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Use of groups in pediatric physical therapy: survey of current practices
Alyssa C LaForme Fiss1, Susan K Effgen
1Rehabiliation Sciences Doctorale Program, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0200, USA. alaforme@uky.edu
Insights
Pediatric physical therapy groups are used by less than half of practitioners, with varied characteristics, billing, and effectiveness. Further research is needed to optimize group interventions for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Physical Therapy
- Group Intervention Models
Background:
- Group therapy is a recognized modality in pediatric physical therapy.
- Understanding current practices, effectiveness, and financial aspects is crucial for optimizing service delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utilization, characteristics, effectiveness, and financial considerations of group interventions in pediatric physical therapy.
- To identify common practices and variations in group therapy approaches.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide survey was distributed to 500 randomly selected members of the American Physical Therapy Association Section on Pediatrics.
- Respondents provided data on patient characteristics, activity types, goal achievement, billing, and documentation for group interventions.
Main Results:
- A 57% response rate was achieved, with 41.4% of respondents utilizing group therapy.
- Significant variability was observed in group characteristics, billing practices, and perceived effectiveness.
- Commonly reported characteristics included small groups of young children with developmental delays and task-specific developmental activities.
Conclusions:
- Group intervention in pediatric physical therapy is inconsistently applied, with diverse characteristics and outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to establish best practices and enhance the effectiveness and financial viability of pediatric physical therapy groups.
Purpose:
This nationwide survey study aimed to examine the use of groups in pediatric physical therapy, including characteristics, effectiveness, and financial considerations of group intervention.
Methods:
Questionnaires were mailed to 500 randomly selected members of the American Physical Therapy Association Section on Pediatrics. Respondents reported on the characteristics of children typically included in group intervention, types of activities used, effectiveness at meeting goals, billing methods, and documentation practices.
Results And Conclusions:
The response rate was 285 (57%). Only 41.4% of respondents reported using groups. Characteristics of group intervention were variable among respondents, and considerable differences in billing practices and perceived effectiveness were noted. Commonly reported characteristics included use of small groups of young children with developmental delay and use of task specific developmental activities. Perceived benefits and limitations of group intervention were also reported. Implications for further research into the use of groups were explored.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Group Therapy
01:05Data Collection III
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the patient.
02:01Group Design
02:16Surveys