Date of Award
Winter 2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Department
Physical Therapy; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Kerstin Palombaro
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Physical therapists (PTs) have a responsibility to assume their role in health promotion. A model program adaptable to setting and participant readiness could facilitate compliance to address modifiable behavioral risk factors and reduce the disabling cardiovascular consequences of hypertension. The purpose of this methods model report is to catalyze the development of hospital-based primary care physical therapy programs for patients with hypertension, encapsulating the PT’s niche in preventative care. Method/Model Description and Evaluation: This proposal began with compilation of causative and biometric factors for hypertension and relevant hospital-based referral sources. One PT received nutritional certification. An acronym (DATA SOS n1) evolved to highlight the interview elements and serve as a scaffold for learning by PT and patient (Diet, Activity, Tobacco and Alcohol, Stress, Obesity and Sleep and personalized). Program design was in accord with a behavioral change model, to prevent hypertension by quarterly monitoring of risk factors, and progressive interventions ranging from self-help options, to trained program PT counselling, to Virtua specialist referral. Prospective outcomes were championing peer review and patient interest surveys, and acceptance as a pilot program by the hospital review committee. Outcomes: Expert and peer review found evidentiary support and presumptive validity for this approach, and patient surveys supported an interest, culminating in approval of a pilot program. Discussion and Conclusion: This model may sponsor the initiation of health care promotion activities by PTs based on its simple interrogative format. Research to determine if hospital based physical therapy programs alleviate health and cost burdens would be advocative. Conducting the pilot program will enhance discussion of the program’s potential benefits, and avenues for future research. (manuscript word count 4,148)
Recommended Citation
Metz, Michael A., "Methods Model for Initiation of Acute Care Health Promotion Programs Illustrated by Application to Prevention of Essential Hypertension." (2024). Capstone Showcase. 2.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pt/2
Methods Model for Initiation of Acute Care Health Promotion Programs Illustrated by Application to Prevention of Essential Hypertension.
Background and Purpose: Physical therapists (PTs) have a responsibility to assume their role in health promotion. A model program adaptable to setting and participant readiness could facilitate compliance to address modifiable behavioral risk factors and reduce the disabling cardiovascular consequences of hypertension. The purpose of this methods model report is to catalyze the development of hospital-based primary care physical therapy programs for patients with hypertension, encapsulating the PT’s niche in preventative care. Method/Model Description and Evaluation: This proposal began with compilation of causative and biometric factors for hypertension and relevant hospital-based referral sources. One PT received nutritional certification. An acronym (DATA SOS n1) evolved to highlight the interview elements and serve as a scaffold for learning by PT and patient (Diet, Activity, Tobacco and Alcohol, Stress, Obesity and Sleep and personalized). Program design was in accord with a behavioral change model, to prevent hypertension by quarterly monitoring of risk factors, and progressive interventions ranging from self-help options, to trained program PT counselling, to Virtua specialist referral. Prospective outcomes were championing peer review and patient interest surveys, and acceptance as a pilot program by the hospital review committee. Outcomes: Expert and peer review found evidentiary support and presumptive validity for this approach, and patient surveys supported an interest, culminating in approval of a pilot program. Discussion and Conclusion: This model may sponsor the initiation of health care promotion activities by PTs based on its simple interrogative format. Research to determine if hospital based physical therapy programs alleviate health and cost burdens would be advocative. Conducting the pilot program will enhance discussion of the program’s potential benefits, and avenues for future research. (manuscript word count 4,148)