Scholars@Duke publication: Clinician perception of the impact of deployed physical therapists as physician extenders in a combat environment.

Clinician perception of the impact of deployed physical therapists as physician extenders in a combat environment.

Publication , Journal Article

Rhon, DI; Gill, N; Teyhen, D; Scherer, M; Goffar, S

Published in: Mil Med

May 2010

UNLABELLED: Physical therapists (PTs) serve as physician extenders performing direct access evaluations for musculoskeletal conditions. The previous war-time mission of PTs was limited to level III medical care. Recently PTs began providing care at levels I/II with brigade combat teams (BCTs). PURPOSE: Determine the sentiment of battlefield providers at levels I/II regarding the operational impact of PTs. METHODS: Surveys were provided to BCT medical providers. RESULTS: There were 107 responses (response rate of 51%). According to the responses, PTs made a significant impact on overall mission accomplishment (97%) and patient prognosis (83%) and were considered local experts in musculoskeletal pathology (92%), including the ordering of radiographs (79%). Their presence was thought to significantly decrease medical evacuations within theater (68%) and out of theater (73%). CONCLUSION: There was a positive sentiment toward PTs in the BCT, suggesting they are highly valued. Future studies need to clarify further operational, medical, and fiscal implications.

Duke Scholars

Author Daniel I. Rhon Orthopaedic Surgery

Published In

Mil Med

DOI

10.7205/milmed-d-09-00099

ISSN

0026-4075

Publication Date

May 2010

Volume

175

Issue

Start / End Page

305 / 312

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

Wounds and Injuries
Workforce
United States
Strategic, Defence & Security Studies
Social Perception
Physician Assistants
Physical Therapy Specialty
Musculoskeletal Diseases
Military Medicine
Iraq War, 2003-2011

Citation

APA

Chicago

ICMJE

MLA

NLM

Rhon, D. I., Gill, N., Teyhen, D., Scherer, M., & Goffar, S. (2010). Clinician perception of the impact of deployed physical therapists as physician extenders in a combat environment. Mil Med, 175(5), 305–312. https://doi.org/10.7205/milmed-d-09-00099

Rhon, Daniel I., Norman Gill, Deydre Teyhen, Matthew Scherer, and Steve Goffar. “Clinician perception of the impact of deployed physical therapists as physician extenders in a combat environment.” Mil Med 175, no. 5 (May 2010): 305–12. https://doi.org/10.7205/milmed-d-09-00099.

Rhon DI, Gill N, Teyhen D, Scherer M, Goffar S. Clinician perception of the impact of deployed physical therapists as physician extenders in a combat environment. Mil Med. 2010 May;175(5):305–12.

Rhon, Daniel I., et al. “Clinician perception of the impact of deployed physical therapists as physician extenders in a combat environment.” Mil Med, vol. 175, no. 5, May 2010, pp. 305–12. Pubmed, doi:10.7205/milmed-d-09-00099.

Rhon DI, Gill N, Teyhen D, Scherer M, Goffar S. Clinician perception of the impact of deployed physical therapists as physician extenders in a combat environment. Mil Med. 2010 May;175(5):305–312.