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Decision Algorithm for Vital Sign Assessment in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Setting
Sponsor: 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.
Official title: Development of a Decision Algorithm for Vital Sign Assessment in the Outpatient Physical Therapy Setting: An e-Delphi Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Start Date
2025-11-21
Completion Date
2026-04
Last Updated
2025-12-02
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
E-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.
Locations (1)
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio, United States