A physical therapist and nurse practitioner model of care for chronic back pain using telehealth: Diagnostic and management concordance

Abstract

Introduction Virtual care using videoconference links between urban-based physical therapists and nurse practitioners in rural primary care may overcome access challenges and enhance care for rural and remote residents with chronic low back disorders (CBD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concordance of this new model of care with two traditional models. Methods In this cross-sectional study design, each of 27 participants with CBD were assessed by: 1) a team of a nurse practitioner (NP) located with a patient, joined by a physical therapist (PT) using videoconferencing (NP/PTteam); 2) in-person PT (PTalone); and 3) in-person NP (NPalone). Diagnostic and management concordance between the three groups were assessed with percent agreement and kappa. Results Overall diagnostic categorization was compared for PTalone versus NPalone and NP/PTteam: percent agreement was 77.8% ( k = 0.474, p = 0.001) and 74.1% ( k = 0.359, p = 0.004), respectively. In terms of management recommendations, the PTalone and NPalone demonstrated strong agreement on “need for urgent surgical referral” (92.6%, k = 0.649 ( p < 0.00) and slight agreement for “refer to primary physician for pharmacology, lab or imaging” (81.5%, k = 0.372 ( p = 0.013). The PTalone and NP/PTteam demonstrated strong agreement on “need for urgent surgical referral” (96.3%, k = 0.649, p = 0.000) and “recommendation for PT follow up” (88.9%, k = 0.664, p = 0.000). Discussion The diagnostic categorization and management recommendations of the team using videoconferencing for CBD were similar to decisions made by an in-person PT. This model of care may provide a method for enhancing access to PT for CBD assessment and initial management in underserved areas.

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