithm for Vital Sign Assessment in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Setting

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.